NOAA Digital Surface Models created by the LIDAR system
September 28, 2001 --- Digital Surface Models created by the LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system provide very accurate 3-dimensional positioning of the building structures and the surrounding area. The 3-D models, in this case, have helped to locate original support structures, stairwells, elevator shafts, basements, etc. When this data is merged with the high resolution aerial photography taken by NOAA's Citation aircraft, it will create a very accurate image with relative accuracy around three decimeters. Credit: NOAA