LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered light to find range and/or other information of a distant target. The prevalent method to determine distance to an object or surface is to use laser pulses. Like the similar radar technology, which uses radio waves, the range to an object is determined by measuring the time delay between transmission of a pulse and detection of the reflected signal. Applications of LIDAR include ALSM (Airborne Laser Swath Mapping), laser altimetry or LIDAR Contour Mapping.
Data is rapidly captured and processed to allow detailed 3D models of assets to be overlaid on most GIS platforms including Google Earth. Overlays of major accident scenarios can be designed to sit over the 3D image to assist in emergency response and planning. Where data is also captured inside buildings, fly through / walk through’s can be conducted in incredible detail.
Accuracy of approximately 4mm at 800m can be achieved. This allows details of damaged structures / pipe work to be copied direct from the imagery and imported into a CAD program significantly shortening the design / manufacture / repair process.
Lidar technology has far reaching application across many sectors; some examples include: • City emergency planning (and response) – especially those prone to natural disaster • Industrial plants • Chemical plants • Oil refineries • Mine Operations • Hotels / tourist attractions • Stadiums • Hospitals • Ports / Airports • Rail network and main line stations • Facility design and planning • Security • Universities, Schools and Colleges • Construction • Forestry • Archeology