Which technology uses laser beams to create elevation models?

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate detailed elevation models of the Earth's surface. The process involves emitting laser beams from an aircraft or ground-based system, which then bounce off objects and return to the sensor. By calculating the time it takes for the laser light to return, LIDAR can accurately determine the distance to the objects, allowing for the creation of high-resolution 3D models of topography and features like vegetation and buildings.

This ability to provide precise elevation data makes LIDAR particularly useful in various applications, including mapping, forestry, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. The technology excels in penetrating vegetation to reveal the ground surface, creating digital elevation models that are much more detailed than those obtained through traditional surveying methods.

In contrast, RADAR uses radio waves and is better suited for different applications such as weather observation or aircraft navigation, while photogrammetry relies on photographs to create measurements and models rather than direct distance measurements. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a framework for managing and analyzing spatial data but does not, itself, collect elevation information directly. LIDAR stands out for its specialized capability in generating detailed and accurate elevation models.