In the world of LiDAR and geomatics, many technical terms can seem complex. This glossary aims to help professionals and enthusiasts better understand these essential concepts.
Hardware and Equipment
- Connectiv: A modular LiDAR system developed by Balko Tech, designed to adapt to different sensors and application needs.
- FOV (Field of View): The angular width of a LiDAR sensor’s detection range.
- GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): A satellite-based positioning system, including GPS, used for geolocation.
- IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): An instrument that measures accelerations and rotations to determine the position and orientation of a drone or LiDAR system.
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): A remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and create detailed 3D models of terrain and infrastructure.
- LiDAR Frame: A single set of LiDAR measurements captured at a given time.
- Laser Scanning: The process of capturing 3D data using a laser beam.
- PRR (Pulse Repetition Rate): The number of laser pulses emitted per second by a LiDAR sensor.
- UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): A drone or remotely operated aircraft used for data collection and surveying.
- Wavelength: The distance between successive peaks of a wave, affecting LiDAR performance and penetration capabilities.
Software and Data Processing
- Accuracy Estimation: The calculation of potential errors in LiDAR surveys.
- Data Fusion: The combination of data from different sources (LiDAR, satellite imagery, GNSS, etc.) to improve geospatial analysis.
- DEM (Digital Elevation Model): A representation of the earth’s terrain, including both natural and man-made features.
- DSM (Digital Surface Model): A digital representation incorporating both the ground and above-ground objects (trees, buildings, etc.).
- DTM (Digital Terrain Model): A digital representation of ground elevations, excluding surface features (buildings, vegetation).
- e-Connect: An application developped by Balko Tech to start and stop sensor recording remotely and give a real time status of the Connectiv modules.
- e-LAS: A software developped by Balko Tech to facilitate project management, and generate a calibrated, aligned, adjusted, colorized and georeferenced point cloud (LAS) in few minutes.
- Georeferencing: Assigning precise geographic coordinates to LiDAR data points.
- GIS (Geographic Information System): A framework for gathering, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data.
- Interpolation: A mathematical method used to estimate values between existing data points.
- Las/laz Files: Common file formats for storing LiDAR point cloud data.
- LiDAR Post-Processing: The set of steps for correcting and analyzing LiDAR data after acquisition.
- Metadata: Descriptive information about a dataset, including sensor details, acquisition time, and processing methods.
- Orthophoto: A geometrically corrected aerial image with uniform scale, used in mapping and GIS applications.
- Point Classification: The process of sorting LiDAR points based on their nature (ground, vegetation, buildings, etc.).
- Point Cloud: A dense collection of LiDAR data points representing a 3D surface.
- Raw Data: Unprocessed LiDAR data collected directly from the sensor.
Operation and Mission
- Absolute Accuracy: The level of accuracy of a point’s position relative to a global coordinate system.
- Apodization: A technique used to reduce interference effects in LiDAR measurements.
- Boresight Alignment: The process of aligning LiDAR and IMU sensors to ensure accurate data collection.
- BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight): A drone operation conducted outside the pilot’s direct visual range.
- Calibration: The process of adjusting and fine-tuning LiDAR sensors to maintain accuracy.
- Correction: The application of adjustments to LiDAR data to reduce errors and improve precision.
- Flight Line: The planned or recorded path followed by an aircraft or UAV during data collection.
- GCP (Ground Control Points): Precisely measured points on the ground used to georeference and correct geospatial data.
- Ground Points: LiDAR points classified as belonging to the earth’s surface.
- Multi-Echo Scanning: A LiDAR feature that records multiple returns of the same laser pulse, useful for analyzing vegetation and complex structures.
- Precision: The degree of consistency and repeatability in measurement results.
- Relative Height: The difference in altitude between two points, often used to measure structures or terrain elevations.
- Resolution (Spatial Resolution): The level of detail in a geospatial dataset, influenced by LiDAR point density.
- Spectral Band: A range of wavelengths used for capturing remote sensing data.
- Survey Checkpoints: Ground points used to assess the accuracy of geospatial data.
- Track Data: Recorded UAV or vehicle trajectory data used for accurate LiDAR alignment.
- Waypoint: A predefined coordinate in a UAV’s flight path used for navigation and mission planning.
This glossary will evolve with technological advancements and user needs. Feel free to suggest additional terms to include!
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