Lidar and Radar technologies are very fascinating, as they seem to be at the forefront of shaping our future. From self-driving cars to drones, the advancements made in these fields will and are impacting our daily life.
One drawback is these technologies can be tough to wrap your head around and really understand their impact. That’s OK as this stuff can get very complicated very fast but also can be very interesting.
We have included a list of books that go into much more detail about the various aspects of Lidar and Radar technologies or provide detailed histories while being somewhat more beginner-friendly.
The Invention That Changed the World: How a Small Group of Radar Pioneers Won the Second World War and Launched a Technical Revolution
Something here for beginners and experts. Overall a great history of Radar development, and subsequent uses of technology.
The Laser That’s Changing the World: The Amazing Stories behind Lidar, from 3D Mapping to Self-Driving Cars
A great summary of lidar technology from beginning to the current state and the future ahead. It covers almost all of the main technologies and the key people driving the development.
Pulse Doppler Radar: Principles, technology, applications (Radar, Sonar and Navigation)
Maybe not as beginner-friendly but still a great reference Doppler radar book. It gives the reader an overall view of the Pulse Doppler Radar system, with a very robust theoretical background which is still pretty accessible.
Instruments of Darkness: The History of Electronic Warfare, 1939-1945
The rapid evolution of radio and radar systems for military use during World War II, and devices to counter them, led to a technological battle that neither the Axis nor the Allied powers could afford to lose. The result was a continual series of thrusts, parries, and counter-thrusts, as first one side then the other sought to wrest the initiative in the struggle to control the ether.