Erosion Modeling

Use of Multiple-Return and Bare-Earth LIDAR Data to Identify Bare Areas Susceptible to Erosion
MacRidge, Training Area J, Fort Bragg, NC

This study was initiated to quantify the effects and rates of soil erosion on military training lands through the exploration of new techniques utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS). The primary objective is to develop a simplified land cover classification to identify bare areas susceptible to erosion.

Modeling Procedures

The method used in this project computes the difference between multiple return Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data and bare-earth LIDAR to derive a vegetation-height raster map.  The derived vegetation-height raster is recoded and applied to a modified Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE3d) as the cover factor, or C-factor.  This analysis will serve as a decision-making tool that will aid land managers in their decision process.