What is Lidar?

detection and light range (Lidar) is a technology that uses lasers to determine the distance from an object or surface. It is used in various industries, including atmospheric physics, geology, forestry, oceanography and law enforcement. Lidar is similar to radar, but includes laser pulses rather than radio waves. Both systems determine the distance by measuring the time delay between the transmission and the pulse reflection.

For many applications, Lidar is a better choice than a radar because it has a greater ability to reflect images, which makes multiple objects more visible. When using data collection systems that include the focus of the wavelengths on the target and waiting for reflection, it is usually possible to collect information for objects the same size as the wavelength or longer. Lidar uses waves ten to one hundred thousand times shorter than radar waves, which means he is able to collect much more data. The Lidar basic system includes broadcast laser and receiver, and Lidar used in mobile environments such as aircraft and satellites, alsoIt includes positioning technology.

Due to the density of the beams, combined with short wavelengths, Lidar is often used in the atmosphere studies because it is able to pick up information about atmospheric particles, clouds, rain, smoke and other things that the radar is unable to register. Lidar is also able to measure wind speed and density of different components of our atmosphere such as oxygen and nitrogen.

Lidar can also be used to create three -dimensional topographic maps and surveys of geographical regions. Lidar was used in this way to create maps of Mars, monitoring glaciers and visualizing the Grand Canyon. Lidar can also be used to analyze the ocean DNA and to determine the heights of the canopy and measure biomass. It also has an application in seismology and has been used in studies of ascension, failure lines and other geological features.