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Woolpert secures a $6.8 million contract to gather aerial LiDAR data across Southern California for the USGS
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has recently awarded a significant contract worth $6.8 million to Woolpert. The firm will be responsible for acquiring Quality Level 1 (QL1) lidar data and conducting ground control survey operations across Southern California. This initiative aims to support the 3D Elevation Program and enhance The National Map.
Led by the USGS National Geospatial Program, the 3D Elevation Program provides the nation's primary baseline of seamless high-resolution topographic elevation data, which is then integrated into The National Map. These data play a pivotal role in informing decisions that directly impact public safety, property, and the environment and are essential for effective long-term infrastructure planning.
Under this newly awarded task order, Woolpert is set to collect aerial lidar data covering an area of 23,007 square miles across Inyo County, which includes parts of the Mojave Desert and Death Valley National Park. The data collection will be conducted using a Leica TerrainMapper at a rate of 8 points per square meter.
John Gerhard, Woolpert's Vice President and Program Director, expressed the company's long-standing commitment to supporting the USGS 3D Elevation Program, a partnership that spans nearly a decade. Gerhard stressed the critical importance of accurate and accessible elevation data in everyday decision-making processes and emphasized the company's pride in continuing its support for the USGS as it endeavors to create the nation's first-ever consistent, high-resolution elevation data.
Moreover, the lidar data collected for this project will also contribute to the USGS 3D Hydrography Program.
The region earmarked for the data collection holds unique significance, as it includes the gathering of critical data for Badwater Basin, known as the lowest point in North America, situated at the bottom of Death Valley. Notably, the recent rare heavy rainfall experienced across the region resulted in the reappearance of an ancient lake in Badwater Basin, presenting Woolpert with an exceptional opportunity to capture data during this rare phenomenon.
The project is currently in progress, with data acquisition expected to be completed by the fall of 2024.
Woolpert, a premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG), and strategic consulting firm, is driven by a vision to become one of the world's leading companies. The company operates within and across diverse markets to effectively serve clients from the public, private, and government sectors worldwide.
Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has garnered numerous accolades, including being recognized as a Global Top 100 Geospatial Company, securing a place among the Top Global Design firms, and earning seven Great Place to Work certifications. The firm actively fosters a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity, and respect.
Moreover, Woolpert has been the fastest-growing AEG firm in America since 2015. With over 2,500 employees and more than 60 offices situated across five continents.