Research and Teaching

workshops

Lidar for Digital Mapping

Certificate Program

Lidar for Digital Mapping workshop

The LiDAR for Digital Mapping Workshop transforms Tampa Bay’s historic sites into a living classroom where participants gain practical skills in cutting-edge digital documentation techniques. This two-day, in-person program combines immersive fieldwork with advanced data processing to prepare participants for careers in GIS, remote sensing, heritage management, environmental consulting, urban planning, disaster preparedness, and tourism development.

Led by Laura Harrison, Ph.D., RPA, the workshop integrates technology, heritage, and professional development to equip participants with market-ready skills. Upon completion, learners receive the USF @Access3D Gold Badge, a verified credential backed by the USF Office of Career Services and designed to enhance visibility on LinkedIn and other professional platforms.

Workshop Details
Session A: November 15–16, 2025
Session B: February 7–8, 2026
Session C: April 4–5, 2026

Note: Registration covers an individual session (A, B, or C). 

Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Format: In-person (Tampa Bay, FL)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, graduate students, and the public
Enrollment Cap: 20 participants per session
Cost: $689

Program Structure
Day 1: Fieldwork

  • Terrestrial LiDAR scanning and 360° imaging at local heritage sites
  • Hands-on experience with professional-grade scanning equipment
  • Data capture best practices for accuracy and efficiency

Day 2: Processing & Applications

  • Point cloud generation and editing
  • Threat assessment and landscape analysis
  • Annotation and interpretation for public audiences
  • Publishing interactive 3D virtual tours

Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Operate LiDAR and 3D imaging technologies in real-world settings
  • Analyze environmental and cultural threats to historic landscapes
  • Develop strategies for heritage interpretation, education, and tourism
  • Build a digital portfolio to showcase technical and analytical expertise

Instructor: Dr. Laura Harrison
Laura Harrison, Ph.D., RPA, is the Founding Director of the Access 3D Lab at the University of South Florida, where she leads projects that combine cutting-edge technology with heritage preservation. With more than 15 years of experience in museums, cultural resource management, and academia, Dr. Harrison specializes in LiDAR, photogrammetry, and digital heritage applications.

She has developed and taught workshops and courses on 3D imaging, digital heritage, museum collections, and emerging media, and has directed major documentation projects at sites including Egmont Key Lighthouse, Union Station, Ybor City Casitas, and Fort DeSoto’s coastal defenses. Her public-facing projects—such as ARTours Clearwater, Guardians of the Gulf, and Step into History—demonstrate her commitment to accessible, career-focused learning.