World Heritage Site Hallstatt mapped in detail with advanced Lidar technology

RIEGL has presented a new Lidar case study in Hallstatt, Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its cultural and natural significance. Initiated earlier this year, the project demonstrates how advanced 3D laser scanning technology can provide detailed insights across a wide range of environments and scales, offering fresh perspectives on one of Europe’s most iconic landscapes.

The Hallstatt initiative was designed to explore the full potential of Lidar applications. The region’s varied terrain – from steep valleys and retreating glaciers to ancient salt mines, archaeological sites and shifting vegetation – provides a challenging environment for observation. These conditions position Hallstatt as a valuable testing ground for illustrating the adaptability and accuracy of the company’s sensor portfolio.

Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its striking alpine setting and its long history of human presence. For millennia, people have mined salt in the region, adapting to the challenges of life in a rugged environment and gradually shaping a cultural landscape of exceptional value.

Surveying topography and bathymetry

Reflecting on the recent Lidar survey, Bernhard Groiss, senior technical expert Lidar applications at RIEGL, said: “The World Heritage Site Hallstatt is a breathtaking place well-known for its long-term history. For the last 8,000 years humans have been present mining for salt, facing the everyday challenges of living in a harsh alpine environment and transforming the landscape into a unique cultural heritage site it is nowadays. Recording this place in 3D with all different types of Lidar sensors developed by RIEGL is first a great honor but also an amazing chance to highlight the capabilities and characteristics of the diverse portfolio of RIEGL’s sensors and their efficient surveying workflows.”

 

To achieve the project’s objectives, a combination of airborne and terrestrial Lidar systems was deployed. The RIEGL VQ-840-GE airborne bathymetric Lidar system was used to capture high-resolution bathymetric data in Hallstatt’s lakes and shallow water bodies. Its green laser technology allowed for accurate mapping of underwater terrain, including areas with dense vegetation or reduced water clarity, offering valuable information on submerged archaeological features and hydrological processes.

On land, terrestrial laser scanners were deployed to address the diverse requirements of the Hallstatt project. The VZ-4000i25, with its extended range and high accuracy, was well suited for scanning expansive alpine terrain and glacial features from a distance. In contrast, the VZ-600i TLS offered ultra-high-speed data acquisition and fine detail resolution, making it effective for documenting intricate architectural and archaeological structures within the historic village and nearby sites. Used together, the two systems provided a complementary perspective –  from large-scale topography to detailed cultural landmarks – enabling a comprehensive survey of this complex environment. This dual-scale approach illustrates how tailored sensor selection can enhance efficiency, ensure data quality, and support both immediate project needs and long-term preservation goals.