Typhoon Season Is Here—How LiDAR Surveying Is Reshaping Disaster Preparedness in the Philippines
- Clinton Bravo
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
The Philippines, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire (see illustration below) and the typhoon belt, remains highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as floods, typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides. In response to increasing risks exacerbated by climate change, there is a pressing need for a shift from traditional reactive measures to proactive, data-driven disaster risk management strategies.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveying has emerged as a critical tool in this transformation. LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to collect precise, three-dimensional information about the Earth's surface.
When mounted on aerial platforms, LiDAR systems can map vast areas with high accuracy, enabling the generation of detailed topographic and hydrographic models essential for risk assessment and infrastructure planning.
The integration of LiDAR into the Philippines' disaster preparedness framework was significantly advanced through the Phil-LiDAR 1 project, spearheaded by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This initiative aimed to map flood-prone areas across 257 river basins nationwide. The outputs included high-resolution maps, digital elevation models (DEMs), and flood hazard assessments, which have since informed decision-making processes among local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and planning bodies.
As emphasized by UPLB:
"The most important output of the program is not just the maps, but the data and the tools... which are now used by LGUs, government agencies, and other sectors in their respective decision-making processes."
Read more about Phil-LiDAR 1 Article https://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph/press/features/item/504-phil-lidar-1-hazard-mapping-of-the-philippines-using-lidar#:~:text=Former%20Department%20of%20Science%20and,government%20agencies%20and%20other%20sectors
AB Surveying and Development (ABSD) was part of this initiative by providing technical support in establishing ground controls and validating LiDAR-derived datasets. These efforts ensured that the outputs of the Phil-LiDAR project met stringent accuracy standards, making them reliable for real-world applications.
This marked the beginning of AB Surveying and Development’s role in advancing the country’s disaster risk management initiatives. We later partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for a large-scale flood mapping project spanning over 1,000 kilometers. Utilizing high-resolution LiDAR data, we generated detailed topographic models to support evidence-based planning. The objective was clear: convert complex geospatial data into actionable intelligence, enabling a shift from reactive disaster response to predictive and preventive risk management.
Through two separate initiatives, one with the (DPWH) and another under the Phil-LiDAR 1 program. ABSD demonstrated the adaptability of LiDAR technology across diverse applications, extending far beyond conventional surveying. Key use cases include:
• Storm surge and coastal erosion analysis
• Urban planning and zoning in hazard-prone areas
• Watershed and land use management
• Post-disaster damage assessments
As a result, LiDAR is increasingly recognized as a fundamental component of climate resilience planning in the Philippines. It enables government agencies, engineers, urban planners, and disaster response teams to make evidence-based decisions that improve public safety and reduce economic losses.
While the initial adoption of LiDAR technology was met with hesitation due to concerns over cost, complexity, and unfamiliarity, the benefits demonstrated through early projects have shifted perception. Many stakeholders who were once skeptical now actively promote LiDAR applications after experiencing the value of high-precision geospatial data.
ABSD continues to advocate for the institutionalization of LiDAR surveying technology in both public and private sector projects. As typhoon season intensifies annually, the importance of accurate and timely geospatial data becomes more apparent. LiDAR enables a strategic shift from reactive to anticipatory planning, positioning communities and decision-makers to mitigate impacts more effectively.
By promoting collaboration between local government units, private stakeholders, and the scientific community, we can unlock the full potential of geospatial data and predictive modeling. The value of LiDAR lies not just in its precision, but in its ability to inform long-term strategies from resilient infrastructure development to environmental preservation. As we continue to experience the growing effects of climate change, now is the time to invest in tools and technologies that enable better decision-making. With proven applications and scalable benefits, LiDAR is no longer a future solution, it’s today’s standard for smarter risk reduction and sustainable growth.
ABSD is built to join this transformative sustainable growth movement, not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia.
Let’s build together so that we’ll turn your hesitations into real innovations.
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