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!
Other news
News
10 February 2025
VUX-120 LiDAR is now available on the Connectiv modular system
At Balko Tech, we are proud to announce the addition of the VUX-120 LiDAR module to the Connectiv...