Process and assess LiDAR point clouds
Human & Social Systems · Geography & Spatial Studies
GEOG-405Spatial Analysis & LiDAR
Uses GIS, terrain models, point clouds, and LiDAR derivatives to investigate landscapes, built environments, archaeology, ecology, and infrastructure.
Course outcomes
What students develop
Generate terrain and surface derivatives
Design reproducible spatial analyses
Interpret patterns in relation to landscape history and data limitations
Course content
Topics and questions
- Point-cloud structure and classification
- Digital terrain and surface models
- Hydrology, visibility, slope, and morphology
- Feature extraction
- Accuracy, resolution, and uncertainty
Methods & resources
Tools and environments
- GIS and point-cloud software
- LiDAR datasets
- Research computing environment
Evaluation
Demonstration of learning
- Processing notebook
- Spatial analysis portfolio
- Interpretive technical report
Program relationships
Where this course fits
Core
Geography, Geospatial Intelligence & Spatial Systems
Combines human and physical geography with GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR, cartography, spatial data, and field interpretation.
Core
Spatial Anthropology & Cultural Systems
Integrates anthropology, geography, landscape, migration, memory, technology, and complex human-environment systems.
Core
Digital Archaeology & Heritage Science
Connects archaeological method to GIS, remote sensing, 3D digitization, materials analysis, research computing, and digital stewardship.
Core
Environmental Systems & Earth Observation
Combines ecology, climate, earth science, remote sensing, environmental data, and field monitoring.
Core
Climate, Ecology & Human Adaptation
Studies climate and ecological change together with human vulnerability, adaptation, resilience, and environmental decision making.
Core
Earth, Life & Planetary Systems
Original research across earth history, living systems, climate, planetary processes, and coupled environmental change.
Core
GIS & Spatial Research
Cartography, GIS, LiDAR, remote sensing, spatial analysis, data quality, and research communication.
Core
AI-Assisted Archaeology
Computer vision, geospatial computation, archival text analysis, data preparation, validation, and archaeological interpretation.
Core
Cultural Resource Management Technologies
CRM project systems, GIS, digital documentation, archaeometry, reporting, and partner-based delivery.
Core
Spatial Inquiry & Mapping
A focused undergraduate pathway in spatial reasoning, cartography, GIS, remote sensing, and evidence-based interpretation of landscapes and communities.
Core
Climate & Ecological Systems
Climate evidence, ecology, remote sensing, adaptation, resilience, field monitoring, and systems analysis.
Core
Remote Sensing Instrumentation
Optical and electronic sensors, calibration, data acquisition, earth observation, signal quality, and field deployment.
Core
Archaeological Survey & Digital Documentation
Field survey, GIS, context recording, photography, 3D capture, artifact documentation, and technical reporting.
Core
Cultural Resource Compliance & Reporting
Continuing education in project scoping, records research, field documentation, partner coordination, analytical synthesis, and professional cultural-resource reporting.
Core
Geospatial Intelligence & LiDAR
Point clouds, terrain models, spatial analysis, cartographic communication, and decision-ready geospatial products.
Course inquiry
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