The state is releasing high tech survey data for proposed gas pipeline routes. The Division of Geological and Geographical Survey’s project employed Light Detection and Ranging technology. Division Geologist Trent Hubbard says LIDAR uses aerial laser scanning to produce maps that portray more than photographs.
That’s important for permitting and design work along several possible corridors being considered for a pipeline to move gas off Alaska’s North Slope to in or out of state destinations.
Hubbard says the LIDAR project augments a more focused effort to assess a pipeline route between Delta Junction and Canada, for which there is minimal historic data.  The LIDAR surveys will continue to be released in coming months. The data is being made available to companies and groups pursuing gas line projects. The $2.3 million survey is part of a package of gas line related work approved by the state legislature.
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Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
