The collaboration between the National Park Service (NPS), the United States Forest Service (USFS), and The United States Geological Survey (USGS) aimed to acquire high-quality elevation data for the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP). WGI Geospatial, as a prime contractor for the USGS Geospatial Products and Services Contracts (GPSC), was tasked with collecting geodetic control and aerial lidar data for portions of the GCNP. This endeavor marked the first multi-federal agency geospatial collaboration project for the park and resulted in the highest resolution aerial lidar dataset available for the Grand Canyon.

To overcome challenges related to the vast and diverse terrain, land ownership, and land use within the project area, WGI Geospatial meticulously planned its survey control strategy. Utilizing GIS mapping, the team identified access routes, navigated land ownership boundaries, and considered conservation areas to pinpoint optimal ground control locations. This proactive approach ensured the successful execution of the geodetic survey, laying the foundation for accurate lidar data collection.

Field data collection involved employing a static network methodology, utilizing Global Navigation Satellite Survey System (GNSS) observations, and mobilizing into the Canyon via helicopter for inaccessible points. WGI Geospatial’s meticulous approach to surveying and data collection met the stringent accuracy requirements set by the project, resulting in a successful delivery to multiple federal agencies. This project not only showcased WGI Geospatial’s expertise but also demonstrated a commitment to preserving and understanding sensitive natural and cultural landscapes like the Grand Canyon.