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LiDAR elevation data is becoming widely available for use by many non-engineering mapping specialists such as geologists, soil scientists and planners. Understanding the basics of LiDAR data acquisition is essential to using the data effectively in mapping applications, including how vegetation affects the vertical accuracy of LiDAR. Tools are available for mapping specialists to process raw LiDAR data into useful GIS products so they do not have to rely on vendor supplied products.
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James D. Giglierano (2010) studied this question.
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