Selected estuaries and coastal zone of England and Wales

Light absorption in the water column; Ocean colour and earth-leaving visible waveband spectral radiation; Terrestrial mapping; Bathymetry and Elevation

Radar altimeters

LIDAR is an airborne terrain mapping system, which uses a laser to measure the distance between the aircraft and the ground. This technique results in the production of cost effective terrain maps with a height accuracy of 10 to 15cm. Typically with spot heights between 1 to 4 metres spatially on the land surface. CASI is used to provide information on the colour of the environment. It is designed to provide a flexible system which is easy to transport and straightforward to install and operate in small aircraft. It can be used for detailed studies of the spectral characteristics of ground or water targets, which are imaged instantaneously in a large number of spectral wavebands (up to 288), covering the visible and near infra-red regions of the spectrum, between 430 nm and 870 nm. Spatial resolution can be varied from one to ten metres, depending on the flying altitude and lens configuration. New LIDAR and CASI data sets are being gathered from parts of England and Wales all the time. For details on coverage and extent contact the National Centre.

Environment Agency Head Office
Horizon House
Bristol

BS1 5AH
United Kingdom