Lidar News Weekly RECAP – Curated and written by Adam Clark
Exploring the potential of fused imaging and Lidar data for seabed classification
Lidar provides highly accurate 3D morphology and robust radiometric data, independent of solar influence. This is combined with multi-band passive imaging (RGB or hyperspectral), which offers detailed surface characteristics, though requiring complex normalization to counteract water column effects like sunglint.
The integrated dataset that merges precise 3D point clouds with rich spectral information yields a comprehensive seabed model. This approach surpasses single-sensor methods like sonar or satellite mapping in efficiency and detail, enabling superior applications such as crucial habitat mapping, environmental monitoring, and detailed underwater archaeology. This technology represents the future of coastal zone geospatial modeling.
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3D LiDAR Makes Stunning Discoveries Inside La Pileta Cave in Spain
Researchers from the University of Seville employed a combination of mobile and terrestrial lidar scanners to create an exceptionally accurate, comprehensive 3D map of Spain’s ancient La Pileta Cave. This high-resolution modeling successfully captured subtle or faded prehistoric rock art which includes animal figures, human silhouettes, and symbolic markings that date from the Upper Paleolithic to the Bronze Age, which were missed by traditional sketching and photography methods. The resulting highly detailed 3D models ensure the precise preservation of this crucial national monument, allowing for deeper archaeological analysis of the spatial relationship between the artworks, cave structures, and artifacts.
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AI-powered mapping takes shape through Maxar-Ecopia partnership
The partnership between Maxar Intelligence and Ecopia AI is scaling up AI-powered mapping to create and continuously maintain high-precision, global-scale geospatial data. By leveraging Maxar’s decade-long archive of 30cm satellite imagery and Ecopia’s AI mapping engine, the collaboration is committed to extracting over one billion features worldwide with more than 95% geometric accuracy. This process effectively eliminates the time-consuming and costly need for manual digitization and map upkeep. The result is the Ecopia 3D Land Cover powered by Maxar, a comprehensive, dynamic, and up-to-date 3D vector foundation that supports government and private-sector applications, including basemapping, change detection, and public safety.
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SandHound, an autonomous quadruped robot revolutionizing coastal surveying
The U.S. Army’s Sand Hound project, with the University of Delaware, is using an autonomous quadruped robot for advanced coastal surveying. The robot uses lidar to map 3D topography and specialized sensors to analyze sediment properties. This research aims to create resilient, machine learning powered robotic systems for efficient coastal engineering, erosion control, and environmental monitoring.
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Adam has spent the past 13 years exploring the world from above by using drones, satellites, and mapping tools to better understand our landscapes. Connect with him on LinkedIn: Adam Clark
