15 Feb WHAT IS LIDAR?
Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of lasers to measure ranges and distances. It is an active sensing technology that allows for highly accurate 3D mapping of environments.
The basic principle behind lidar is to illuminate a target with a laser light and analyze the reflection of that light to obtain spatial information. Lidar systems consist of a laser, scanner, specialized GPS receiver and specialized camera. The laser emits rapid pulses of light at objects which reflect the light back to lidar sensors. The system then records the time it takes for each pulse to bounce back and calculates distance by timing the reflections.
Unlike passive technologies like cameras and radiometers which record reflected sunlight, lidar actively sends out light and is able to measure distance by timing how long it takes the light to reflect back to the sensor. That makes lidar extremely accurate for measuring distances. Its accuracy and precision over long ranges surpass other remote sensing technologies like radar and sonar.
Top strengths of lidar include:
– The ability to penetrate dense foliage. The lasers can map terrain under forest canopy or dense vegetation more effectively than passive sensors.
– Accuracy in measuring vertical spaces. The technology provides highly precise elevation and contour models which are important for mapping slopes and modeling flooding risk.
– Flexibility to be used on multiple platforms. Lidar sensors can be mounted on tripods, moving vehicles, drones and even satellites.
It is used extensively in archaeology, geography, geology, forestry, infrastructure planning, transportation and self-driving vehicle technologies. The tech enables accurate 3D mapping and modeling of spaces which allows everything from predicting natural disaster risks to planning safe transportation routes to documenting historical sites. The high resolution models produced by lidar showcase fine details that other technologies cannot match.
As lidar sensors become smaller and more affordable, the applications will continue expanding. The future is bright for this versatile laser sensing technology that is quickly becoming an indispensable tool for mapping and studying spaces in stunning detail.
