dataset: VICMAP ELEVATION LiDAR Points Collection

The Vicmap LiDAR Points collection is a compilation of point cloud data sets captured by aerial LiDAR surveys undertaken by the Coordinated Imagery Program since 2007. It represents the most comprehensive and extensive archive of LiDAR point clouds for the State of Victoria. Typically, datasets within the collection vary in point density and accuracy but all adhere to evolving, standardised point cloud specifications that were reflective of the technical capability at the time of survey. Supported by evolving LAS data file formats and advances in software capability, LiDAR point classification has improved over time with a wider range of classes being more accurately classified. Additionally, the use of bit flags to carry extra point attribution has allowed recent point datasets to be more comprehensively characterised than early LiDAR datasets. Simultaneously acquired imagery has also been a common feature in later LiDAR surveys with the RGB and IR imagery values encoded with each recorded lidar point. This feature provides additional contextual and interpretative support not available with early LiDAR datasets. Despite evolving point cloud standards, consistent throughout the collection has been vertical alignment to the Australian Height Datum (AHD) and the preservation of original ellipsoidal height datasets. Horizontal datum and data file formats have changed over time, but these have been, or can be transferred to newer standards as required. Finally, each point cloud dataset has been verified against the designated standard of the time through rigorous QA/QC validation processes implemented within the CIP program. Included in the validation processes are confirmation of point cloud dataset vertical accuracy and vertical alignment between adjacent point clouds within their vertical accuracy tolerances.