LiDAR Based Survey of Forest Areas

LiDAR Based Survey of Forest Areas

Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III – Sci and Tech; Environment

In news

• Recently, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) based survey of forest areas in ten states was released recently.

• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate change

• The 10 mapped states are: Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
• The project was awarded to WAPCOS in July 2020 at a cost of over Rs. 18 crore for implementation in 26 states.

Key observations

• It is a first of its kind study using LiDAR technology. 
• It will help augment water and fodder in jungle areas thereby reducing human-animal conflict.
• States will be given Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds to use in this project.

• One major ridge inside a forest block is identified in these states with an average area of 10,000 ha selected in each State.

Significance of the study

• It will help us in identifying areas which need groundwater recharge 
• It will help in catching rainwater and prevent stream run-off
• It will help in recommending different types of Soil & Water conservation structures

About LiDAR

• It is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges & variable distances.
• These light pulses generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
• It consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.
• Applications:
  • Surveying, archaeology, geography, geomorphology, seismology, forestry, etc.