What is LiDAR and how does it help farmers grow your food

You wouldn't think that Iowa farmers have anything in common with the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral in France.

However, just like in farming, the monumental task to restore Notre Dame wouldn't have been possible without modern technology and data-driven solutions.

In December 2024, Notre Dame Cathedral reopened to visitors after a fire nearly destroyed the iconic Paris landmark.

Many experts predicted that it would take 10 to 15 years to rebuild Notre Dame. Instead, it was finished in five years, thanks to advanced technology and a military-style effort by the French government.

Luckily, just before the fire, a European scientist used LiDAR technology to create the first-ever 3D map of Notre Dame.

With this data, architects were able to rebuild the cathedral right down to the original flying buttresses, stained glass windows and wood carvings.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is a high-tech tool that helps create super-detailed maps. It works by sending out tiny laser beams that bounce off objects, like trees, buildings or even crops. By measuring how long it takes for the laser to return, LiDAR can calculate the exact shape and distance of the objects.

LiDAR is used in self-driving cars to detect other vehicles, by scientists to study forests or hidden structures underground, and even by farmers to monitor fields.

LiDAR helps us see things in incredible detail, making everyday tasks and big discoveries easier and smarter.

Sustainable farming

Here in Iowa, farmers and scientists are using LiDAR technology to adopt new conservation practices that protect the soil and water.

Iowa is the first state in the nation to use LiDAR to map investment in conservation structures across the state.

This information is helping farmers find opportunities to begin or expand local conservation efforts in the future.

Initial LiDAR surveys have shown that, between 2007-2010, Iowa's conservation practices included 327,000 acres of grassed waterways, 557,000 acres of contour buffer strips and 506,100 terraces stretching over 89,000 miles.

The survey also found 114,400 pond dams, 246,100 water and sediment control basins across 12,555 miles, and 109,800 acres of contour strip cropping.

These water quality practices would cost an estimated $6.2 billion to build in today's dollars, according to the analysis by Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Farmers are also using LiDAR to create 3D elevation maps that track water flow and minimize erosion. LiDAR also helps farmers spoon-fed crops with the right amount of fertilizer for the soil type, preventing nutrient loss.

Agriculture technology that helps the environment

Iowa farmers are committed to continuous improvement and sustainability on the farm.

Iowa ranks number one nationally in many conservation practices, including conservation tillage, buffers, filter strips, wetlands and pollinator habitat.

By adopting the latest technology, including LiDAR, precision agriculture and AI, farmers continue to make measurable improvements in sustainability.

To learn more about how farmers are working to protect Iowa's soil and water quality, visit www.conservationcountsiowa.com.

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