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Hamamatsu Corp. - Earth Innovations LB 2/24
Photonics Dictionary

lidar

Lidar, short for light detection and ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape and characteristics of objects and surfaces. Lidar systems typically consist of a laser scanner, a GPS receiver, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), all integrated into a single system.

Here's how lidar works:

Laser emission: A laser emits laser pulses, often in the form of rapid and repetitive laser beams.

Illumination of target: These laser pulses are directed toward the target area, such as the Earth's surface or an object.

Reflection and detection: The laser pulses interact with objects in their path. Some of the laser light is reflected back to the lidar sensor.

Time-of-flight measurement: The lidar system measures the time it takes for the emitted laser pulses to travel to the target and back. This time-of-flight information is used to calculate the distance between the lidar sensor and the object or surface.

Multiple measurements: By emitting multiple laser pulses rapidly and scanning the laser beam across the target area, lidar can generate a dense set of distance measurements. These measurements are used to create detailed, three-dimensional representations of the surroundings.

Lidar is widely used in various applications, including:

Topographic mapping: Creating high-resolution elevation models of the Earth's surface.

Autonomous vehicles: Assisting in navigation, obstacle detection, and mapping for self-driving cars and other autonomous vehicles.

Forestry: Measuring forest canopy height and density.

Urban planning: Mapping and modeling urban environments for infrastructure development and city planning.

Meteorology: Studying atmospheric conditions and cloud formations.

Archaeology: Surveying and documenting archaeological sites.

 

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