As part of the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) performed for the U.S. Geological Survey, we interviewed a confidential oil and gas company regarding their use of elevation data from lidar, which uses laser pulses to accurately map high-density elevation points. We found that lidar is used to pre-select suitable locations in the office, which is quicker, safer and more cost-effective than sending survey crews to the field.

Some uses of lidar data include:

• Seismic programs and exploration
• Location of well sites, facilities, and pipelines based on slope data
• Selection of well locations and pipeline routes
• Location and classification of buildings and other objects within special protection zones
• Identification of land cover and timber removal calculations to minimize tree cutting
• Fast checking of critical heights of ground coverage when combined with existing sub-surface data