Tutorials

The tutorials page is the place to start for learning about the OpenTopography portal and LiDAR data. This collection of relevant tutorials and videos from OpenTopography and other organizations involved in LiDAR data aim to help users build a base of knowledge and better use OpenTopography.

OpenTopography Portal

Video tutorial on using the OpenTopography LiDAR point cloud processing system:

• GEON LiDAR Workflow (GLW) Users Guide - (This tutorial was written for the pre-OpenTopogaphy version of the LiDAR point cloud system. It is generally accurate but the look of the site as well as some features have changed since the migration to OpenTopography.org...we hope to put together an updated version soon)


• OpenTopography Bulk Download Tutorial - tutorial on downloading DEM files in bulk. (Written for a previous version of the OpenTopography standard DEM distribution system where bulk download was not directly provided. Although no longer applicable, the document is preserved here as it is still a helpful overview on using download managers to automate file downloads).

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Introduction to LiDAR

Videos

• LiDAR 101 Video - Provides a general overview of LiDAR technology and applications.
• Introduction to LiDAR video by the Idaho State University Geoscience Department with a focus on hydrologic applications.
• Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory LiDAR Outreach Videos - Tours of the Snake River and the Borah Peak earthquake scarp.
• Video Highlights Applications of Oregon Lidar Data - 10 minute video from Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Field Guide program that highlights various earth science applications for the lidar data being collected by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries’ (DOGAMI) Lidar Consortium
• LiDAR - Illuminating Earthquake Hazards - Produced in a collaboration between the Southern California Earthquake Center and OpenTopography, the video provides an introduction to LiDAR technology as well as the earthquake science that is being done with the data.

Online Training and Documents

• NOAA Digital Coast: Introduction to LiDAR: This self-paced, online training introduces several fundamental concepts of lidar and demonstrates how high-accuracy lidar-derived elevation data support natural resource and emergency management applications in the coastal zone. Required Flash Plugin.
• LiDAR 101: An Introduction to LiDAR Technology, Data and Applications: From NOAA, a comprehensive guide to LiDAR data collection, management, and application for coastal areas. Includes tutorial for using the NOAA Digital Coasts Data Access Viewer.

GEON Software and Tools:

• Points2Grid Instructions / Help document
• LViz Users Guide

Data, Analysis and Software:

• Visit our Short Courses page for tutorials and other documents related to LiDAR data, data analysis techniques, and various software packages.