LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology, i.e. the technology is not in direct contact with what is being measured. From satellite, aeroplane or helicopter, a LiDAR system sends a light pulse to the ground. This pulse hits the ground and returns back to a sensor on the system. The time is recorded to measure how long it takes for this light to return. Knowing this time measurement scientists are able to create topography maps.

LiDAR data are collected as points (X,Y,Z (x & y coordinates) and z (height)). The data is then converted into gridded (GeoTIFF) data to create a Digital Terrain Model and Digital Surface Model of the earth. This LiDAR data was collected between 2015 and 2020.

Digital Terrain Models (DTM) are bare earth models (no trees or buildings) of the Earth’s surface.

Digital Surface Models (DSM) are earth models in its current state. For example, a DSM includes elevations from buildings, tree canopy, electrical power lines and other features.

This data was collected by the Geological Survey Ireland, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Discovery Programme, the Heritage Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, New York University, the Office of Public Works and Westmeath County Council. All data formats are provided as GeoTIFF rasters but are at different resolutions. Data resolution varies depending on survey requirements. Resolutions for each organisation are as follows:

GSI – 1m

DCHG/DP/HC - 0.13m, 0.14m, 1m

NY – 1m

TII – 2m

OPW – 2m

WMCC - 0.25m

Both a DTM and DSM are raster data. Raster data is another name for gridded data. Raster data stores information in pixels (grid cells). Each raster grid makes up a matrix of cells (or pixels) organised into rows and columns. The grid cell size varies depending on the organisation that collected it. GSI data has a grid cell size of 1 meter by 1 meter. This means that each cell (pixel) represents an area of 1 meter squared.