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Lidar Base Specification Revision Status

The 3DEP Lidar Base Specification undergoes a continuous revision and update process. Revision requests are submitted through the 3DEP Working Group (WG) and the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center. Requests are reviewed by the Elevation Specifications Review Board (ESRB). If the ESRB approves a request, it is reviewed for final approval by the 3DEP WG. 

Revisions being considered for the Lidar Base Specification:

Short name of revision Status Last updated
Adopt Updated Accuracy Standards Published January 30, 2024
Standardized Breakline Delivery Published January 30, 2024
Standardized System Identifier Published January 30, 2024
Clarify Intensity Requirement Published January 30, 2024

Revisions included in Lidar Base Specification 2024 rev. A:

Short name of revision Status Last updated
Adopt Updated Accuracy Standards Published January 30, 2024
Standardized Breakline Delivery Published January 30, 2024
Standardized System Identifier Published January 30, 2024
Clarify Intensity Requirement Published January 30, 2024

Revisions included in Lidar Base Specification 2023 rev. A:

Short name of revision Status Last updated
Clarify Intensity Requirement Tabled August 28, 2023
Number of Decimal Places Published August 30, 2023
Withheld flag Proof of Performance Version Control Published August 30, 2023
Report on Withheld flag Proof of Performance Published August 30, 2023
Point Cloud Delivery in LAZ Format Published August 30, 2023
Update XML metadata template  Published August 30, 2023
Remove requirement for extent polygons Published August 30, 2023
Update MSHR creation requirements Published August 30, 2023
Tile scheme generation and CRS Published August 30, 2023
Clarify swath polygon requirements Published August 30, 2023
Swath Separation Images resolution Published August 30, 2023

Revisions included in Lidar Base Specification 2022 rev. A:

Short name of revision Status Last updated
Consistent units of reference Published April 6, 2022
No classification codes to identify overlap points  Published April 6, 2022
Survey point delivery Published April 6, 2022
Drop delivery of waveform data  Published April 6, 2022

 

Revisions included in Lidar Base Specification 2021 rev. A:

Short name of revision Status Last updated
Restrict use of the LAS withheld bit flag Published June 17, 2021
Require LAS withheld bit flag proof of performance  Published June 17, 2021
Maximum Surface Height Raster (MSHR) 
(now included with proof of performance revision)
Published June 17, 2021
Lidar Mapping Report Published June 17, 2021
Checkpoints within DPA Published June 17, 2021
Checkpoint Photography Delivery Update Published June 17, 2021
Swath Separation Imagery Update Published June 17, 2021
Revise use of the Overlap Bit Flag Published June 17, 2021

 

Revisions included in Lidar Base Specification 2020 rev. A:

Short name of revision Status Last updated
Update LAS reference to R15 Published Aug. 28, 2020
Clarify unrestricted rights clause Published Aug. 28, 2020
Require photographs of checkpoints Published Aug. 28, 2020
Clarify class 0 and withheld flagging Published Aug. 28, 2020
Revise swath polygon requirements Published Aug. 28, 2020
Revise use of withheld flag Published Aug. 28, 2020
Vertical accuracy assessment using ground points Published Aug. 28, 2020
Swath Separation Images Published Aug. 28, 2020

Explanation about the status:

  • Under review by ESRB:
    • The revision has been through a preliminary review by the ESRB’s Technical Committee and is being reviewed by the board. Significant changes to the text of the revision should be expected throughout this stage.
  • Approved by ESRB:
    • The revision has been reviewed and approved by the ESRB and is awaiting approval by the 3DEP Working Group. Changes to the text are still likely.
  • Provisional:
    • Revision has been through the entire approval process and is approved for use.
    • Revision will be incorporated in the next release of the Lidar Base Specification.
    • The specification should be followed for current and future work, if at all possible.
  • Published: 
    • Revision has been published in the Lidar Base Specification. 
  • Tabled:
    • Revision is still under consideration but has been postponed to a later, undetermined date. This can be due to a variety of circumstances--see revision detail page for more information.