2020 Niobrara River Topobathymetric Lidar Validation – USGS Field Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field data collection efforts between August 17th and 28th, 2020 over a large stretch of the Niobrara River in Nebraska using high accuracy surveying technologies. The work was initiated as an effort to validate commercially acquired topobathymetric light detection and ranging (lidar) data. The goal was to compare and validate the airborne lidar data to topographic, bathymetric, structural, and infrastructural data collected through more traditional means (e.g. Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) surveying). The airborne topobathymetric lidar data will be used for characterization of endangered species aquatic habitat, improving the understanding of fluvial geomorphic features, sediment transport modeling, and 2D/3D hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. The impacts of the spring 2019 flood and resulting Spencer Dam failure will be further assessed and monitored using the lidar data along with testing inland topobathymetric lidar mapping capabilities for inclusion in the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) 3D Elevation Program (3DEP).