Light detection and ranging

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), also known as Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS), is an active, remote sensing technology. It provides better information about forest structures and key attributes, such as height and volume. Since 2005, the provincial government has worked with research institutions and industry on this technology. Its primary goal is to implement LiDAR enhanced forest inventory in the provincial inventory program.

Below are some highlights of the provincial government's efforts to put LiDAR technology in place:

• 2015 to 2016

  • The provincial government performed another operational LiDAR enhanced forest inventory project in the Okanagan

• ​2013 to 2014

  • The provincial government worked in partnership with BC Timber Sales and Western Forest Products on a LiDAR enhanced forest inventory project involving over 100,000 ha on northern Vancouver Island
  • The provincial government joined a similar partnership with the University of British Columbia on a LiDAR trial in the UBC Research Forest in the Interior

• 2008

  • The provincial government completed the first LiDAR inventory pilot project with the University of Victoria