What term refers to the massive number of elevation data measurements collected by lidar?

The term that refers to the massive number of elevation data measurements collected by lidar is the "Point Cloud." In the context of lidar technology, a point cloud is a collection of data points defined by a given coordinate system, representing the three-dimensional shape of the scanned surface. Each point within the point cloud possesses x, y, and z coordinates, capturing precise spatial characteristics of the terrain or objects being scanned.

Point clouds are fundamental in creating detailed 3D models and are widely used in various applications, such as topographic mapping, forestry, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. They allow for high-resolution visualization and analysis of landscapes and structures, enhancing the ability to interpret geographical features.

In contrast, the other terms listed are related to elevation data but do not directly describe the collection of the raw measurement data itself. A digital surface model represents a surface that includes all objects, natural and man-made, rather than just the ground. Hillshade refers to a shaded relief representation of a terrain model, highlighting the topographical relief based on simulated sunlight. A viewshed is a spatial analysis tool that shows the area visible from a specific point, usually calculated using digital elevation models, but it does not constitute the raw data itself. Thus, "Point Cloud" accurately