Introduction to LiDAR Mapping

LiDAR is an acronym for Light Detection And Ranging, sometimes also referred to as Laser Altimetry or Airborne Laser Terrain Mapping (ALTM). The LiDAR system basically consists of integration of three technologies, namely, Inertial Navigation System (INS), LASER, and GPS. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been fully operational for over a decade, and during this period, the technology has proved its potential in various application areas. Some of the important applications of GPS are crustal deformation studies, vehicle guidance systems, and more recently, in LiDAR.

Geo Spatial Information is an important input for all planning and developmental activities especially in the present era of digital mapping and decision support systems. LiDAR is much faster than conventional photogrammetric technology and offers distinct advantage over photogrammetry in some application areas. Its development goes back to 1970s and 1980s, with the introduction of the early NASA-LiDAR systems, and other attempts in USA and Canada (Ackermann, 1999). The method has successfully established itself as an important data collection technique, within a few years, and quickly spread into practical applications. Early 1980's, second generation LiDAR systems were in use around the world but were expensive and had limited capability. With the enhanced computer power available today, and with the latest positioning and orientation systems, LiDAR systems have become a commercially viable alternative for development of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) of earth surface.

What can you do with LIDAR?

• Measure distance,
• Measure speed,
• Measure rotation,
• Measure chemical composition and concentration.,