Assimilation of Break line and LiDAR Data within ESRI ’ s Terrain Data Structure ( TDS ) for creating a Multi - Resolution Terrain Model

Building a digital terrain model (DTM) from LiDAR data can successfully be performed using a few techniques, but the quality of the resulted model and the way the terrain information is handled during the processing phase remain a challenge. A new framework for creating a DTM from LiDAR data within ArcGIS ® utilizes the new ESRI data structure known as Terrain Data Set (TDS). This article presents a method utilized within the TDS framework to produce a multi-resolution DTM from LiDAR data that incorporates the terrain break lines. The created multi-resolution terrain models allow for explicit, scale-invariant visualization and analysis of the topography in the study area. Creation of terrain models this way allows for efficient storage and management of the terrain information in the geodatabase.