MRCOG LiDAR Survey Project

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The Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) and cooperating entities obtain high-resolution orthophotography for the central New Mexico region every two years. The orthophotography area is around 2,500 square miles and is usually flown in the spring. The last flight was spring of 2016 and the next flight will be spring of 2018. MRCOG facilitated a Request for Proposal (RFP) and developed a contract with a consultant for the survey flights. Other products that are available for acquisition are aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data and building footprint data. LiDAR is a remote sensing survey technique used from an airplane to obtain earth surface elevations in various ways. That elevation data is converted to ground surface elevation maps that are used widely by both public and private parties. It is necessary to obtain the ground surface elevation maps, which are in turn, necessary to support the engineering and scientific analysis used to maintain the river, protect endangered species, and deliver water effectively to all types of water users. The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is interested in facilitating and funding the MRCOG proposed 2018 LiDAR efforts. The collection of elevation data directly ties to Reclamation plan and design projects to improve instream habitat; including fish passage around in-stream diversion structures that aid endangered species like the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM). RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENTMRCOG is coordinating a much larger regional LiDAR survey encompassing 1,319 square miles (mi2). Of this area, Reclamation’s Area of Interest (AOI) is approximately 146 mi2 focused along the Rio Grande river corridor from Bernalillo, NM to San Antonio, NM. MRCOG will solicit and procure the survey contractor. MRCOG will also coordinate, supervise and be financially responsible for the data collection and survey deliverables.

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