Creating a topographic map of Mars, autonomous cruise control, measuring the density of forest canopies, measuring wind speed, speed limit enforcement.
What do all of these seemingly unrelated tasks have in common? They each rely on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. If you’re wondering what is lidar technology, here is your answer.
According to this recent video from Geospatial World, LiDAR is a remote sensing method that using lasers to measure elevation by sending a pulse of light and measures how long it takes for the pulse to return to the sensor.
It is a technology similar to SONAR, which uses sound waves instead to detect things.
LiDAR technology can be used to collect data from ground, plane, or satellite and allows us to measure both natural and manmade environments, precision, and flexibility.
There are three primary types of LiDAR technologies:
Topographic LiDAR: Maps the ground using infrared light.
Barometric LiDAR: Uses water penetrating green light to measure seafloor and riverbed elevation.
Terrestrial LiDAR: Maps buildings, natural features, and trees at ground level.
For more information about LiDAR and how it works, view the full video above.
