Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Multi-Spectral Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors are a new and emerging technology serving several civil, industrial and military applications. With the launch of the new Teledyne Optech sensor ""Titan"", applications using LiDAR technology entered a new era. The Titan sensor is a laser scanner sensor which operates in three different wavelengths simultaneously (1550, 1064, and 532 nm) and allows recording of object properties from the reflectance of the laser energy of objects. The use of the back scatter energy of the LiDAR sensor pulses (intensity data) has been extensively explored over the last few years. Recent research showed the potential use of the intensity data in land cover classification. However, extensive processing is required to radiometrically correct the intensity data and there is a need for special classification algorithms to maximize the benefit from the use of the LiDAR intensity data. The proposed project will contribute to the Titan technology by further developing and enhancing the radiometric correction models of the LiDAR intensity data. The research team will collaborate with the industrial partner to embed its developments of the radiometric correction process within the process of data collection and delivery. The proposed project is also aiming to develop new image and point classification algorithms that use both the range and intensity data collected by the new sensor for land cover classification. Special focus is given to develop algorithms that work efficiently for land/water delineation automatically from the LiDAR multispectral data. The project will have a direct impact on the LiDAR industry, taking the lead on facilitating the use of multi-spectral LiDAR data. It will also support Canadian leadership in the laser industry.