Lidar News Weekly Recap – Week of June 29th
Written by Adam Clark
New UW Online Portal Opens Access to Statewide LiDAR Data
The University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC) has launched a new, free public Wyoming LiDAR Data Portal, offering statewide high-resolution digital terrain models and 2‑foot contours. Funded by a $2 million legislative appropriation in 2023 and developed with Woolpert, the portal centralizes LiDAR-derived elevation data into an intuitive tool for visualization, exploration, and download.
The initiative aligns with the goals of the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), which aims to provide nationwide high-quality elevation data to support applications like natural resource management, infrastructure planning, and hazard mitigation. Wyoming’s new portal complements this national effort by making state-specific datasets easily accessible to planners, researchers, emergency managers, drone operators, and other users. A Phase 2 expansion will add more datasets and functionality, underscoring continued investment in Wyoming’s geospatial infrastructure.
This image shows a Wyoming LiDAR Data Portal contour and digital terrain model download application in use. (UW Photo)
Read More: https://www.uwyo.edu/news/2025/05/new-uw-online-portal-opens-access-to-statewide-lidar-data.html
Carbon estimation of old-growth bald cypress knees using mobile LiDAR
Researchers aimed to find a rapid, reliable and cost effective method for measuring biomass and carbon sequestration of bald cypress in a North Carolina swamp. This study leveraged the Apple iPad Pro’s mobile LiDAR sensor and the Polycam app to collect the point cloud data. Using this portable and cost effective system, researchers captured detailed 3D point clouds of individual knees, enabling rapid, non-invasive scanning compared to traditional field measurements that take about 40 seconds per knee
Two different geometric algorithms were used to estimate volume from the LiDAR data and both provided more accurate measurements than traditional methods. The study demonstrates how consumer-grade LiDAR hardware, combined with advanced geometric processing, can accurately and efficiently assess belowground biomass structures in forested wetland environments.
UDOT uses drones, LiDAR to monitor 100-year-old southern Utah arches over SR-12
The Utah Department of Transportation is deploying drone-based LiDAR to keep a close eye on two historic “Red Canyon Arches” built in 1925 over State Route 12 near Bryce Canyon. In phase one (since 2019), drones captured thousands of 2D images while stationary LiDAR mapped the arches’ intricate geometry, enabling detection of displacement, rockfall risks, and structural deformations
Now in phase two, UDOT secured new funding to reinforce earlier sensors and add fresh ones in fall 2025—timed to avoid summer tourists. This proactive effort underscores a shift from reactive fixes to preventative infrastructure maintenance, aiming to avoid costly, hazardous failures and preserve Utah’s signature landmarks.
Hesai’s ATX Lidar Obtains ISO 26262 Functional Safety Certification
Hesai’s ATX automotive lidar just earned ISO 26262 functional safety certification, a key standard for the functional safety of electrical and electronic (E/E) systems in vehicles. The ATX is a new compact, high resolution, long range lidar system. Launched in March 2025, it has already secured design wins from 12 OEMs and entered mass production, exceeding 40,000 units shipped
LiDAR is playing a central role for advanced safety systems, with 1.4 million out of 5.5 millions EVs priced above $20,000 now being equipped with LiDAR. This growing adoption raises the stakes for reliable lidar performance in complex scenarios and highlights the need for updated safety standards.
Read More: https://www.hesaitech.com/hesais-atx-lidar-obtains-iso-26262-functional-safety-certification/