LiDAR is a surveying technology that measures distances by emitting beams of light in all directions from a laser source. It collects the reflected light with a sensor. By measuring the required time for a round trip of the laser light the precise coordinates of each light point can be determined. Using powerful computers Bureau Stephan is able to create a three-dimensional map composed of hundreds of millions (or billions) of points on which measurements can be performed.
BENEFITS OF LIDAR-BASED SOLUTIONS OVER TRADITIONAL SURVEYING DATA COLLECTION
- Massive data collection within project limits
- Much more complete data collection within project limits
- Greater potential for faster turnaround of useable project data
- Increased safety from lower exposure to field hazards, such as traffic
- Decreased disruption of project environment due to fieldwork
- Potential reduction of costs for comparable data collection
Over the last few years LiDAR surveys have become popular for large-scale renewable projects. LiDAR surveys have traditionally been carried out by manned aircraft flying at 1,500m (5,000 feet) or above. But at this height they are more susceptible to atmospheric conditions and also have poorer image resolution in comparison to UAVs – which typically operate at less than 125m (400 feet).
A Bureau Stephan LIDAR UAV survey offers significant advantages over a traditional LiDAR survey:
- UAV's are more responsive and have a quicker turnaround time between projects
- UAV's are able to fly lower, so atmospheric issues are reduced
- UAV LIDAR scans and digital imagery have higher resolution
- UAV's can get very close to the area of interest
- UAV's are more cost effective.