Lidar Provides Clearer Forest Views

LaboratoryEquipment.com
October 26, 2009

For years, aerial photography has aided researchers in surveying the density of forests. However, a recent Texas AgriLife Research study shows that infrared detection allows for a more comprehensive measurement for trees and other plant life.

Lidar technology, which can be applied both on the ground, air and space, uses intensive pulses of light to capture information and give researchers a more comprehensive look at a surveyed area.

“Lidar creates the premise for 3-D modeling of vegetation structure, providing a three-dimensional look versus regular aerial photos that provide only a two-dimensional view,” says Sorin Popescu, AgriLife Research scientist at Texas A&M Univ. “It gives us a clearer picture of what’s there.”

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