Undergraduate Research Internship: Learning LiDAR differencing to study and document surface changes at Pillar Point Bluff

Ethan Failano, Annie Hinh, Ashley L. Walsh, & Kim D. Blisniuk

Submitted August 30, 2026, SCEC Contribution #15450, 2026 SCEC Annual Meeting Poster #TBD

This summer internship focused on learning how to acquire LiDAR data using a mobile unit to collect surface topography data. We collected data at Pillar Point Bluff along the San Gregorio Fault of the northern San Andreas fault system to identify potential changes in the surface topography over time. We utilized both a mobile truck and a backpack mount to collect LiDAR data of the surface. The data was post-processed in SpatialExplorer and imported into ArcGIS as a digital elevation model (DEM) that was then vertically differenced from a 2014 NOAA LiDAR dataset. Additionally the devices used to document the operation of the LiDAR equipment include an Insta360 Go 3s and phone camera. We learned how to 1. properly use LiDAR equipment, 2. collect and vertically difference digital elevation data and 3. create geological content to engage a broad audience. The final product of our internship included a long-form video of fieldwork, synthesizing geological and historical change at Pillar Point Bluff. The video aims to be used in introductory geology courses at SJSU and posted to social media platforms to promote ongoing research, and bring more awareness to earth science education and geologic hazards.

Key Words
LiDAR, San Gregorio Fault

Citation
Failano, E., Hinh, A., Walsh, A. L., & Blisniuk, K. D. (2026, 08). Undergraduate Research Internship: Learning LiDAR differencing to study and document surface changes at Pillar Point Bluff. Poster Presentation at 2026 SCEC Annual Meeting.

Related Projects & Working Groups
Earthquake Geology