Simulating full-waveform LIDAR

• Main Author: Kim, Angela M.
• Other Authors: Borges, Carlos F.
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/4538

LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) is used to remotely measure the threedimensional shapes and arrangements of objects with high efficiency and accuracy by making precise measurements of time-of-flight of pulses of light. Discrete return LIDAR systems provide a discrete series of elevation points corresponding to reflections from objects in the scene. Full-waveform LIDAR systems measure the intensity of light returned to the sensor continuously over a period of time. Relatively little research has been done on full-waveform LIDAR signals. This thesis presents a Monte Carlo model of laser propagation through a tree which allows simulation of full-waveform LIDAR signatures. The model incorporates a LIDAR system and a "natural" scene, including an atmosphere, tree and ground surface. Test cases are presented which enlighten various aspects of the model, and give insight into full-waveform LIDAR data collection and analysis. Changes in the scene such as varying ground reflectance, sloped versus flat ground, and comparisons of "leaf-on" and "leaf-off" conditions are analyzed. Changes in the LIDAR system are also studied, such as changing laser wavelength, shape and length of transmitted pulses, sensing geometry, etc. Results of the simulations and analysis of the effects of physical changes in the scene and sensor are presented.