ZionNP Pillar (PS01): U-081 - Terrestrial lidar scanning of precarious rock column, Zion National Park
Project: Terrestrial lidar scanning of precarious rock column, Zion National Park (U-081)
- PI: Dr. Alex Tye
- Project Lead: Erika Schreiber
- Funding Source: None
Description
The Pine Creek Housing area is located about 1.25 miles from the south entrance of Zion National Park, along Route 9/Zion Canyon Blvd. The buildings are on the flat valley floor, adjacent to a scree slope that leads up to the cliffs. The column sits against the intact cliff face. The area contains numerous large boulders (1+ m diameter) spread throughout from previous rock falls. There are a number of types of vegetation on the slope and valley floor including trees, scrub, and cacti. Accessing the top of the pillar required a class 4 scramble. The park’s search and rescue team was on site for the second scanning day, when inside the crack – between the column and the cliff – was scanned
Objective
The primary objective of the survey was to collect a series of high resolution scans of the pillar, including inside the crack between the column and the cliff, to get the fullest coverage possible and enable the creation of a 3D model of the column. Scans were taken from ground level, from up the hill closer to the column base, and from atop the column. The column is about 20 m tall and 6 m wide