Lesson 1 – Introduction to LiDAR
This lesson provides an introduction to the topic of LiDAR and its use. It provides a quick historic overview of how the whole Platform came to life and what are the basics of each platform.
Lesson 2 – LiDAR platform elements
This lesson is a direct continuation of the previous lesson and it provides a deeper look into the topics of LiDAR platform elements. It discusses each of the main components into details and explains to the student what is an Inertial Measurement Unit, Global Positioning System and Laser Ranger (IMU, GPS, LR).
Lesson 3 – Introduction to LiDAR metrics
This lesson is the final part of the introductory lessons and it focuses on the topic of the data formats and expected outputs. The main part of the lesson is focused on the core of the LiDAR methodology, which is the multiple returns recording of the pulse. In the last section, an differentiation of the topics of digital elevation models and digital surface models is provided to the student.
Lesson 4 – Spaceborne LiDAR systems
After the introduction, we begin analysing each of the main LiDAR sub-systems by providing the historic overview of the systems and the main principles of their function. Additionally, we paint the picture on how the data from such platform is used. For lesson 4, we talk about spaceborne LiDAR systems. We learn about the various types of spaceborne LiDAR sensors available out there and about spaceborne system builders (NASA, etc). Additionally, we learn about various use scenarios for spaceborne LiDAR data.
Lesson 5 – Airborne LiDAR systems
For lesson 5, we talk about airborne LiDAR systems, about the various types of airborne LiDAR platforms and their pros and cons over the others. We discuss the use cases for these platforms and when would it be more appropriate to use one over the other.
Lesson 6 – UAV LiDAR systems
For lesson 6, we talk about UAV LiDAR systems and about UAV LiDAR platform and how it integrates with the existing UAVs. We learn for which use cases it is the best technology to go for and when it should be avoided. Additionally, we learn about error sources and what to keep in mind when using this technology.
Lesson 7 – Terrestrial LiDAR systems
For lesson 7, we talk about terrestrial LiDAR systems, about the usual terrestrial LiDAR platforms and their benefits over other surveying systems. We showcase of some typical projects done with the terrestrial LiDAR systems and learn on when to use it and when should it be avoided in project work.
Lesson 8 – Bathymetric LiDAR systems
For lesson 8, we talk about bathymetric LiDAR systems, learning about underwater LiDAR scanning and the special type of LiDAR laser beam which is green or blue. We learn about the various carrier systems and existing solutions and show a typical look of a Bathymetric LiDAR data.
Lesson 9 – Special Types of LiDAR systems
In this lesson we are learning of the new development when it comes to the use of LiDAR platforms in a multispectral filed, about how they are built and what do we use them for and about the existing multispectral projects.
Lesson 10 – Management of LiDAR data
After gaining an detailed overview of the existing platforms, we switch our focus to the topics of learning about various LiDAR data formats and the type of information they contain. We talk about the compression algorithm and why or how one should use it. Additionally, we learn about the organisation of the LiDAR data and about LAS and LAZ data formats.
Lesson 11 – LiDAR Applications for building extraction
In this lesson we go into more practical topics and use theory to cover the approach to the problematic of building extraction and how to think when wanting to deal with the topic. We focus on what is important when working with buildings, necessary point cloud density and how to think when buildings are in the main focus for data collection.
Lesson 12 – LiDAR Applications in forestry
Similar to the previous lesson, In this lesson, we go into more practical topics and use theory to cover the approach to the problematic of forest parameter extraction and how to think when wanting to deal with the topic. We focus on what is important when it comes to forestry applications, necessary parameters for data analysis and ways to approach the problematics.
Lesson 13 – Other LiDAR data applications overview
This lecture talks about the general segregation of various application cases and it is advantages or disadvantages over other use cases
Lesson 14 – LiDAR Accuracy and data corrections
Ever wanted to know answers to questions like: What are the typical sources of error for LiDAR platforms, how big is the cumulative error pool, how can we correct it and minimise the error rate, how to clean the data and edit it, or even what are some of the typical LiDAR misconceptions? Then this lesson is the perfect lesson for you!
Lesson 15 – LiDAR visualization in the web
The final lesson of the series will introduce you to the topic of massive point cloud visualization on the web and steer you towards the proper way of thinking when working with such data.