Add README

README.md

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+# Central Coast aerial lidar processing
+
+Python scripts for cleaning, classifying, and extracting survey profiles from las point clouds.
+
+### 1. Enter input parameters
+Input parameters are entered into excel spreadsheets, e.g. `param-files/survey-1.xlsx`. The python scripts take their input in yaml format. The spreadsheets can be converted to yaml by running:
+
+```
+python excel_to_yaml.py
+```
+
+### 2. Manipulate las data
+`las_manipulation.py` does the following to the input las file:
+- clip to beach extent
+- classify ground points (so vegetation and buildings can be removed later)
+- draw a polygon to remove swash zone interference
+
+Example usage:
+
+```
+# Process single survey at specific beach
+python las_manipulation.py param-files/survey-1-avoca.yaml
+
+# Process single survey at multiple beaches
+python las_manipulation.py param-files/survey-1-avoca.yaml param-files/survey-1-pearl.yaml
+
+# Process all surveys at specific beach
+python las_manipulation.py param-files/*avoca.yaml
+
+# Process all beaches for specific survey date
+python las_manipulation.py param-files/survey-1*.yaml
+```
+
+### 3. Check swash clipping mask
+The swash clipping mask should be checked visually to ensure it is correct.
+
+### 4. Export results
+`las_outputs.py` does the following, based on the outputs of `las_manipulation.py`:
+- remove swash zone
+- extract elevations from point cloud at profile locations
+- complete volume analysis based on Nielsen et al. (1992)
+- save figures of profile cross sections
+- save raster of ground surface
+
+Example usage:
+
+```
+# Process single survey at specific beach
+python las_outputs.py param-files/survey-1-avoca.yaml
+
+# Process single survey at multiple beaches
+python las_outputs.py param-files/survey-1-avoca.yaml param-files/survey-1-pearl.yaml
+
+# Process all surveys at specific beach
+python las_outputs.py param-files/*avoca.yaml
+
+# Process all beaches for specific survey date
+python las_outputs.py param-files/survey-1*.yaml
+```