and the role they can play in MFL determinations. The Braden River LiDAR data represent

approximately 26 km2 Of area. Generated as part of a larger flight plan, the data generally cost

approximately $700/ km2 to collect and process, though it can vary depending on the size and

shape of the area to be flown. Data collection has begun on the Withlacoochee River, which

includes approximately 3 10 km2 Of necessary data. Prior to an investment of that size, it was

prudent to determine to what extent the data was useful and what subsurface data are necessary

to generate high quality results.

 This proj ect demonstrated that LiDAR, combined with ground surveys, can be used to

generate cross-sections for the development of a hydraulic model. However, the LiDAR is best

used to supplement floodplain portions of a cross section. LiDAR alone results in insufficient

instream data to generate an accurate cross-section. This research also demonstrated that where

LiDAR data are sufficiently augmented with high quality instream and below canopy data, GIS

can be used to predict inundation patterns and depths under different flow conditions.

 LiDAR data for the Withlacoochee River will be coupled with a hydrographic survey to

produce a highly accurate DEM for the length of the study corridor. The hydrographic survey

will include a combination of electronic data collected with sonar and manually surveyed data.

A thalwag of the river will also be included. The Withlacoochee River study will be the first

maj or river in Florida to have a highly accurate DEM generated which will be used in future

studies of the river including MFL development.