In the recent years laser scanning (also called LiDAR) became a very effective tool for high-resolution data acquisition of geomorphic surfaces. Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) is a straightforward and very precise tool for creating digital surface models (DSM) up to sub-meter resolution. However, DSMs contain the surface of man-made structures as well as the effect of the canopy cover, therefore their direct application in geomorphology needs sophisticated preprocessing. The creation of digital terrain models (DTMs) of sub-meter scale often requires specific geomophological knowledge to avoid creation of artefacts.

The resolution and accuracy provided by ALS DTMs are especially valuable in low-relief areas like floodplains. The application possibilities of such DTMs, for instance, in flood control are widespread. Repeated ALS surveys may also contribute to the understanding and monitoring of the floodplain sedimentation processes, river dynamics, and quantification of erosion and sedimentation.

Likewise, for high-relief areas, e.g., in Alpine environment the ALS surveys may also contribute to the monitoring of mass movements, erosional processes and incipient motion of slopes.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is also increasingly applied for fast data capture of the surface, e.g., in detection and monitoring of mass movements and in other geomorphic studies requiring high accuracy and frequent repetition.
The application of both laser scanning technique results in data sets characterised by enormous data sizes, extremely high accuracy (up to cm-scale) and very high resolution. These properties compensate for the efforts invested in the data processing, however it means new challenges for the geomorphic evaluation. The wealth of laser scanning-derived DTMs can be used for geomorphic analyses in various forms (point cloud, TIN, grid) for analysis in flood-endangered regions, for natural hazard analyses like mass movements and are almost unbeatable in surface modelling of mountainous and karstic areas. They are also highly applicable in environmental change studies concerning the change in snow and ice coverage, soil creep, etc.

Contributions concerning processing techniques as well as geomorphic application examples are welcome. Case studies of problematic data sets, studies on applicability of laser scanning-derived DSMs and DTMs in various environments, like geomorphic application in urban areas, are also covered by the session.