LIDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances to surfaces. It can generate highly accurate 3D models of terrain and other physical features. LIDAR data consists of a dense cloud of elevation points that can be used to create digital elevation models, contour maps, and other products. Advances in GPS, laser, and inertial measurement technologies have made airborne LIDAR capable of collecting millions of elevation points per second with sub-meter horizontal and 15-30 cm vertical accuracy. LIDAR data has many applications for mapping forests, urban areas, watersheds and other landscapes.