Arctic Tundra LiDAR Elevation Models from Barrow, Alaska

Six distinct LiDAR point cloud scans captured the tundra vegetation and terrain within the NIMS grid site in Barrow, Alaska. The data, organized as a series of xyz text files, was collected by the SCIOPS organization at the end of summer in 2010. These measurements provide a detailed snapshot of the ground surface and vegetation structure for a specific arctic research location.

Use Cases

• Generate high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from the xyz point cloud data to analyze micro-topography.
• Classify tundra vegetation types by analyzing the vertical point distribution within the LiDAR scans.
• Assess terrain changes over time by comparing these 2010 DEMs with later surveys of the same NIMS grid site.
• Study snow depth or water flow potential by modeling surface elevation and slope derived from the point coordinates.

Strengths

• Data captures six distinct scanning positions, providing multiple perspectives of the target grid.
• Focuses on a specific, well-defined research site (NIMS grid in Barrow, Alaska) for detailed local analysis.

Limitations

• The dataset is from a single time point (August 2010), limiting temporal analysis.
• Unknown sample density and point count per scan hinders assessment of resolution and completeness.
• Geographic scope is limited to one small grid in Barrow, Alaska, reducing generalizability.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS organization via NASA EarthData.

Collection Method

LiDAR measurements taken from six positions around the NIMS grid target.

Time Range

2010-08

Freshness

Single collection event in 2010; no updates.

Geography

NIMS grid site, Barrow, Alaska, USA.