Using a LiDAR-derived Digital Elevation Model to Identify Hydrological Vulnerabilities

Such assessments are essential to understanding how land use changes and/or development impact ecological processes. The integration of LiDAR data with graph-theoretic approaches has been relatively underexplored, especially in the context of shaping methodology to assess hydrological relationships with specific ecosystems and species in a given area.

This study utilizes high-resolution LiDAR data to delineate hydrological features applies graph theory to identify key nodes that facilitate overall connectivity, either by measure of their betweenness centrality or ability to fragment the network when removed or obstructed. Specifically, analysis is targeted towards two ecosystems at-risk in British Columbia: Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) meadows and vernal pools. The LiDAR-derived digital elevation model is used to identify stochastic depressions that are potentially suitable for vernal pools.