LIDAR

LIGHT DETECTION
AND
RANGING

WHAT IS
LIDAR??
LIDAR (Light Detection And

Ranging also LADAR) is an optical

remote sensing technology that
can measure the distance the
distance to , or other properties of
a target by illuminating the target
with light , often using pulses
from laser

COMPONENTS USED IN
LIDAR
1) Laser
2) Scanner and optics
3) Photo detector and receiver electronics
4) Position and navigation systems

LASER
600-1000 nm lasers are most common for

scientific application
1500 nm lasers are used in military
application.
Better target resolution is achieved with
shorter pulses, provided the LIDAR receiver
detectors and electronics have sufficient
bandwidth

SCANNER AND
OPTICS
Scanner-used to scan the objects , azimuth

and elevation
It uses: Dual oscillating plane mirror
Dual axis scanner

Optics choices affect the angular resolution

and range that can be detected. A hole mirror

or a beam splitter are options to collect a
return signal

PHOTODETECTOR AND RECEIVER

ELECTRONICS
Photo detector and receiver electronic

Solid state photo detectors

Silicon avalanche photodiodes
The sensitivity of the receiver is another

parameter that has to be balanced in LIDAR

design .

POSITION AND NAVIGATION

SYSTEMS
LIDAR sensors that are mounted on mobile

platforms such as airplane or satellite require

instrumentation to determine the absolute
position and orientation of the sensor.
Such devices generally include global
positioning system receiver and inertial
measurement unit

WORKING
Laser produce optical pulse
Pulse is transmitted , reflected and returned to

the receiver
Receivers accurately measures the travel time
X,Y,Z ground coordinates can be calculated
using:-

laser range
Laser scan angle
Laser position from GPS
Laser orientation from NIS

LIDAR

APPLICATION
METROLOGY AND ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT

Used for studies of atmospheric conditions ,

clouds structures and aerosols

Used for measurement of atmospheric gases
Measures wind speed

PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Measure the distance to reflectors placed on

the moon
Used in Mars orbiting satellite to produce
precise global topographic survey of Mars.
Used to detect snow in Mars atmosphere.
Used to measure molecular density.
Uses the principle of time of flight in military
applications.

ADVANTAGES
Fast acquisition and processing
Accuracy
Human dependence
Canopy penetration
Higher data density

DISADVANTAGES
High operating cost
Ineffective during heavy rain / low cloud/mist
Degraded at high sun angles and reflections
Unreliable for ware depth(<2m)
Precise alignment must be maintained

CONCLUSION
It has allowed data to be collected that was

difficult or impossible to obtain prior to its

introduction
Data collection and its processing is relatively
fast
Clients money
Flexibility
LIDAR is unobtrusive and environmentally
friendly.