LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology, i.e. the technology is not in direct contact with what is being measured. From satellite, aeroplane or helicopter, a LiDAR system sends a light pulse to the ground. This pulse hits the ground and returns back to a sensor on the system. The time is recorded to measure how long it takes for this light to return.

Knowing this time measurement scientists are able to create topography maps.

LiDAR data are collected as points (X,Y,Z (x & y coordinates) and z (height)). The data is then converted into gridded (GeoTIFF) data to create a Digital Terrain Model and Digital Surface Model of the earth. This LiDAR data was collected in 2011.

An ordnance datum (OD) is a vertical datum used as the basis for deriving heights on maps. This data is referenced to the Malin Head Vertical Datum which is the mean sea level of the tide gauge at Malin Head, County Donegal. It was adopted as the national datum in 1970 from readings taken between 1960 and 1969 and all heights on national grid maps are measured above this datum.

Digital Terrain Models (DTM) are bare earth models (no trees or buildings) of the Earth’s surface.

Digital Surface Models (DSM) are earth models in its current state. For example, a DSM includes elevations from buildings, tree canopy, electrical power lines and other features.

Hillshading is a method which gives a 3D appearance to the terrain. It shows the shape of hills and mountains using shading (levels of grey) on a map, by the use of graded shadows that would be cast by high ground if light was shining from a chosen direction.

This data shows the hillshade of the DSM.

This data was collected by the Office of Public Works. All data formats are provided as GeoTIFF rasters.

Raster data is another name for gridded data. Raster data stores information in pixels (grid cells). Each raster grid makes up a matrix of cells (or pixels) organised into rows and columns. OPW data has a grid cell size of 2 meter by 2 meter. This means that each cell (pixel) represents an area of 2 meter squared.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology, i.e. the technology is not in direct contact with what is being measured. From satellite, aeroplane or helicopter, a LiDAR system sends a light pulse to the ground. This pulse hits the ground and returns back to a sensor on the system. The time is recorded to measure how long it takes for this light to return.

Knowing this time measurement scientists are able to create topography maps.

LiDAR data are collected as points (X,Y,Z (x & y coordinates) and z (height)). The data is then converted into gridded (GeoTIFF) data to create a Digital Terrain Model and Digital Surface Model of the earth. This LiDAR data was collected in 2011.

An ordnance datum (OD) is a vertical datum used as the basis for deriving heights on maps. This data is referenced to the Malin Head Vertical Datum which is the mean sea level of the tide gauge at Malin Head, County Donegal. It was adopted as the national datum in 1970 from readings taken between 1960 and 1969 and all heights on national grid maps are measured above this datum.

Digital Terrain Models (DTM) are bare earth models (no trees or buildings) of the Earth’s surface.

Digital Surface Models (DSM) are earth models in its current state. For example, a DSM includes elevations from buildings, tree canopy, electrical power lines and other features.

Hillshading is a method which gives a 3D appearance to the terrain. It shows the shape of hills and mountains using shading (levels of grey) on a map, by the use of graded shadows that would be cast by high ground if light was shining from a chosen direction.

This data shows the hillshade of the DSM.

This data was collected by the Office of Public Works. All data formats are provided as GeoTIFF rasters.

Raster data is another name for gridded data. Raster data stores information in pixels (grid cells). Each raster grid makes up a matrix of cells (or pixels) organised into rows and columns. OPW data has a grid cell size of 2 meter by 2 meter. This means that each cell (pixel) represents an area of 2 meter squared.