How LiDAR technology is helping Norfolk Southern see the railroad differently

Sep 15, 2026

Colorized LiDAR point-cloud imagery at Milepost 100.66 H (industry track in north Georgia) provides a detailed view of vegetation and track infrastructure, helping teams analyze conditions and prioritize maintenance activities

From engineering design and infrastructure assessments to clearance analysis, vegetation management, digital twins, and derailment response, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is helping Norfolk Southern teams collect more accurate data and transform it into insights that support safer, smarter decision-making across the railroad.

(Left) Photo Caption: Colorized LiDAR point-cloud imagery of Brosnan Yard in Macon, Georgia, provides a detailed digital view of rail infrastructure and assets. (Right) LiDAR data and Ladybug imagery create a realistic digital view of Debutts Yard in Chattanooga, Tennessee, supporting visualization and analysis within NSGIS.

LiDAR uses laser pulses to create highly detailed three-dimensional representations of the surrounding environment. At NS, engineering teams use LiDAR data collected from drones and mobile platforms to better understand track geometry, terrain, vegetation, structures, clearances, and other infrastructure assets.

The technology produces dense collections of information known as point clouds, allowing teams to create accurate digital models of the railroad environment. These models help support planning, maintenance, and operational decision-making across multiple departments.

(Left) Norfolk Southern uses drones equipped with LiDAR technology to safely collect detailed field data. (Right) Norfolk Southern's hi-rail truck captures LiDAR data and 360-degree imagery used to colorize point clouds and support Track View in NSGIS.

Supporting safety and operational efficiency

LiDAR is often associated with drones and mobile mapping platforms, but at NS it serves as one component of a much larger technology ecosystem. Data collected through LiDAR supports analytics, digital twins, AI-enabled workflows, and operational decision-support tools used by teams across the railroad. The technology helps provide better information, but it is the expertise of engineers, data scientists, and field employees that transforms that information into action.

Traditional surveying often requires employees to spend significant time near active tracks or in challenging field environments. By collecting data remotely, LiDAR helps reduce exposure to potential hazards while allowing teams to gather detailed information more efficiently. Tasks that once could take days to complete can often be performed in a fraction of the time.

The technology supports a variety of business needs across NS, including:

Vegetation analysis and proactive maintenance planning
Track safety monitoring and Positive Train Control (PTC) support
Engineering design, grading, and construction planning.
Wire and leasing agreement evaluations
Asset management and infrastructure modeling
Derailment response and recovery operations
Clearance analysis for oversized shipments
Tunnel and infrastructure assessments
Severe weather response

LiDAR point cloud imagery from a mobile LiDAR run along the Inman Yard access road helps employees visualize infrastructure and analyze railroad assets.

Creating digital models for the future

LiDAR data also contributes to NS’ digital twin initiatives by providing highly accurate information about physical assets and infrastructure conditions. These digital representations help teams visualize the railroad, support long-term planning efforts, and better understand the environment around key assets.

The same detailed data can be used to support volumetric analysis, structural measurements, engineering assessments, and advanced visualization tools across the business.

LiDAR profile of tree trimming at Milepost NO 37.8 showing pre-cut and post-cut conditions used to help plan vegetation management activities.

From data to action: Vegetation management

One impactful and visible example of LiDAR utilization is with vegetation management. Using LiDAR-generated point clouds, teams can identify vegetation encroachment and target maintenance more precisely.

Captured by drone above Norfolk Southern's H Line in McDonough, Georgia, this video shows a helicopter supporting vegetation management efforts along the railroad.

The data can also support aerial tree-trimming operations, helping reduce employee exposure in challenging field environments while improving safety and efficiency. While vegetation management is just one example, it demonstrates how NS employees use LiDAR data to make smarter operational decisions across the railroad.

Behind Norfolk Southern's LiDAR program, the Data Acquisition & Mapping team supports safer, more informed decision-making across the network. Pictured left to right: Michael Allen, Ryan Lawson, James McIntyre, and Christopher Craddock.

From point clouds to actionable insights

Capturing LiDAR data is only the beginning of the process. Once information is collected in the field, the NS Data Acquisition & Mapping team works together to transform millions of individual data points into practical tools and insights that support engineering projects across the network.

Some team members focus on field data collection through drones, LiDAR platforms, and mapping technologies, while others help turn those datasets into detailed products employees use every day. Engineers specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play key roles in processing point cloud data, creating cross-sections, developing engineering deliverables, and converting raw information into actionable insights that support planning, analysis, and decision-making.

“LiDAR helps us see the railroad in ways that weren’t possible before, but the technology itself is only part of the story. The real value comes from the expertise of our railroaders, engineers, data scientists, and technology teams who turn that information into actionable insights that support safer operations, better planning, and smarter decision-making across our network.” — Mabby Amouie, NS Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Data & Analytics

Program leadership helps guide that work and ensures projects align with business needs across the railroad. Together, the team’s combination of field collection, data and technical analysis, and engineering expertise allows NS to maximize the value of LiDAR technology. As a result, employees across the network can access accurate information, make informed decisions, and execute projects safely and efficiently.

By Kasandra Jenkins, Communications Manager

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern as a Communications Manager, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.