Some essential benefits of bathymetric lidar

Nowadays, technologies have developed a lot, and it has become possible to collect topographical data for various purposes through different methods. Currently, there are methods to measure the depth of an ocean floor along with the land areas using light sensors. Bathymetric lidar is one technique or process used to collect geospatial data, mainly at the coastline, using bathymetric sensors (light rays).

A bathymetric lidar is an aerial surveying technique with remote sensing facilities which can measure variable distances depending the on the strength of the light rays. Lidar systems are now widely used by many professionals to examine natural as well as manmade environments. Here you can find some of the essential benefits of using bathymetric lidar technology.

What is bathymetric lidar?

Lidar is a remote sensing method to find particular objects on the earth using light from a pulsed laser. It can be used to measure distances between different objects or components precisely. Usually, lidar technology involves using light sensors via an aerial system (usually planes or drones). It is used to get three-dimensional information about the shape of the earth's surface and its different characteristics, including the height of certain parts of ground hills, hilly regions, etc.

Bathymetric lidar is one type of Lidar system wherein water penetration lights (usually blue or green or blue-green) are used to measure the elevations of seafloor and riverbeds, along with the nearby land areas (coastal regions, usually underwater). Topobathymetriclidar sensors accurately represent the shape of the water, nearby land, and submerged land areas. Thus, it will provide a 3D figure of the space required for various purposes. Usually, the Lidar system is used airborne via an airplane or a helicopter to cover all the regions easily.

Benefits of using a bathymetric lidar system

Nowadays, bathymetric lidar systems are used widely for different purposes – usually for surveys and mapping requirements. The critical applications of this technology involve shoreline and coastline intelligence, habitat restoration, floodplain modeling, volumetric analysis, engineering works, planning infrastructure, coastal zone management, etc.

·      To prevent natural disasters – avoid risks of disaster

A bathymetric lidar system is one of the best technologies that can be used to prevent the risks of natural disasters. It provides improved and accurate geological data that enables geologists – disaster management experts to take necessary actions quickly. Lidar technology is a suitable method for surveying wherein they can find accurate details about everything underwater. Usually, surveys regarding disaster management involve surveying deformation, sediment content, cross-sections, erosions, and bank height. Since bathymetric lidar can measure everything accurately from water to land (coast), this system is widely used.

·      It can help in finding geological data quickly within a short time

A bathymetric lidar survey is relatively time efficient compared to other survey methods. The area will be flown over and imaged within a day, but the actual time depends on the total area to be covered. Currently, Lidar surveys are conducted using airplanes, drones, or helicopters. A helicopter can be used for the study if it is a flexible base location with a very low altitude. On the other hand, flights are operated to take surveys of long, extended areas.

·      The technology can be used for a wide range of applications

As mentioned earlier bathymetric lidar is used for various purposes, like developing hydrological models, drainage management, flood control, land planning, construction, etc. Some of the important uses of the Lidar systems are the following.

o   Environment modeling

Bathymetric lidar surveying supports environmental monitoring by mapping every surface characteristic of a particular area. It helps create a 3D model of the site with accurate measurements.

o   Engineering works

As mentioned above, bathymetric lidar is an effective way to capture both sea floor and land details simultaneously. It will provide a detailed 3D elevation model along the coastline that can be used for specific engineering–construction works (mainly bridges, dams, canals, etc.). Lidar technology will measure water depth in different areas, which can help engineers find rock formations and underwater land deformations.

·      Monitoring and predicting the behavior of water bodies – floods

With the help of bathymetric lidar, people can predict a change in the behavior of water bodies. Regular surveys are conducted to make predictions of how the flood spreads.

·      Cost-effective method for surveying that can offer efficient results

Using bathymetric lidar technology for surveying is cost-effective when compared with other methods. It will also provide accurate results.

How to find the right company for bathymetric lidar service?

Currently, there are a lot of bathymetric lidar companies providing various levels of services. But to get the best service, you must choose a leading company.

·      Always choose a well-experienced Lidar company

It would be best to look for a well-experienced company, especially for projects like bathymetric lidar surveying. A well-experienced service provider will have good knowledge about the project and handle it in the best possible manner.

·      Make sure that the company is providing thorough information

Projects like lidar surveying usually require thorough research from experts. Only an excellent responsive team can complete the project with great precision.

Conclusion

Nowadays, bathymetric lidar systems are used in many places for various purposes, offering promising results. If you are looking forward to finding a service provider where you can get this service, then NV5 would be a great choice. It is an all-in-one service provider company where you can discover lidar and other related services.