The International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF), taking place from February 11-13, 2013 in Denver, has just launched a dynamic conference program for its biggest event yet. With world-leading experts presenting the latest advances in LIDAR, the conference will place delegates one step ahead with knowledge of up-to-the-minute research and commercial developments.

The ILMF’s conference program reflects an industry that is flourishing. Over 70 abstracts were submitted by major international contributors. These were all reviewed by the ILMF’s technical committee to produce a program that touches on new developments in all sectors of the industry. A particular highlight of the program will be new developments in laser scanning sensors for airborne, bathymetric and terrestrial data capture, which have led to game-changing new applications. Another notable theme of the program is that technology is becoming smaller, faster, better and cheaper. Speakers will talk about the positive effects of this on the whole LIDAR community and introduce new work opportunities and even more applications. There will also be a dedicated session on recent projects, with service providers describing real world examples of laser scanning in practice and passing on crucial lessons learned.

One of the major benefits of ILMF is having the opportunity to discuss the state of the industry with peers to learn best practices and share ideas across the industry’s diverse business sectors. The ILMF’s Conference Chairman, Alastair MacDonald, explains: “The ILMF is a unique event and continues to grow at an amazing rate each year. We subscribe this to the fact that the Conference is focussed on technology and how to maximise its performance for the benefit of the end user. The technical papers are being presented by world class speakers and businesses. Each paper is topical, wide-ranging and highly informative to delegates. Any professional, at any level, who is working in the GeoSpatial community will find answers to their operational and management problems at ILMF. Whether you are involved in areas as diverse, for example, as urban and rural asset management, utilities maintenance, coastal and land mapping, railways, environmental impact assessment, 3D data capture and flood prevention, attending ILMF2013 with your industry colleagues and peers will prove a most informative and rewarding professional experience.”

The ILMF13 exhibition will be the biggest yet, with 70 leading technology, software and service providers from 17 different countries, adding extra benefits and value to the conference for all delegates. Exhibitors include the LIDAR and complementary sensor manufacturers, survey service companies, data processing, GIS and management specialists and the latest mobile mapping vehicles. In addition, there will be a series of Basic to LIDAR workshops and live mobile mapping demonstrations to enable delegates to witness data capture methods in real time, and to learn about the latest advances in mobile and 3D capture applications, including integration with LIDAR and photogrammetry.

As in previous years the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) will be presenting ‘hot topics’ sessions. In one session, ASPRS will reveal for the first time plans for their new LAS validation software. As LAS is the standard data delivery format throughout the world, this new software will be crucial in ensuring LAS file compliance. Other ASPRS sessions include best practice and accuracy assessment methodologies for mobile laser scanning, and the first public update on a major project funded by US Geological Survey which is investigating new approaches of calibrating and geometrically adjusting airborne LIDAR projects.

Versha Carter, Director of ILMF, commented, “We are extremely excited about this year’s ILMF, not only will it be the biggest event yet, but it will be fast-paced and informative with plenty of opportunities for networking with social events planned throughout. This year’s ILMF has something valuable for every delegate at any stage in their professional career.”

Early Bird rates are available for delegates if they register by December 3, 2012. To take advantage of this please visit: http://www.lidarmap.org/conference/register.aspx