The spectrum width data of a Doppler LIDAR are used to calculate the eddy dissipation rate (EDR), the internationally adopted metric of turbulence intensity for aviation applications. The derived EDR field is found to capture the main features of variation in turbulence intensity in the airport area. The spectrum width-based EDR has good correlation with the spectrum width data themselves, and the correlation equation follows the theoretical expression of EDR at the limit of large outer scale of turbulence. An alternative approach to the calculation of EDR is also considered, namely, using the structure function approach of the LIDAR's radial velocity. The spectrum width approach and the structure function approach give consistent values of turbulence intensity from the results of case studies. However, the former approach is computationally more efficient in calculating EDR and more suitable for operational use.