Image source: remote-sensing-biodiversity.org
Lidar remote sensing technology uses light pulses to detect an object’s distance. It uses light pulses to measure the distance by illuminating a target with a laser beam and analyze the reflected light.
Remote sensing and Lidar systems (Light detection and ranging) provide invaluable data used in different geoscience applications. The technology provides accurate data to make high-resolution maps in 3D models.
Application areas:
1. Flood model: To prevent flooding along the river banks, Lidar is used in creating high-resolution and accurate data about the surface model of a river or dam. This information is used for 3D simulation to help plan the structure or the construction of the river bank.
The data provided by the Lidar system is accurate and any little mistake made in the construction data can lead to heavy loss of property and life.
2. Agriculture: It helps create an elevation 3D map of the farmland. Farmers use the Lidar system to find farmland areas that need more fertilizers. It helps farmers save on costly fertilizers and increase agricultural production.
3. Biodiversity of birds: Lidar remote sensing technology has evolved over the years and it helps document detailed information about the forest. Forest has been the home of different wildlife species including different types of birds, insects, and other animals.
Scientist uses Lidar to analyze forest data and determine whether it is a suitable place for the bird species and other animals. Information about the tree structure, shrubs, and plant cells also determines which animal species can survive in a certain forest.
4. Forest planning and fire management: Lidar remote sensing technology is used to measure the vertical structure of the forest canopy, the canopy base height, and bulk density. It is also used in forest fire management by monitoring the fire areas which are commonly known as fuel mappings.
Lidar and aerial photos can determine forest precision by identifying specific forest areas that increase the productivity of wood quality. This helps in planning and managing the forest to increase the environmental quality.
5. Shoreline mapping: Lidar system is increasingly used for shoreline mapping, defining shoreline position as well as quantifying the rate of shoreline change.
6. Tourism and parks management: Lidar remote sensing is effective in planning the parks and tourism areas. 3D data models generated helps in determining the best tourism playground area and the walking trails.
Lidar technology plays a great role in parks management. 3D images taken by the Lidar system helps in park development and determine the future growth of the parks.
7. Environment assessment: Remote sensing and Lidar surface information help find an area affected by human activities. Micro topography data collected through the Lidar system is used for environmental assessment.
8. Modeling of pollution: Wavelength from the Lidar system is short and operates in the ultraviolet-visible region or near the infrared. This helps to determine the object size and compare it with the wavelength. The Lidar will detect any carbon dioxide, Sulphur, and methane pollutants. This helps researchers create a pollutant density map of an area and the information can determine the development’s plans for the city.
9. Mining: Remote sensing data is used in the mining sector. Photos of the ore extraction space are taken to determine the ore volume of the mining area.
10. Transport planning: Remote sensing data is used in road construction. Engineers use Lidar data to determine the width, elevation, and length of the existing road and use the information in road expansion. The data helps calculate height clearance, the right of the way, and surface conditions.