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Showing posts from November, 2016

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

What is LIDAR? LiDAR  (Light Detection and Ranging)   is fundamentally a distance technology. An airborne LiDAR system actively sends light energy to the ground. This light emitted is known as a pulse . The LiDAR measures reflected light back to the sensor. This reflected light is known as a return . So pulses of light travel to the ground. They return and are detected by the sensor giving the range (a variable distance) to the Earth. This is how LiDAR earned its name – Light Detection and Ranging .  LIDAR systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision , and flexibility. NOAA scientists are using LIDAR to produce more accurate shoreline maps, make digital elevation models for use in geographic information systems, to assist in emergency response operations, and in many other applications. Currently we are using two types of LiDAR - Ariborne LiDAR and Ground-Based LiDAR. Airborne