3. Airborne and Spaceborne Laser Scanning
This is the third unit in the module ‘Topographic Data Analysis Techniques and Applications’. In this unit we will cover basic principles of the laser beam as a source of energy, different mechanisms for using laser energy to collect data, various components of the LiDAR system and some examples of airborne and space borne LiDAR. There is an unassessed assignment which is designed to investigate some commercial laser scanning data providers.
- Introduction to Optical Measurements
- Basic Principles of Lasers
- Types of Measurement
- Airborne Laser Scanning
- Spaceborne LiDAR
‘Introduction to Optical Measurements’ explains some basic concepts in measurement of distance and elevation by optical means, and explains the advantages of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR).
‘Basic Principles of Lasers’ introduces the key concepts in the operation of lasers, which is necessary in order to understand their use in elevation measurement
‘Types of Measurement’ explores the different ways in which the known properties of a laser can be used to obtain estimates of distance between the laser sensor and the remote object, which are necessary in order to obtain elevation data from laser-based remote sensing.
‘Airborne Laser Scanning’ introduces the Airborne Laser Scanner (ALS) system, with examples of commercially available systems.
‘Spaceborne LiDAR’ introduces the first spaceborne LiDAR system, the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS).