Exploit GIS data to its maximum potential

摘要

If your departments invested in aerial mapping and/or light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data acquisition, it's already paid for a wealth of information that can be manipulated far beyond the traditional uses: topography for engineering design, for example, or reassessing property values. Using the information that's already been gathered, a GIS/remote sensing specialist can create 3-D digital surface models and identify application-specific characteristics with near-term ROI potential. Depending on the type and extent of the information you need, this service can be provided for an additional $10,000 to $500,000. Public entities that conduct remote sensing can take the next step and employ a technique called feature extraction that has virtually limitless possibilities for civil improvements. The four most common are mapping impervious surfaces, land cover, tree species/woodland area, and solar-power potential.