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Use of Lidar for coastal habitat mapping

Figure 1: Sketch of airborne lidar remote sensing and ground GPS

This article describes how Lidar (Laser or Light Detection and Ranging) can be used to collect data about coastal habitats. The article gives an introduction of the measurement principle and also explains how to plan for a Lidar-survey. More information about the conversion of collected data and the output of Lidar can be found in the article Data processing and output of Lidar.

Lidar (Laser Induced Detection And Ranging ou LIght Detection And Ranging) is an active remote sensing technique using light emission. Part of the light is diffused or absorbed by the environment and the other part is backscattered in the direction of the source of radiation. The time difference between signal emission and signal reception makes it possible to determine the distance covered since the speed of light is known. Knowing the precise altitude of the aircraft, it is then possible to determine altimetry (or bathymetry) in each point having received the radiation. The remote sensing components of Lidar include:

• a Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) telemeter also called Laser Scanner,
• a telescope allowing the measurement of backscattered light intensity, and
• acquisition electronics and electro-optical components.