Predicting Cascading Hazards with Lidar Technology
The rise of “cascading hazards”, where one disaster triggers another, such as a landslide leading to flash flooding, demands smarter, faster predictive modeling. Indiana University is joining the new Center for Land Surface Hazards (CLaSH) to tackle this complex threat, moving disaster preparedness from reaction to prediction.
The core of this $15 million project is high-resolution lidar technology. This generates centimeter-accurate 3D elevation models, allowing geomorphologists to precisely locate subtle shifts and map the sediment distribution that exacerbates flood risks.
By detecting these minute land changes and accurately visualizing terrain in 3D, the CLaSH team can precisely forecast the next likely hazard locations. This actionable, data-driven approach transforms raw lidar point clouds into life-saving intelligence for emergency managers and communities, fundamentally changing how we approach geospatial safety.
Written by Adam Clark. Adam has spent the past 13 years exploring the world from above by using drones, satellites, and mapping tools to better understand our landscapes. Connect with him on LinkedIn: Adam Clark
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