LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
- Project planning and design
- Data acquisition management
- Image rectification
- 3D modeling
- Fly-throughs
- Quality assurance
This technology allows for faster high density sampling of the terrain using laser technology as a measuring tool.
A typical LIDAR system integrates an airborne GPS receiver for positioning, an inertial navigation unit for sensing aircraft rotations and a laser unit for measuring range distances from the aircraft to the terrain.
The final data deliverable could be the terrain features including buildings, bridges, trees, and other structures, or “bald earth” data where all surface features are stripped out. This data can be used as an alternative to photogrammetric compilation of a digital elevation model (DEM) for the rectification of orthophotos and contour generation.
Typical applications include mapping for floodplains, oil and gas exploration, T/L surveys, coastal zone delineation, forestry, urban modeling, transportation and P/L corridors and landform deformation monitoring.