Bathymetric Lidar, or bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging, is a technology used for measuring underwater topography and mapping the depth of water bodies. Lidar systems typically involve sending laser pulses from an airborne or terrestrial platform and measuring the time it takes for the light to return after hitting the Earth's surface. Bathymetric Lidar specifically focuses on the mapping of underwater features, making it a valuable tool for coastal zone mapping, hydrographic surveying, and marine applications.
Here's how Bathymetric Lidar generally works:
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Laser Emission: A laser emits pulses of light towards the water surface.
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Surface Interaction: The laser pulses penetrate the water and interact with the seafloor or underwater features.
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Return Signals: The reflected light (backscattered signal) is detected by the Lidar sensor.
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Data Processing: The time taken for the laser pulses to travel to the seafloor and back is used to calculate the depth of the water at different points.