Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has revolutionized the acquisition of digital elevation data for large-scale mapping applications as organizations, both public and private, endeavor to access the most accurate documentation for their decision-making processes. Merrick & Company has embraced this technology since 1997 and has successfully provided these highly technical and definitive services to clients for a variety of applications including:

• Contour mapping
• 3-D perspective analysis
• Floodplain mapping
• Vegetation mapping
• Shoreline analysis
• Corridor/route studies
• Slope analysis

Merrick uses the most-advanced LiDAR sensors on the market today. The firm owns and operates the ALS-40/50, ALS50, and ALS50-II multiple-pulse scanning systems that are capable of emitting 53,000 – 150,000 pulses per second. In addition, the firm’s LiDAR systems are co-mounted with a Digital Airborne Camera System (DACS™) for simultaneous collection of elevation and digital imagery. This level of technology combined with the firm’s LiDAR expertise, and successful project management provides clients with multiple benefits including:

• The ease of an all-digital approach to acquiring, analyzing, and using spatial data technology
• Integrated flight management for greater efficiency
• Aircraft sensor integration for cost effectiveness
• Integrated Digital Airborne Camera System (DACSTM) with proven IMU & AGPS technology for accuracy
• Utilization of Merrick’s Cessna 402B and 402C aircraft for improved schedule management
• MARS^® (Merrick Advanced Remote Sensing) LiDAR processing software to provide turnkey solutions