NV5 Geospatial and USGS Release High-Resolution LiDAR Data of Palisades and Eaton Fire Burn Areas Collected with RIEGL Technology

This data, collected by NV5 and utilizing RIEGL's VQ-1560 II and Applanix IMU, is now freely available to the public courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at 2025 Post-Wildfire Lidar Data for Los Angeles, CA. The data includes a 0.5-meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Digital Surface Model (DSM). The LiDAR data acquisition was sponsored by ALERTCalifornia.

The data acquisition took place between January 21 and January 22, 2025, and includes essential information for analyzing the impact of the fires. This data is critical for damage assessment, recovery, and rebuilding efforts, as well as understanding potential hazards such as debris flows and flooding. The burn zones were flown at 16 points per square meter and will undergo additional processing to fully comply with USGS 3DEP Lidar Base Specification Standards.

This project underscores the importance of advanced LiDAR technology in supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts after devastating wildfires. By comparing the new data with previous LiDAR collections from 2023 and 2024, researchers can measure changes in terrain, vegetation density, and burn severity. This analysis helps quantify fire damage, identify areas at risk, and guide restoration efforts. Additionally, LiDAR can detect remaining hazards like unstable trees and compromised structures, ensuring safe recovery operations.

RIEGL continues to push the boundaries of LiDAR technology, making significant contributions to disaster recovery and environmental monitoring. These advancements are shaping the future of data acquisition and analysis.

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