2007 - 2008 Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Lidar Project: Blocks 1 - 10 (Southeast Florida and Keys)

Frequently anticipated questions:

• What does this data set describe?
  1. How should this data set be cited?
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
• Who produced the data set?
  1. Who are the originators of the data set?
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
• Why was the data set created?
• How was the data set created?
  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
• How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
  1. How well have the observations been checked?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the data, including topology?
• How can someone get a copy of the data set?
  1. Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
  2. Who distributes the data?
  3. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  4. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
  5. How can I download or order the data?
• Who wrote the metadata?

What does this data set describe?

1. How should this data set be cited?

   Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Coastal Services Center (CSC), 2009, 2007 - 2008 Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Lidar Project: Blocks 1 - 10 (Southeast Florida and Keys): NOAA's Ocean Service, Coastal Services Center (CSC), Charleston, SC.

   Online Links:

   • <http://www.csc.noaa.gov/lidar>
   • <http://www.csc.noaa.gov>

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -81.817534

   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -80.021117

   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 27.565112

   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 24.537523

3. What does it look like?

4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: 12-Jul-2007

   Ending_Date: 08-Feb-2008

   Currentness_Reference: ground condition

5. What is the general form of this data set?

6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
   1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • Point

   2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0000001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal Degrees.

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222.
      

      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:

      Altitude_System_Definition:

      Altitude_Datum_Name: Ellipsoid

      Altitude_Resolution: 0.001

      Altitude_Distance_Units: Meters

      Altitude_Encoding_Method:

      Explicit Elevation Coordinate Included with Horizontal Coordinates

7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   LAS

   LiDAR dataset LAS V 1.1 (Source: Florida GIS Baseline Specification for Orthophotography and LiDAR V 1.2)

Who produced the data set?

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   • Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
   • Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Coastal Services Center (CSC)

2. Who also contributed to the data set?

   Acknowledgement of Florida Division of Emergency Management would be appreciated in products derived from these data.

3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   3001 Inc
   LiDAR Department
   501 Robert Blvd
   Slidell, Louisiana 70458
   USA
   

   (985) 661 - 3001 (voice)
   (985) 649 - 5082 (FAX)
   lidar@3001inc.com
   

   Hours_of_Service: 8:00 - 5:00 CDT

Why was the data set created?

The State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Project Survey data will support the creation of Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FEMA FIRM) and an integrated ground and surface water model. The State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Licensed and Professional Surveyor/Mapper.

How was the data set created?

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

   scale map (source 1 of 1)

   Florida Division of Emergency Management, Unknown, State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Project Survey: Florida Division of Emergency Management, Tallahassee, FL.

   Type_of_Source_Media: digital tape media

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 24000

   Source_Contribution:

   The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a topographic survey conducted for the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Project. These data were produced for Florida Division of Emergency Management. 3001 Inc. acquired the data from July 12, 2007 through February 8, 2008. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000' cells that serve as the final tiling scheme. The State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor.

2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

   Date: 08-Feb-2008 (process 1 of 7)

   The Airborne Global Position System (ABGPS), inertial measurement unit (IMU), and raw scans are collected during the LiDAR aerial survey. The ABGPS monitors the xyz position of the sensor and the IMU monitors the orientation of the aircraft. During the aerial survey laser pulses reflected from features on the surface and are detected by the receiver optics and collected by the data logger. GPS locations are based on data collected by receivers on the aircraft and base stations on the ground. The ground base stations are placed no more than 20 km radius from the flight survey area.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   3001 Inc.
   LiDAR Department
   501 Robert Blvd
   Slidell, Louisiana 70458
   USA
   

   (985) 661 - 3001 (voice)
   (985) 649 - 5082 (FAX)
   lidar@3001inc.com
   

   Hours_of_Service: 8:00 - 5:00 CDT

   Data sources used in this process:

   • Leica ALS50
   • Airborne Global Positioning System
   • Inertial Measuring Unit
   • Global Positioning System

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • LiDAR Scan Files
   • LiDAR Scans, GPS data

   Date: 08-Feb-2008 (process 2 of 7)

   The ABGPS, IMU, and raw scans are integrated using proprietary software developed by the Leica Geosystems and delivered with the Leica ALS50 System. The resultant file is in a LAS binary file format. The LAS file version 1.1 format can be easily transferred from one file format to another. It is a binary file format that maintains information specific to the LiDAR data (return#, intensity value, xyz, etc.). The resultant points are produced in the Florida State Plane East Zone coordinate system, with units in feet and referenced to the NAD83/90 HARN horizontal datum and NAVD88 vertical datum.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   3001 Inc.
   LiDAR Department
   501 Robert Blvd
   Slidell, Louisiana 70458
   USA
   

   (985) 661 - 3001 (voice)
   (985) 649 - 5082 (FAX)
   lidar@3001inc.com
   

   Hours_of_Service: 8:00 - 5:00 CDT

   Data sources used in this process:

   • Airborne Global Positioning System Data
   • Inertial Measurement Unit
   • LiDAR Scans

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Project (Pilot Area) Point Cloud data sets LAS 1.1 file format

   Date: 13-Mar-2008 (process 3 of 7)

   The unedited data are classified to facilitate the application of the appropriate feature extraction filters. A combination of proprietary filters is applied as appropriate for the production of bare-earth digital terrain models (DTMs). Interactive editing methods are applied to those areas where it is inappropriate or impossible to use the feature extraction filters, based upon the design criteria and/or limitations of the relevant filters. These same feature extraction filters are used to produce elevation height surfaces.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   3001 Inc.
   LiDAR Department
   501 Robert Blvd
   Slidell, Louisiana 70458
   USA
   

   (985) 661 - 3001 (voice)
   (985) 649 - 5082 (FAX)
   lidar@3001inc.com
   

   Hours_of_Service: 8:00 - 5:00 CDT

   Data sources used in this process:

   • Point Cloud LiDAR LAS 1.1 format

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • Filtered Data LiDAR datasets

   Date: 27-Mar-2008 (process 4 of 7)

   Filtered and edited data are subjected to rigorous QA/QC according to the 3001 Inc. Quality Control Plan and procedures. Very briefly, a series of quantitative and visual procedures are employed to validate the accuracy and consistency of the filtered and edited data. Ground control is established by 3001, Inc. and GPS-derived ground control points (GCPs) points in various areas of dominant and prescribed land cover. These points are coded according to landcover, surface material and ground control suitability. A suitable number of points are selected for calculation of a statistically significant accuracy assessment as per the requirements of the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy. A spatial proximity analysis is used to select edited LiDAR data points within a specified distance of the relevant GCPs. A search radius decision rule is applied with consideration of terrain complexity, cumulative error and adequate sample size. Accuracy validation and evaluation is accomplished using proprietary software to apply relevant statistical routines for calculation of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA) according to Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) specifications.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   3001 Inc.
   LiDAR Department
   501 Robert Blvd.
   Slidell, Louisiana 70458
   USA
   

   (985) 661 - 3001 (voice)
   (985) 649 - 5082 (FAX)
   lidar@3001inc.com
   

   Hours_of_Service: 8:00 - 5:00 CDT

   Data sources used in this process:

   • Filtered LiDAR data LAS 1.1 format

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • Quality verified bare-earth data set LAS 1.1 file format
   • 3-D hydrologic breaklines
   • Classified LiDAR dataset

   Date: 06-Aug-2008 (process 5 of 7)

   The LiDAR mass points were delivered in American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing LAS 1.1 format. The header file for each dataset is complete as define by the LAS 1.1 specification. In addition the following fields are included: Flight Date Julian, Year, and Class. The data were classified as follows: Class 1 = Unclassified- this class includes vegetation, buildings, noise etc.; Class 2 = Ground; Class 7 = Noise; Class 9 = Water; Class 12 = Overlap. The datasets were delivered in the 5000' by 5000' tiling scheme. The tiles are suitable for seamless topographic data mosaics that include no "no data" areas. The names of the tiles are left padded with zeros as required to achieve a six character length and all files utilize the LAS file extension.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   3001 Inc.
   LiDAR Department
   501 Robert Blvd
   Slidell, Louisiana 70458
   USA
   

   (985) 661 - 3001 (voice)
   (985) 649 - 5082 (FAX)
   lidar@3001inc.com
   

   Hours_of_Service: 8:00 - 5:00 CDT

   Data sources used in this process:

   • Filtered LiDAR dataset
   • Bare-Earth LiDAR dataset

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • 3-D Masspoint Feature

   Date: 14-Dec-2009 (process 6 of 7)

   Dataset copied.

   Data sources used in this process:

   • V:\lidar_d\fdem\disk_1\CH2mHill_FDEM_LiDAR\FDEM_LAS_Metadata

   Date: Dec-2009 (process 7 of 7)

   The NOAA Coastal Services Center (CSC) received files in LAS format. The files contained LiDAR intensity and elevation measurements. CSC performed the following processing on the data to make it available within Digital Coast: 1. The data were converted from State Plane Florida West coordinates to geographic coordinates. 2. The data were converted from NAVD88 heights to ellipsoid heights using Geoid03. 3. The LAS header fields were sorted by latitude and updated.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Coastal Services Center (CSC)
   CEM Project Scientist
   2234 South Hobson Ave.
   Charleston, SC 29405
   US
   

   843-740-1200 (voice)
   tcm@csc.noaa.gov
   

3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

   Florida Division of Emergency Management, Unknown, State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Project LAS Dataset: Florida Division of Emergency Management, Tallahassee, FL.

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

1. How well have the observations been checked?

   The State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor. The data was collected at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 4 feet for unobscured areas.

2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

   All ground control processing and adjustment was performed using published coordinate horizontal and vertical datums (e.g. NGS CORS). For deliverables, Corpscon for Windows Version 5.11.08 (geoid 03) was used for horizontal and vertical datum conversion as well as for coordinate system conversion purposes (e.g. UTM to State Plane). The horizontal accuracy baseline spec was for the data to meet or exceed a 3.8 ft horizontal accuracy at the 95% confidence level using RMSE(r) X 1.7308 as defined by the FGDC Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards, Part 3: NSSDA. The horizontal accuracies for each block were tested. To obtain the tested horizontal accuracy, please refer to the Survey Report for each block, which may be accessed at: Block 1: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_1/> Block 2: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_2/> Block 3: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_3/> Block 4: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_4/> Block 5: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_5/> Block 6: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_6/> Block 7: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_7/> Block 8: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_8/> Block 9: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_9/> Block 10: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_10/> To determine which block or blocks are in your area of interest, download ch2mhill_block_index_shapefile.zip at: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/>

3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

   The accuracy assessment was performed using a standard method to compute the root mean square error (RMSE) based on a comparison of ground control points (GCP) and filtered LiDAR data points. Filtered LiDAR data has had vegetation and cultural features removed and by analysis represents bare-earth elevations. The RMSE figure was used to compute the vertical National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA). Ground control was established by 3001, Inc. A spatial proximity analysis was used to select edited LiDAR data points contiguous to the relevant GCPs. A search radius decision rule is applied with consideration of terrain complexity, cumulative error and adequate sample size. Cumulative error results from the errors inherent in the various sources of horizontal measurement. These sources include the airborne GPS, GCPs and the uncertainty of the accuracy of the LiDAR data points. This accuracy is achieved prior to the sub-sampling that occurs through integration with the inertial measurement unit (IMU) positions that are recorded. It is unclear at this time whether the initial accuracy is maintained. The horizontal accuracy of the GCPs is estimated to be in the range of approximately 1 to 1.6 inches. Finally, sample size was considered. The specification for the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy is a minimum of 20 points to conduct a statistically significant accuracy evaluation (Minnesota Planning, 1999, Positional Accuracy Handbook, Minnesota Planning Land Management Information Center, St. Paul, Minnesota., p.3). Most statistical texts indicate that a minimum of 30 sample points provide a reasonable Approximation of a normal distribution. The intent of the NSSDA is to reflect the geographic area of interest and the distribution of error in the data set (Federal Geographic Data Committee, 1998, Geospatial National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy, Federal Geographic Data Committee Secretariat, Reston, Virginia, p.3-4). Additional steps were taken to ensure the vertical accuracy of the LiDAR data including: Step 1: Precision Bore sighting (Check Edge-matching) Step 2: Compare the LiDAR data to the Field Survey (Field survey is to FEMA specifications and more stringent internal specifications) Step 3: Automated Filtering Step 4: Manual Editing (Quality Control) Step 5: 3-D digitizing and Photogrammetric Compilation of hydrographic breaklines. The vertical accuracy baseline spec was for the data to meet a fundamental vertical accuracy of 0.60 ft at the 95% confidence level using RMSE(z) X 1.9600 (as defined by the ASPRS Guidelines: Vertical Accuracy Reporting for Lidar Data"). The vertical accuracies for each block were tested. To obtain the tested vertical accuracy, please refer to the Survey or Vertical Accuracy Report for each block, which may be accessed at: Block 1: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_1/> Block 2: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_2/> Block 3: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_3/> Block 4: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_4/> Block 5: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_5/> Block 6: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_6/> Block 7: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_7/> Block 8: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_8/> Block 9: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_9/> Block 10: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/block_10/> To determine which block or blocks are in your area of interest, download ch2mhill_block_index_shapefile.zip at: <ftp://ftp.csc.noaa.gov/pub/crs/beachmap/qa_docs/fl/fdem/ch2mhill/>

4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

   The LAS files were flown at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 4 feet for unobscured areas. The bare-earth surface will contain voids in areas that were densely vegetated, covered by bridges, buildings, water, fresh asphalt, sand, etc.

5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

   The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) LAS dataset is a topographic survey conducted for the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Project. These data were produced for Florida Division of Emergency Management. The LiDAR point cloud was flown at a density sufficient to support a maximum final post spacing of 4 feet for unobscured areas. 3001 Inc. acquired the data from July 12, 2007 through February 8, 2008. The data was divided into 5000' by 5000' cells that serve as the final tiling scheme. The State of Florida Division of Emergency Management LiDAR Survey was collected under the guidance of a Professional Mapper/Surveyor.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints:

Users should be aware that temporal changes may have occurred since this data set was collected and some parts of this data may no longer represent actual surface conditions. Users should not use this data for critical applications without a full awareness of its limitations.

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
   Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Coastal Services Center (CSC)
   Attn: CEM Project Scientist
   2234 South Hobson Ave.
   Charleston, South Carolina 29405
   USA
   

   843.740.1200 (voice)
   tcm@csc.noaa.gov
   

   Hours_of_Service: 9:00am - 5:00pm

2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

   Downloadable Data

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Any conclusions drawn from the analysis of this information are not the responsibility of NOAA, the Coastal Services Center or its partners.

4. How can I download or order the data?

5. Is there some other way to get the data?

   This data can be obtained on-line at the following URL: <http://www.csc.noaa.gov/lidar>

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 20-Dec-2012
Last Reviewed: 16-Feb-2010

Metadata author:

Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Coastal Services Center (CSC)
Attn: CEM Project Scientist
2234 South Hobson Ave.
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
USA

843.740.1200 (voice)
tcm@csc.noaa.gov

Hours_of_Service: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Metadata standard:

FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)