New ground is being covered in remote-sensing tech. Advancements in terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) equipment are making it easier for industries to map and analyze large regions of land without leaving the ground.
“Historically, LiDAR equipment is flown from planes where it sends light pulses to the Earth, which are then used to measure topography, count trees, and map other features,” says Lorne Carson, veteran forester and founder of Carson Integrated. “What we’ve been working on, though, is packing that same LiDAR technology into a backpack that provides the same accurate measurements but while walking.”
LiDAR has long been used in various industries (e.g., forestry, oil & gas, etc.) to measure, analyze, and map large regions of land. With the introduction of terrestrial LiDAR alternatives to Canada, however, Carson Integrated is hoping to make the technology easier to operate.
Here’s how it works:
Seeing the big picture
LiDAR technology’s origins trace back to the 1960s where it was first used to replace the arduous – and less-than-accurate – process of manually assessing environments. Besides helping industries map and assess lands with much greater ease, LiDAR equipment has brought greater accuracy and consistency to the field.
“It’s all about collecting clean, real-time data that gives organizations a pinpoint accurate view of the region they’re working in,” says Carson. “And anything that can make that LiDAR process more accessible, the better.”
Carson Integrated has already piloted its terrestrial LiDAR system with clients. The company is also conducting additional research and development with Selkirk College in British Columbia.
Looking ahead, Carson aims to clear a path for terrestrial LiDAR, noting, “Ultimately, we’re want to give the forestry industry a tool that brings greater efficiency and success in the field.”
Learn more about Carson Integrated and terrestrial LiDAR. Visit www.carsonintegrated.com, call 780-756-0510, or email info@carsonintegrated.com.
