How to create a real Canada course with Lidar data

[David Shen]

Hello Everyone，
I am very new player on TGC 2019, and start to create real course by Chad's Tool. The two most important parts for a real course are Lidar data and layout. The Layout part is no problem with using the Open Street Map. But the most challenge part is how to get the lidar data that Chad's tool can recognize.

After 2 days research, I have got the lidar data from Ontario Land Information Website. Everyone can also get that lidar data for free from the following link. https://geohub.lio.gov.on.ca/dataset...9.847%2C46.309


I can open and see the land elevation files from QGIS software(an open source software). I want to build my home course Cardinal Red Crest, the following is that area.


Every thing looks good so far. But finally, I realized the Elevation Data file what I downloaded are in DEM raster formats (.img/.tiff with.xml) not the raw LiDAR point clouds format (.las/.laz) that Chad's tool supported. So the next thing is to convert DEM raster format to point clouds format, but it is a very difficult thing. After another two days research, I can convert the .tiff files to .las files with SAGA GIS latest version(an open source software). Please check the following screenshot.

It looks good again. 😃
But when I copy the .las file to my course building folder and run Chad's tool, it report an error that it needs a metadata file(.xml) for the .las file. Then I manually create a metadata file (.xml). Then the next error is "Sorry, this lidar data is not classified and I can't support it right now. Ask for help on the forum or your lidar provider if they have a classified version."

This is the point I went so far. I need help. Is there anyone know what I did wrong? what is the correct way to build a real Canada course with Lidar data in DEM raster format？

[pchyen]

Nice to see someone else wanting to work on courses in Ontario. I started working on 2 courses. Got the elevation & General layout done but haven't had much time to finish planting/water/etc.

Anyway, try this:
Got this from fellow forum member @M3W.

1) go here... http://geo2.scholarsportal.info/#r/discovery/show

2) type "Ontario point cloud" in the search field

3) use this map to figure out the file names of all LAZ files that cover your course

4) create a simple Excel file that lists all the file names (or list the files in the email)

5) email that file here, and ask for them to send them to you via FTP... lio@ontario.ca

[David Shen]

Nice to see someone else wanting to work on courses in Ontario. I started working on 2 courses. Got the elevation & General layout done but haven't had much time to finish planting/water/etc.

Anyway, try this:
Got this from fellow forum member @M3W.

1) go here... http://geo2.scholarsportal.info/#r/discovery/show

2) type "Ontario point cloud" in the search field

3) use this map to figure out the file names of all LAZ files that cover your course

4) create a simple Excel file that lists all the file names (or list the files in the email)

5) email that file here, and ask for them to send them to you via FTP... lio@ontario.ca

Thank you pchyen 👍. I will being try that solution to get a Classified Point Cloud files. ✌ I will post the result after then.

[Newtz]

Nice work David
Love playing local courses, its pretty cool when your able to recognize where you are
are you still looking to build more
I was wondering if you could consider Cutten Fields in Guelph
My brother in law is a member and it would be cool for me to show him his course on the sim

Let me know
Keep it up!

[David Shen]

The result is very positive. Please see the following screenshot, I already went to there.

[mthunt]

So here's my Canadian Courses:

Weston, Nash, Burlington GC, and Miss are non lidar and the rest are lidar. I got the lidar for the london courses from Western. The BC one is on their site. Classifying lidar is close to impossible.

There is lidar but it might not be free.

Weston G&CC by mthunt RCR
Burlington GC RCR
London Hunt Club L mthunt RCR
Sunningdale GC Robinson L RCR
Sunningdale GC Thompson L RCR
National GC of Canada RCR
Mississaugua G&CC mthunt RCR
Shaughnessy G&CC L mthunt

[SlowHands]

Good day mthunt -- wondering if its possible for you to share Lidar data, cloud point las for your Burlington G&CC? As I'm sure you're well aware finding Canadian Lidar data on the internet can be challenging at the best of times. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[mthunt]

I did not use lidar for BGCC. I did it old school.

[mthunt]

Nice to see someone else wanting to work on courses in Ontario. I started working on 2 courses. Got the elevation & General layout done but haven't had much time to finish planting/water/etc.

Anyway, try this:
Got this from fellow forum member @M3W.

1) go here... http://geo2.scholarsportal.info/#r/discovery/show

2) type "Ontario point cloud" in the search field

3) use this map to figure out the file names of all LAZ files that cover your course

4) create a simple Excel file that lists all the file names (or list the files in the email)

5) email that file here, and ask for them to send them to you via FTP... lio@ontario.ca

What courses are you doing?

[pchyen]

What courses are you doing?

Doing: Deer Rige Golf Club & Crosswinds Golf Club.

tried to start on Innerkip Highlands but OSM data (newest Bing map was from 2016) won’t line up with Lidar Data (2018). Going to give up for now on this one.

[mthunt]

Doing: Deer Rige Golf Club & Crosswinds Golf Club.

tried to start on Innerkip Highlands but OSM data (newest Bing map was from 2016) won’t line up with Lidar Data (2018). Going to give up for now on this one.

I glot lidar using your method. Let's see how it is.

[David Shen]

What courses are you doing?

I want to do Cardinal Red Crest and Bond Head first. Then Richmond Hill, AG, and some Clublinks' Golden or better level Courses. And some private courses in GTA. Meanwhile, I also want to build Glen abbey, that course might be closed soon. It will be just in our memory.

[David Shen]

I glot lidar using your method. Let's see how it is.

I already use this way to create 2 holes(Hole 1 and Hole 18) in Richmond Hill GC. The result is prefect, I familiar with that course very well. The terrain in GC 2019 looks the same as it really is.

[David Shen]

I believe, now everyone can create a real raw Canadian course with real elevation and precise layout in one day easily for sure. The next thing need to do is just decorate your course, it will spend you a lot of time, but it's a cool job.

[mthunt]

I already use this way to create 2 holes(Hole 1 and Hole 18) in Richmond Hill GC. The result is prefect, I familiar with that course very well. The terrain in GC 2019 looks the same as it really is.

You did that by classifying data using IMG files? I’ll read your write up again. Those files are not accurate but they will give elevations.

[David Shen]

You did that by classifying data using IMG files? I’ll read your write up again. Those files are not accurate but they will give elevations.

No, I didn't use the data from Land Information Ontario website, their DEM raster GEOTiff format might be good as well, but those format cannot be accepted by Chad's Tool. Unless, someone improve Chad's software to support more Lidar Data format.
Finally, I use the data from http://geo2.scholarsportal.info/#_lang=en, which is suggested by pchyen this morning. I just posted my question this morning, and then he give me a correct answer within 2 minutes. Just like he always be there ready to help me. 😂👍
But something is a little bit different. For now, you do not need to send a email to lio@ontario.ca. Because you can directly download the Laz data file from that website, you even don't need to login with a student ID. What you need to do is to look for the tiles covered your course, then download it. For Richmond Hill GC, I just download four tiles, please check the following screenshot. So very quick to finish download. And chrome browser can work perfect as well. So it's better than the U.S. one. 😂

[mthunt]

Got it. Misunderstood. I got the tiles for Toronto GC so I’ll see how it is.

[mthunt]

I want to do Cardinal Red Crest and Bond Head first. Then Richmond Hill, AG, and some Clublinks' Golden or better level Courses. And some private courses in GTA. Meanwhile, I also want to build Glen abbey, that course might be closed soon. It will be just in our memory.

Well, National, Hamilton, Mississaugua, Burlington, Glenn Abby, Coppinwood, Devils Pulpit, Weston already exist so don’t start with them.

[David Shen]

Well, National, Hamilton, Mississaugua, Burlington, Glenn Abby, Coppinwood, Devils Pulpit, Weston already exist so don’t start with them.

Hi Mthumt, Thank you let me know that. That really saved my time. 😃