The European LiDAR Mapping Forum (ELMF), which runs from 4-5 December 2012 in Salzburg, Austria, is once again bringing up-to-the-minute LIDAR developments to the forefront in an action-packed conference programme.

The ELMF12 programme will reflect LIDAR’s rapidly evolving technologies with more than 35 carefully selected technical papers presented by LIDAR experts from across the world. Papers will reveal major advances in the use of data derived from airborne LIDAR and terrestrial laser scanning technologies for use in mapping and 3D visualisation applications. These will include the latest developments in compact, lightweight 3D mapping devices for accurate indoor mobile mapping and preservation of historic buildings. Applications such as 3D imaging for city planning, asset management, road, rail and power utilities will also be discussed. The latest LIDAR data capture systems will be presented, which also covers the growing interest in matching images from aerial-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to mobile LIDAR scanning data.

ELMF’s Conference Chairman, Alastair MacDonald, commented, “The 2012 programme is not to be missed with LIDAR at a fascinating stage in its development. This year alone the industry has seen huge technological advances in both data acquisition and processing, which has opened up a raft of new opportunities for mobile mapping. The recent spate of mergers and acquisitions clearly show that there are moves afoot to consolidate and capitalise on the growing LIDAR market potential which is the focus of all the technical papers.”

Technology sessions will cover the industry trend towards web-based LIDAR data management; featuring papers on new LIDAR data acquisition and processing systems in Point Clouds. This year’s programme will also dedicate a conference track to underwater measurement and coastal mapping; with the first public report on the major LIDAR bathymetric survey of the Maltese Islands.
Following ELMF’s energetic first debate which took place last year, the conference organisers have decided to make it a regular feature of the programme. This year a panel of distinguished leaders from all areas of the international laser scanning industry will debate the merits of multi-sensor data acquisition and how the industry can develop a greater understanding of the necessary data handling techniques required by the fast growing end-user community.

The conference organisers believe they have achieved the perfect balance of technology in an outstanding venue. Director of ELMF, Versha Carter, explains, “In 2011 when ELMF moved to Salzburg, the venue earned so much positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors that we simply had to return there for a second year. Salzburg in December also offers a special quality with its Christmas markets and in combination with the drinks reception on the opening night, there is a leisure element too.”

Running alongside the European LiDAR Mapping Forum conference will be an exhibition of nearly 50 of the world’s leading companies in the LIDAR and mapping industries. Exhibitors include LIDAR and complementary sensor manufacturers, survey and mapping companies, data processing, GIS and management specialists and the latest mobile mapping vehicles.

Once again there will be an extensive commercial workshop series presented by industry manufacturers aimed at providing novice operators, project and asset managers and potential purchasers of equipment with an understanding of the basic principles and fundamental benefits associated with LIDAR. Delegates that are registered for the conference are able to attend free of charge.

Also, ELMF is for the first time supporting an advanced short intensive programme organised and hosted by the University of Salzburg, Department of Geoinformatics - Z_GIS from 30 November – 5 December. The course is catering to graduate students, young researchers and junior staff with a focus on research, development and applications involving LIDAR technologies and applications. The first three days will be held at the University with the remaining days onsite at ELMF. More information is available at http://www.zgis.at/IntensiveProgrammes.

Early bird rates are available for the ELMF conference to delegates that register by 10th October, 2012. Please visit: www.lidarmap.org/ELMF for full details about the conference.