This technology is much like aerial LiDAR mapping but with two major differences. Firstly, terrestrial LiDAR occurs from a fixed point on the ground rather than from an aircraft. Secondly, this application of LiDAR is more accurate than it's airborne counterpart.

Terrestrial LiDAR high definition survey is an extremely portable, fixed-head pulsed laser that provides high-speed scanning capability to accurately portray existing or as-built environments. In operation, the pulsed laser emits a series of pulses in a grid set by the operator to capture the surface of any object in three-dimensional space.

Again, because the speed of light is known, the scanner can measure the "time of flight" of the laser pulse and record an extremely accurate x, y, and z-coordinate for each reflected point. In addition, an "intensity of return is recorded. These intensity values are assigned graduated colors to allow the visualization of changes in texture, color, range and angle of incidence.

During post-processing, all scans are "stitched together" using common features, thus creating a three-dimensional "point cloud" that can be manipulated into a variety of useful deliverables. Finally, by assigning coordinates to the common features using traditional surveying techniques, these scans can be oriented to the correct coordinate system.

For more information about terestrial LiDAR high definition survey, visit our website at www.lasergeomatics.com.