In 2010, in compliance with an order of Urban Development Department of Riga Council, aerial laser scanning of Riga was completed by METRUM Ltd. via using the specialized corporate aircraft, and consequently a 3D relief model of the city’s terrritory was produced. The 3D model was elaborated as a part of the project „Assessment of Impact of Riga City Surface Water Bodies, Prevention, and Improvement of the Ecological Status”. The project is co-funded by the European Union LIFE+ program, and during implementation thereof detail investigation of hydrological processes and their impact on Riga territory was conducted, city flood risk management plan was elaborated, as well as several other activities were implemented.It is planned for the future to supplement the data on structures and vegetation obtained by METRUM for those to be included in production of a 3D model reflecting not only the relief of the city’s territory, but also the buildings, streets and trees. The model would make it possible to inset and assess proposals of new developments, approved building designs and units under construction so as to lighten the decision- making process.Before, METRUM worked out 3D relief models of Liepaja, Ventspils, Saldus for urban planning purposes while data for flood modelling were prepared for Liepaja, Jelgava, Kekavas District and Ozolnieku District.
