Airborne LIDAR applications in freshwater lakes

Abstract

In this dissertation we demonstrate a novel, low-cost, compact airborne lidar designed for marine fisheries research. We discuss the details of our design, show its application to management of invasive lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Yellowstone Lake, and mapping of the lidar attenuation coefficient in lake water. Results from 2015 and 2016 are presented, and we also report the lidar detection of underwater thermal vents in Yellowstone Lake.