Using Lidar Digital Elevation Models for Reflectometry Land Applications

Lidar elevation maps are utilized in a bistatic electromagnetic scattering model of the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System over San Luis Valley in Colorado, USA. The results are compared with the results generated using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 1-arcsecond global digital elevation model (DEM). The high-resolution lidar maps are also used to generate maps of surface roughness at length scales finer than the horizontal resolution of SRTM. Model results using these maps illustrate the importance of the spatial variation of surface roughness on reflectometry signals. Results also highlight the shortcomings of using SRTM in scattering models and show improvements when a lidar DEM is used.

Automated summary

Lidar elevation maps are compared with results generated using SRTM in a scattering model, showing the importance of surface roughness and the shortcomings of using SRTM. High-resolution lidar maps also reveal surface roughness at finer length scales. Improvements are observed when a lidar DEM is used.