How does LIDAR technology measure the elevation of objects?

LIDAR technology measures the elevation of objects by emitting a series of laser beams directed toward the ground or various surfaces from an aircraft or satellite platform. When these laser beams hit an object, they are reflected back to the sensor. The system calculates the distance to the object based on the time it takes for the laser pulse to return after being emitted. This precise measurement of distance, combined with the known position of the aircraft or platform, allows for the accurate determination of elevation and the creation of detailed three-dimensional representations of terrain and features.

This method is highly effective because it can penetrate through vegetation, enabling the capture of ground elevation data that would otherwise be obscured. The high-resolution data generated by LIDAR is valuable for various applications, including topographic mapping, environmental studies, and urban planning. Other technologies mentioned, such as sonar or GPS, serve different purposes and do not relate directly to the measurement of elevation in the same manner as LIDAR.