LiDAR technology: what is it?
One of the technologies applied in remote sensing projects and research is the LiDAR technology since the 1960s. Nevertheless, many people are still not aware of its existence and its many useful applications and practices.
So.
LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. It is a remote sensing method, which is completely different from the well-known satellite or airborne multi or hyper-spectral imagery.
What it actually does, is to measure distances from the Earth’s surface. More specifically, light in the form of a pulsed laser starts from the LiDAR device, falls on the surface on which information is to be collected and then returns back to the sensor. In such way, ranges - or in other words, variable distances of each pulse from the surface’s point it bounced - are measured, giving as an output a point cloud which can be further processed.
OK until now, but why should I use it?
Because these light pulses - combined with other data recorded by the airborne system, such as a GPS and the exact route of the aircraft on which the LiDAR device is placed - generate precise, 3D information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics!
And what about the applications used in?
Geodesy, forestry, archaeology, geomatics and geology are some of the main fields in which LiDAR technology can play an essential role!
According to Wanger et al, LiDAR is a growing technology used in environmental research to collect information about the Earth, such as vegetation and tree species. Earth observation images, acquired from satellites, have been used for years in earth monitoring.
In respect to forest monitoring, satellite imagery does not contain information about tree height, diameter at breast height and stem density amongst many other important parameters for monitoring forest health at tree level. In the last couple of decades, LiDAR data acquired from airborne platforms has been increasingly used for forest monitoring, urban planning, archaeology, biodiversity and automated driving. Using this technology, the commercial forestry sector managed a 40% reduction of the expensive fieldwork that cost them millions of dollars annually!
If you also want to learn about LiDAR and its applications, then GEO University provides a course dedicated on this technology!
‘Overview of LiDAR; system variations, data interpretation & applications’ is a video course providing a detailed and broad information about how LiDAR systems works, their usability and interpretation!
And all these, by simply starting from scratch!
What will you learn?
- Learn how LiDAR systems work
- Understand the differences between discrete and full-waveform LiDAR data
- Learn how to tackle issues using LiDAR in various application areas
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of various LiDAR systems
- Acquire an understanding of many algorithms used for interpreting LiDAR data
- Become aware of various available software able to process LiDAR data
Any Prerequisites?
- Basic knowledge on Earth Observation (optional)
- A simple laptop or desktop computer to watch the lectures
Check out the curriculum for the detailed contents of this video course.
Gain an in-depth understanding of LiDAR concepts, systems and algorithms!
Need more information?
E-mail here: info@geo.university
