LiDAR - Light Detection and Ranging
Risk Reduction Category
Computer vision and situational awareness
Technology Description
LiDAR is data collection technology by which pulsed laser light is used to measure distances to surrounding objects. This data can be used to create visual maps or images of an area in which a LiDAR sensor has passed though. This data can be used to create three dimensional images with very precise detail. There are some limitations to data collection with regards to surfaces that diffract the laser pulses from returning to the LiDAR sensor; examples are water or wet asphalt.
LiDAR technology has been around for several years and has been used in many different applications. Some examples of applications are in automobiles for their autonomous driving ability, robotic platforms for autonomous navigation, and even in airport baggage handling conveyors tracking luggage. The data can be used to create 3D images of a wide area. Because the system uses a laser for measurement of the distance to nearby objects, the data can very accurately represent the dimensions of objects. Many models and manufacturers of LiDAR sensors are now commercially available, some purpose-built for specific applications, most of which are mobile mapping applications. The technology ranges from small and inexpensive enough to be used in hobby projects, to commercial and industrial grades producing higher resolution output at greater distances.
The LiDAR sensor produces what is known as a “point cloud” of data. Processing the point cloud into a visual rendering is a fairly intensive computing process. This is an area that is continually growing and improving. Further, any use-case-specific analysis such as those involving distance tolerances, is applied during post processing. For example, in the LiDAR image (right side of above image), objects are colored yellow or red to indicate encroachment in the utility right of way beyond specified limits.
Use Case Description
The advances in this technology when paired with a Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) allows it to be used to locate encroachment of vegetation near Utility Right of Ways and Infrastructure. It can also be used to identify dead trees that are near power lines, especially those that are already in the process of leaning towards power lines. Data files from LiDAR surveys can be saved and referenced against future surveys to determine the growth of vegetation for maintenance scheduling purposes. Surveys post-storm events can be used to help with tasking for problem areas to maximize restoration crews’ time.
EPRI recently conducted a project where a LiDAR sensor was mounted to a UAS as part of a demonstration project. The focus of this project looked at the use of a UAS mounted LiDAR system to help survey vegetation along a power line right of way. The project focused on the accuracy of the sensor data collected against a reference image.[2]
Some researchers are already looking at using the scanning properties of LiDAR to help establish algorithms by which LiDAR scans can be used to help locate smoke plumes as part of early warning of fires.[3]
Another group of researchers is compiling data sets of forest canopy to help identify areas of potential vulnerability.[4] More efficient data collections yield more frequent and up-to-date information that can be used in conjunction with fire risk modeling.
VeriDaaS has worked on an enhanced LiDAR detection system that allows LiDAR to better detect under canopy levels of foliage.[5] This technology detects potential fuel on the ground, improving situational awareness and prioritizing areas of highest risk for fire ignition and spread.
Technical Readiness (Commercial Availability)
LiDAR sensor technology was developed in the early 1960’s. It first uses were for mapping of the surface of the moon during NASA’s moon explorations and then to study weather phenomena such as clouds, smog, and pollen. This is a very mature technology that continues to improve with increases in semiconductor technology and software development for post processing of data for visualization.
The following list of manufacturers is the product of an Internet search using a general description of the technology as the search term. Sometimes more than one variation on the search term is used. The objective is to identify the most demonstration-ready products available in the category. Toward assessing demonstration readiness, the manufacturer websites typically provide useful information such as writeups of successful use cases or field demonstrations, number of deployments, or other indicators. Where lack of information exists online, further inquiry is made by phone. Generally, one to three frontrunners emerge as being most ready for a field demonstration. Preference is given to manufacturers who sell to the United States, or, if emerging technology, those who have participated in US-based field demonstrations.
LiDAR USA
Unmanned Systems Technology
https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/expo/drone-lidar/
Phoenix LiDAR Systems
Microdrones
https://www.microdrones.com/en/
Implementations / Deployments
Innovations as of Mid 2023
Potential Enrichment Work Opportunity
References
[1] https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/can-apples-lidar-system-be-used-for-3d-scanning
[2] 3002016591_Unmanned Aircraft System Based LiDAR versus Photogrammetry A Critical Comparison for Vegetation, 2019, Electric Power Research Institute
[3] https://www.firelab.org/resource/lidar
[4] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/6/1000
[5] https://veridaas.com/2022/08/remotely-sensed-lidar-data-supports-wildfire-management/