LiDAR Data

This page provides access to Flathead Basin lidar data collected in 2009, one of the earliest large-scale lidar collections within Montana.  To search and explore additional lidar please visit the Montana Lidar Inventory here.

LiDAR is a laser imaging technology that can produce a three-dimensional model of the land surface and objects on the land surface, such as vegetation and structures. The Flathead Basin was imaged between September 22 and September 29, 2009. Two data sets are available. The "All returns" data contains x, y, and z coordinates of all objects that were imaged, post-processed to remove noise, birds, haze, and smoke. The "Grounds" data has been processed to include only points that are on the ground.

These data are in Montana State Plane coordinates, NAD83, HARN. The horizontal units of the coordinate system are U.S. Survey Feet. The vertical datum is NAVD 88, Geoid03.

This web site is intended for quick access to data for a small area. If you need this data for a large area sent to you, please contact the State Library.