Can LiDAR save the Earth?

(GEOWEEKNEWS)–CARLA LAUTER–Growing up, one of my most well-worn books was a copy of "50 Things Kids Can Do to Save The Earth". While that overly optimistic title may give away my age - the book was the product of the peak of the 1980s and early 1990s environmental activism wave - I vividly remember the days when the rainforests needed saving, and the ozone hole was growing. Acid rain was a daily news item.

As our understanding of climate change and other environmental impacts has continued to evolve, so have the technologies that help us understand and combat it.

While the ways in which lidar and related technologies can be utilized to achieve these ends have not been fully explored, we're already seeing eye-opening use cases.

Really Seeing the Forests (For The Trees)

LiDAR systems have been utilized to study forests for many years. These systems have been used for remote sensing from satellites, such as the Landsat, which has provided forest mapping imagery for decades, as well as on-the-ground and aerial data collection efforts.

Forest structure, volume, and wood biomass can now be assessed with greater precision using LiDAR mapping. It is possible to create models for potential fire hazards. Recovery progress in areas that have been affected by wildfires previously can be monitored and tracked.

The applications of LiDAR technology for forestry are emerging, including the newer fields of wildlife habitat mapping and the ability to examine canopy and forest structures in more detail.

Manufacturers are focusing on a hybrid approach that combines LiDAR systems and imaging. Sensor makers such as RIEGL are fully committed to this approach and are creating sensors that are versatile enough to be used for specific tasks, like forestry management.

Other companies, including YellowScan, have created a portfolio of scanners that can be attached to UAV payloads, with medium and long-range possibilities. The Explorer, launched by YellowScan in 2021, can be mounted on either light aircraft or UAV platforms - increasing its versatility.

With other advances in machine learning on the way, this identification process may soon be an automated process.

Keeping Eyes on Fragile Coastlines

The advances in topographic and bathymetric sensors in the last two years have been astonishing. Some sensors are now capable of seamlessly scanning from land to the water, capturing topography and bathymetry in one pass.

Earlier this year, Woolpert showcased its new high-altitude, wide-swath topo bathymetric lidar system, the result of joint research by engineers and scientists. Because the areas where land meets water are crucial, this new sensor could allow for more responsive imaging of sensitive areas.

With a broader swath and faster collection, data from oceans, lakes, and other waterways can more efficiently help track erosion, monitor the environmental impact of natural disasters, perform volumetric studies, support sediment management, ensure safe navigation and port security, and drive economic development.

The Future?

Laser scanning, photogrammetry, and 3D reality capture have emerged as technologies that, combined with advances in computer processing, have contributed to our understanding of the changes wrought by climate change, documenting the world's most fragile regions, providing a baseline for natural disaster recovery, and more.