Geomorphic Change Detection and Site Documentation with Terrestrial Laser Scanning

Abstract

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), also known as ground-based lidar, provides a way to rapidly collect high-resolution topographic data of a surface while minimizing disturbance. While aerial lidar data provides spatial resolutions in the 1-3 m range, TLS can provide data at cm-scale or even mm-scale resolution over a more limited area. This talk will focus on the basic workflow associated with collection and analysis of TLS data, the range of instruments available, and potential uses in archaeology. Examples cover a range of applications from site documentation to using repeat TLS scans to detect and quantify geomorphic change on a surface over time.