Sinkhole Mapping of Woodford County Kentucky Utilizing LiDAR
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Geology
Minor
NA
Institution
University of Kentucky
KY House District #
CD 6
KY Senate District #
CD 6
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Junfeng Zhu
Department
Kentucky Geologic Survey
Abstract
Sinkhole Mapping of Woodford County Kentucky Utilizing LiDAR
Authors: Kalli Beasley and Adam Nolte
Faculty Mentor: Junfeng Zhu
Department: Kentucky Geologic Survey, University of Kentucky
Abstract:
This project utilizes LiDAR (light detection and ranging) in conjunction with GIS (Geographical Information System), aerial photography, and field-checking to delineate, verify, and map sinkholes in Woodford County, Kentucky. LiDAR is a remote-sensing technology that provides detailed topographic maps of the land surface, which are ideal for identifying sinkholes in karst areas. Sinkholes are common geologic hazards that can severely damage buildings, drain farm ponds, damage roads, and wreck farming equipment. In Kentucky, sinkholes cause an estimated $23 million in damages annually.
Woodford County is located in the Bluegrass Region, a karst-dominated terrain, with bedrock consisting of Ordovician limestones and shales. Its land-surface is characterized by sinkholes, springs, underground streams, and caves. Previous mapping of sinkholes using topographic maps identified 1,386 sinkholes in Woodford County. LiDAR detected 2,307 sinkholes, an increase of 937 (41 percent) from the previous effort. This project demonstrates that LiDAR is a highly accurate method for identifying and mapping sinkholes.
Sinkhole Mapping of Woodford County Kentucky Utilizing LiDAR
Sinkhole Mapping of Woodford County Kentucky Utilizing LiDAR
Authors: Kalli Beasley and Adam Nolte
Faculty Mentor: Junfeng Zhu
Department: Kentucky Geologic Survey, University of Kentucky
Abstract:
This project utilizes LiDAR (light detection and ranging) in conjunction with GIS (Geographical Information System), aerial photography, and field-checking to delineate, verify, and map sinkholes in Woodford County, Kentucky. LiDAR is a remote-sensing technology that provides detailed topographic maps of the land surface, which are ideal for identifying sinkholes in karst areas. Sinkholes are common geologic hazards that can severely damage buildings, drain farm ponds, damage roads, and wreck farming equipment. In Kentucky, sinkholes cause an estimated $23 million in damages annually.
Woodford County is located in the Bluegrass Region, a karst-dominated terrain, with bedrock consisting of Ordovician limestones and shales. Its land-surface is characterized by sinkholes, springs, underground streams, and caves. Previous mapping of sinkholes using topographic maps identified 1,386 sinkholes in Woodford County. LiDAR detected 2,307 sinkholes, an increase of 937 (41 percent) from the previous effort. This project demonstrates that LiDAR is a highly accurate method for identifying and mapping sinkholes.