Improving Flood Line Mapping

4DM Inc. Announces New Airborne Laser Mapping Technology for Foster Creek

<Toronto, Ontario>—4DM Inc is pleased to be involved with the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) in a unique and exciting project to effectively map natural and urban environments. This pilot project utilizes Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), also referred to as Airborne Laser Mapping. The lead partners in the project are 4DM Inc., Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the GRCA. Contributing partners include Optech Inc., Municipality of Clarington, Geodetic Survey of Canada, Greenland International Consulting Inc. and Sustainable Development and Monitoring Inc.

The study area for the project is located in the Municipality of Clarington because it provides the diversity typical to a Southern Ontario community with a mix area of forest, agriculture, drainage system and urban development. The selection of this area was based on concerns about potential natural disaster and the ability to ensure environmental protection pending future growth. The study area is located south of the shoreline of Lake Ontario, which supplies the drinking water for a large portion of the communities in the region and just north of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

LIDAR is used for collecting position and elevation data from a pulse scanning laser system flying in an aircraft. The system relies on laser pulses for ranging, which can be emitted up to 25,000 pulses per second. The end result of the processing is a stream of high-density data relating to positional information over the target area. The collected data will be used to generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the Foster Creek Subwatershed area in the municipality of Clarington which covers ~ 26 sq. km area (6425 acres)..

LIDAR data is digital, accurate and provides wide-area coverage of point information. This technology has the unique capability of producing very accurate DEM’s and multidimensional 3D thematic image maps when combined with high-resolution satellite imagery. The advantage is a significant increase in the accuracy and coverage over traditional methods. Implementation strategies of the LIDAR technology have been developed for municipalities and other public agencies having jurisdiction in disaster management, watershed management and land use planning.

It is anticipated that using LIDAR data will demonstrate a cost-effective method for municipalities and conservation authorities in Ontario to update their flood line mapping accurately.

“4DM is extremely excited to be part of this initiative” said Steve McArdle, General Partner of 4DM Inc. “Beyond the visual products this study will help redefine elevation data requirements for the province of Ontario and it’s partners”.

For more information about this project, call Steve McArdle at 4DM Inc. at 416-410-7569 (e-mail smcardle@4dm-inc.com) or our project website at http://hydrologix.eol.crestech.ca/fostercreek

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4DM Inc. is an innovative, technology-driven service company specializing in leveraging the spatial information assets of its clients to bring economies of operation and enhanced performance. 4DM creates value for our clients through the application of technologies, alliances and innovative partnerships. Our specialty is combining Spatial Information Technologies with scientific application to derive visual value-added information. Our professional services include application development, consulting, data management and analysis, and training.