LiDAR Mapping the Path to Clean Energy in La Tuque, Quebec

Energy & Infrastructure | Hydropower | LiDAR & Reality Capture | Terrain Mapping | Quebec

A Remote Site with a Big Mission

In the forested heart of La Tuque, Quebec, a new chapter in renewable energy is taking shape. DCMS joined forces with Bearstream Consultants, led by CEO Normand Levesque, to deliver a precision LiDAR survey that would guide the design of a micro-hydropower installation.The goal: provide accurate terrain and infrastructure data so engineers could plan an energy system that’s sustainable, efficient, and feasible in one of Canada’s most challenging environments.

From Riverbank to Digital Twin

This wasn’t a simple topographic job. The project corridor followed a river section with significant elevation changes, steep banks, dense vegetation, and areas with limited ground access. For hydropower design, even a few centimeters of elevation error could alter water flow calculations and turbine positioning.

Using the Leica RTC360, DCMS conducted a complete LiDAR capture of the intake zone, turbine location, and surrounding terrain. The point cloud was processed into 1:500 scale plans, detailed elevation profiles, and a digital terrain model ready for hydraulic simulation.This dataset allowed Bearstream’s engineers to visualize the site in 3D, measure flow gradients, and plan civil works without repeated site visits.

Data That Drives Design

The survey deliverables provided the backbone for:

• Hydraulic modeling – Accurate gradients and cross-sections for flow calculations.

• Engineering feasibility – Verified space and slope for turbine housing and intake.

• Environmental compliance – Baseline mapping to support regulatory submissions to Quebec’s environmental ministry.

• Construction planning – Reliable dimensions for excavation, pipe routing, and access roads.

With this information, the design team could minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy capture efficiency.

Challenges of Surveying in the Wild

The site’s remoteness meant no easy equipment drops, no paved access, and weather-dependent timelines. Our team adapted with a mobile, lightweight scanning setup capable of operating in uneven terrain and close to the waterline.Vegetation density was another obstacle, but the RTC360’s LiDAR beams penetrated canopy gaps to deliver usable ground returns for precise contour generation.

A Sustainable Outcome

This micro-hydro project will provide renewable energy to the local grid and serve as a model for sustainable infrastructure in remote regions. By capturing the site in high detail, DCMS helped ensure that the design aligns with engineering reality, environmental stewardship, and long-term efficiency.

For Bearstream Consultants, this wasn’t just about building a power plant—it was about engineering harmony between technology and nature. And for DCMS, it was another opportunity to prove that experience begins with precision.