What is LiDAR and What is it Used For?
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote-sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) between objects. A LiDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. The light pulses from the LiDAR—combined with other data recorded by the Lidar system—generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of various in-range objects, and their surface characteristics. Two types of LiDAR are topographic (land) and bathymetric (bodies of water). Topographic LiDAR typically uses a near-infrared laser to map the land, while bathymetric LiDAR uses water-penetrating green light to also measure seafloor and riverbed elevations. It is the topographic LiDAR that is currently of interest to the surveillance industry. Within the surveillance industry, it is the topographic LiDAR systems’ ability to map both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precisi...