AI Unlocks Untapped Potential of LiDAR
LiDAR has served as a useful tool in many industries for decades, but only recently are we starting to realize its true potential with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions. LiDAR, also known as light detection and ranging, is a remote sensing technology. It uses laser scanners to measure distances and dimensions between the sensor and target object, such as a building or pedestrian. With AI used in tandem with LiDAR, teams are optimizing the technology for unimaginable speed and precision across a variety of use cases. LiDAR has been around in some form since the 1960s, when it was first installed on planes to scan terrain. With the introduction of GPS (Global Positioning System) in the 1980s, LiDAR grew more popular, as GPS enabled the data collected from LiDAR scans to be used for building 3D models. Today, as costs associated with LiDAR are decreasing and the breadth of LiDAR data available increases, its recent pairing with AI and machine learning (ML) is unlocking major opportunities to innovate.How LiDAR Works
A LiDAR system generally consists of four key elements:-
Laser: Sends pulses of light to target objects (could be buildings, vehicles, or pedestrians). The light waves are typically ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared; the type used will depend on the type of LiDAR employed.
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Scanner: Regulates the speed at which the laser scans target objects and the distance the laser can reach.
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Sensor: Measures the length of time it takes for the light to bounce off the target object and return to the LiDAR system.
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GPS: Tracks the location of the LiDAR system to ensure distance measurements between the target object and system are precise.
Airborne LiDAR
As the name suggests, airborne LiDAR requires the system to be installed on a flying apparatus, like a drone or plane. In this case, the LiDAR sends pulses to the ground to monitor relevant conditions. There are two types of aerial LiDAR:-
Bathymetric: Uses green light to penetrate water bodies and measure their depth.
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Topographic: Used for mapping the surface of the land.
Terrestrial LiDAR
The LiDAR system is installed on a moving vehicle or tripod fixed to the ground. It can scan in all directions and is used to create 3D models out of point clouds. There are two types of terrestrial LiDAR:-
Mobile: The LiDAR is installed on a train, boat, or automobile. It works well for observing roads, pedestrians, signs, conditions, and other relevant infrastructure.
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Static: The LiDAR is fixed to a point in the ground and scans the surrounding area or a specific feature, such as a building interior.
