LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a type of remote sensing technology that uses lasers to gather geo-spatial data. It is used in both civilian and military applications.
The range of LIDAR capabilities is extensive. On the ground, small units are used to scan objects or spaces using a dense array of laser pulses to produce 3D models. Unlike the kinect, however, most LIDAR machines use a single laser that is mounted inside a rotating head. A mirror flips the laser beam vertically while the head controls lateral movement.
The major components of a LIDAR system include the laser, scanner and optics, photodetector and receiver electronics, and GPS systems.
LIDAR can deploy a wide spectrum of light for different uses. It can emit ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared light.
LIDAR is typically used to measure distance, speed, rotation, chemical composition, and chemical concentration of “a remote target where the target is a clearly defined object such as a vehicle, or a diffuse object such as a smoke plume or clouds.” (www.lidar.com)
Examples of real-world LIDAR applications:
A farmer has his land scanned to help identify where water is collecting and how soil retention is affected by rainfall according to topological features.
Scientists studying biodiversity in the rainforest can use LIDAR to penetrate the forest canopy and produce a detailed map as well as gather biomass information.
Monitoring of glacial size and position, sea level and coastal change.
Chemical composition of atmospheric and terrestrial elements in near planetary bodies. LIDAR was recently used to identify snow on Mars as well as verify the levels of separate gases in its atmosphere.
Mine-detection and biological weapons early-detection systems.
In popular culture, the most visible use of LIDAR appeared in Radiohead’s “House of Cards” music video alongside structured light techniques to create live-3D maps of terrain and bodies within an interior space.
More information can be found on Wikipedia and the USGS site.
