What is the primary function of Airborne LIDAR systems?

Airborne LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems primarily function to measure the three-dimensional coordinates of passive targets on the Earth's surface. By emitting laser beams and measuring the time it takes for the light to return after bouncing off the target, LIDAR systems can create highly accurate, detailed, and high-resolution models of the terrain and features on the ground. This capability is essential for applications in topographic mapping, vegetation analysis, and urban planning, where understanding the exact positioning of features is critical.

The precision of LIDAR allows for capturing complex structures, including buildings, trees, and varying landforms, making it a valuable tool in civil engineering and environmental studies. The technology is particularly advantageous because it can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, providing data that can be analyzed for various engineering and planning purposes.