Environmental Impact Research Program. Capabilities of Laser Line Scan Technology for Aquatic Habitat Mapping and Fishery Resource Characterization.
Abstract
ISSUE: Environmental assessments in aquatic habitats are difficult for many reasons, including simple logistical constraints (e.g., vessel and navigation support), and the typically large spatial scales (e.g., hectares to square kilometers) that must be characterized. One of the most severe limitations that ecologists dealing with assessment of aquatic habitats must confront is available technologies. Gear conventionally employed for physical and biological characterizations remained essentially unchanged for decades. However, new technologies are emerging that offer enhanced capabilities in terms of parameters measured, spatial coverages, data analysis response times, and, ultimately, improved cost-effectiveness. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Previous work identified a number of candidate technologies that appeared to provide greatly improved capabilities for aquatic habitat assessments. One of the most promising new technologies was found to be the laser line scan system (LLSS). This report describes in detail the capabilities of LLSS technology, with an emphasis on potential applications to Corps of Engineers projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326596
Entities
People
- Barbara Hecker
- Donald C. Rhoads
- Drew Carey
- Edward J. Saade