dem users manual - asprs

scan data (Chapter 7), bathymetric lidar data (Chapter 8), and sonar data (Chapter 9). It also includes avi video flythroughs
of elevation data from multiple sources, including Pictometry imagery, topographic and terrestrial lidar.
The software and various datasets on the DVD are all explained in this exciting new chapter.
Appendices
Appendix A compiles over 350 acronyms used in the manual, and Appendix B provides nearly 400 definitions.
Thus, if a reader encounters an unfamiliar term and may not recall where that term was defined, look in Appendix B
where hundreds of terms are listed alphabetically, and defined. Appendix C is the color appendix, where all color
Figures are printed.
SUMMARY
It has long been the Editor’s goal that the 2 nd edition not only update the technical content of each chapter, but
also provide a DVD for users to gain some hands-on experience in “playing with” sample elevation datasets. This
DVD will hopefully be instrumental to the development of an exciting academic curriculum in which DEM
technologies and applications are taught to our future industry practitioners. Professors and students will not be
disappointed.
As with the 1 st edition, the new edition has been a voluntary labor of love by the various chapter authors, all of
whom are experts in their particular fields. Their efforts are truly appreciated
The 2 nd edition is dedicated to the memories of two special people who authored chapters in the 1 st and/or 2 nd
editions of the DEM Users Manual and who passed away prior to publication of the 2 nd edition. Ken Osborn was
the principal author of Chapter 4 (National Digital Elevation Program) in the 1 st edition; Ken passed away in March
of 2004. Bob Fowler was the principal author of Chapter 7 (Topographic Lidar) in the 1 st edition, and Chapter 7
(Topographic and Terrestrial Lidar) in the 2 nd edition; Bob passed away in July of 2006. Bob’s last email to the
Editor was when he concurred with the final manuscript of Chapter 7. Ken and Bob both dedicated their careers to
promote greater understanding of DEM technologies and applications and greater access to digital elevation data.
Both were true professionals and friends of the imaging and geospatial information communities that comprise the
“ASPRS family.”
MAPPS/ASPRS 2006 Fall Conference
November 6 – 10, 2006 * San Antonio, Texas