ILMF Recap - the Latest in LiDAR Technology

photo courtesy of lidarmap.org

The annual International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF) was held last month in Denver. This event attracted attendees from over 30 countries and is focused on the latest LiDAR technology.  AXIS attended to learn more about this ever changing & growing industry.  Our goal is to continue providing you with the latest technology and cost effective solutions for your elevation and geospatial data needs.

Some of the latest discussions include:

• LiDAR has transitioned from mapping grade to engineering grade due to advancement in sensor technologies, cloud densities, accuracies, and data fusion and processing technology.

• Dr. Dave Maune, Sr. Remote Sensing Project Manager, Dewberry Consultants, LLC, presented an update to ASPRS Accuracy Standards for Digital Elevation Data.  The new standards will clarify the 1990 standards and accuracy thresholds to align with current technologies.

• ASPRS President, Dr. Michael Hauck, posed the idea should there be a certification for LiDAR professionals. 

• Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) there is now 6 FAA approved test areas within the United States to conduct research.  AXIS is continuing to monitor the feasibility for sUAS mapping.  As sUAS systems continue to evolve, sensors are continuing to decrease in size and weight enabling them to fly on the smaller systems.

• HD Full Waveform LiDAR data is helpful for Forestry and Urban Mapping applications as it can provide a more in-depth description of ground topography, tree-canopy composition and edges within Urban Areas.

• FLASH LiDAR / LADAR systems.  These systems have advantages such as:

1. simpler processing requirements
2. fewer moving parts
3. becoming smaller in weight and size enabling them to be used in sUAS platforms

To discuss this in more detail or for a HD-LiDAR Demo please visit http://goo.gl/lsVOu4