2021 Potomac River Phase 2 Topobathymetric Lidar Validation – USGS Field Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field data collection efforts between September 30th and October 9th, 2021 over a large stretch of the Potomac River in Maryland and West Virginia using high accuracy surveying technologies. The work was initiated as an effort to validate commercially acquired topobathymetric light detection and ranging (lidar) data that was collected coincidentally between October 3 - 5, 2021 for the USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP). 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). Evaluating these data will provide valuable information on the performance of inland topobathymetric lidar mapping capabilities and their potential for use and inclusion in the USGS National Geospatial Program 3D Elevation Program. The primary uses for the airborne topobathymetric lidar data will be hydrodynamic and water supply risk modeling and aquatic habitat assessments. The data contained within this particular release are comprised of conventional survey (i.e. total station and GNSS) and ground based lidar data.