LiDAR
LiDAR is the acronym for the “Light Detection and Ranging” technology. The LiDAR sensor sends out a laser pulse and measures the time from when the pulse leaves the scanner to when the pulse contacts an object. A mathematical calculation is then processed for each point of light to have a specific GPS coordinate and altitude. The LiDAR sensor can send out hundreds of thousands of pulses per second. The collection of this data is known as a “point cloud” which can be measured and viewed in three dimensions.
High Resolution Imaging
Color imaging is often acquired simultaneously with LiDAR data. These images, from an ultra high resolution camera, are processed in conjunction with the LiDAR data and orthorectified for positional accuracy.
Geo-Referenced Video
Gyro-stabilized gimbal systems are used when an oblique view of the site can be a benefit to the research. The video technology can be enhanced with real-time augmented reality to display graphical data from Google Earth KML files.