Lidar

This is how we found ‘The Heaven Sword,’ East Asia’s tallest tree after years of looking

Researchers from Frontiers, a multidisciplinary team, spent years searching for the tallest tree in Taiwan after discovering an estimated 5,000 different species thrive on the island. They used LiDAR technology and citizen scientists to identify the 'Heaven Sword,' a 84.1-meter-tall Taiwania fir, as East Asia's tallest tree.

Buffalo without lake-effect snow? Ancient iceberg scratches reveal a reverse snowbelt

How “digital twins” could help predict the fate of a forest

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a digital twin tool that uses AI and laser mapping to test different management strategies in simulated pine forests. The tool predicts trunk diameter and volume with high accuracy, enabling targeted treatments to minimize waste and bolster financial returns.

LiDAR‑based detection of topographic modifications in medieval mountain castles and their landslide susceptibility

Researchers used LiDAR surveys to analyze medieval mountain castles' topography, distinguishing between human-made and natural landscapes. The study found that castle sites exhibit greater variability in slope compared to unmodified natural ridges, with high slope variability linked to landslide traces within the castle boundaries.

Do you trust me? A framework for making networks of robots and vehicles safer

Researchers propose a foundational framework to help multi-agent, connected systems decide what information they can trust before acting. The 'cy-trust' concept assigns a numerical trust value between 0 and 1 to data from other agents based on sensing, context, network behavior, and past experience.

Drone LiDAR surveys of abandoned roads reveal long-term debris supply driving debris-flow hazards

Researchers used UAV-LiDAR technology to measure deposits on abandoned mountain roads, estimating decadal-scale debris supply. The study found that debris supply increases with steeper slope angles and larger contributing areas, posing a risk for debris flows.

Can smart cameras improve evacuations? A new approach to smarter crowd mapping

Researchers developed a color-guided depth recovery method for non-repetitive LiDAR images to improve real-time crowd monitoring during disasters. The method reconstructs continuous depth structures while preventing over-smoothing and overfilling gaps, achieving improved depth accuracy and structural consistency.

How can you rescue a “kidnapped” robot? A new AI system helps the robot regain its sense of location in dynamic, ever-changing environments

A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.

Mediterranean pine needle loss analyzed for more efficient forest management

Researchers analyzed LiDAR data to identify growth patterns associated with defoliation processes and mortality in artificial pine forests. The study found a link between high temperatures and increased defoliation, and suggests forest management policies should focus on regulating tree density through thinning programs.

AMS 2026 Meeting showcases atmospheric science and the “human factor”

The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.

U of A-led team discovers large ritual constructions by early Mesoamericans

An international team led by University of Arizona archaeologists has discovered a large ritual construction, Aguada Fénix, dating back to 1,000 B.C. The monument measures nearly a mile long and features a cross-shaped pit with ceremonial artifacts, including jade axes and pigments associated with cardinal directions.

Eyes above the trees

Researchers at Kyoto University used LiDAR to measure the crown structure of 4,326 canopy trees across 23 forest census plots in Japan. The analysis revealed that canopy trees account for about 75% of total forest biomass across diverse forest types, providing a foundation for estimating total forest biomass and supporting sustainable ...

New Chesapeake Bay Watershed stream maps double documented stream miles

A new dataset doubles documented stream miles in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, allowing for more accurate characterization of water flow and land use. The high-resolution data will help prioritize restoration projects, such as streamside tree plantings and pollutant filtering.

Archaeologists uncover massive 1000-year-old Native American fields in Northern Michigan that defy limits of farming

Researchers discovered a massive 330-acre ancient agricultural site in Michigan, featuring raised field systems and clustered garden beds. The site, dating back to the 10th century, reveals intensive farming practices by ancestral Native Americans, challenging previous estimates.

New laser smaller than a penny can measure objects at ultrafast rates

Researchers have developed a new laser device smaller than a penny that can conduct extremely fast and accurate measurements by precisely changing its color across a broad spectrum of light. The laser has applications ranging from guiding autonomous vehicles to detecting gravitational waves, a delicate experiment to observe our universe.

Femtosecond-level precision achieved in chip-scale soliton microcombs

Researchers have developed a new platform using dispersion-managed silicon nitride microresonators to suppress timing jitter, achieving femtosecond-level precision. This breakthrough enables the deployment of chip-scale solitons in space navigation, ultrafast data networks, and quantum measurement systems.

Farm robot autonomously navigates, harvests among raised beds

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.

Coastal heritage threatened by climate change

The article highlights the vulnerability of US Gulf coast archaeological sites to climate change-induced sea level rise and extreme weather. The study calls for an integrated approach combining coastal ecosystem management with archaeological and historical resource preservation using Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.

Researchers using lidar and AI to advance transportation engineering and safety

University of Missouri researchers developed a method using lidar and AI to analyze pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle interactions at traffic signals. The approach aims to enhance driver awareness, reduce accidents, and improve mobility.

A new Concordia-developed app can greatly improve ventriculostomy safety and accuracy

A new Concordia-developed app, iSurgARy, uses augmented reality to guide catheter insertion into the brain, improving ventriculostomy safety and accuracy. The app provides spatial awareness of patient anatomy, allowing surgeons to better aim at their target points.

How one researcher equipped with a smartphone is creating detailed reports on the insides of stranded sea creatures

A researcher is using accessible 3D scanning technologies to document and analyze stranded marine mammals, providing precise morphometric assessments and creating interactive visualizations. This approach enhances data collection, democratizes access, and expands the impact of conservation efforts worldwide.

How many trees are there in China?

A study published in Science Bulletin has created a comprehensive tree density map of China, estimating 142.6 billion trees across the country, with varying densities by region and ecosystem type.

UCF alum, professor team up to power next-generation AI data centers

Relativity Networks develops patent-pending HCF cable that transmits data nearly 50% faster than conventional glass fiber, expanding data center geographical optionality. UCF's College of Optics and Photonics supports the innovation through industry partnerships and research collaborations.

Single-photon LiDAR delivers detailed 3D images at distances up to 1 kilometer

A new single-photon time-of-flight LiDAR system can acquire high-resolution 3D images of objects or scenes up to 1 kilometer away, offering improved surveillance and monitoring capabilities. The system uses a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector and achieves a higher spatial resolution than previous systems.

Remote sensing tools yield insights into abandoned pre-Columbian Mexican city

A McGill University researcher has discovered a 15th-century Zapotec site in southern Oaxaca, Mexico, was a sprawling fortified city with over 1,100 buildings. The city's layout suggests the Zapotecs had a well-organized social structure and level of agency in negotiating with the Spanish.

Hyperspectral imaging lidar system achieves remote plastic identification

Researchers developed a compact hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system for remote detection and identification of plastics. The system can identify plastics from 6 meters away with high accuracy, offering a valuable tool for monitoring and analysis of oceanic plastic pollution.

A new technology with UPV hallmark improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems, key technologies for autonomous transport and environmental monitoring

A new technology developed by researchers from UPV, BUPT, CAS Institute, Air Force Early Warning Academy and University of Ottawa improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems by up to 14 times, enabling faster and more accurate navigation in autonomous vehicles and detailed environmental studies.

Reality check: making indoor smartphone-based augmented reality work

A study by Osaka University researchers found that visual landmarks can be difficult to find in certain environments, leading to motion sickness. They propose using radio-frequency localization, such as ultra-wideband sensing, to overcome these challenges and improve indoor augmented reality applications.

NASA Goddard Lidar team receives Center Innovation Award for Advancements

The NASA Goddard Lidar team has developed a system that can produce higher resolution data within a smaller space, significantly increasing efficiency compared to current models. This technology, known as CASALS, uses artificial intelligence and other technologies to allow the instrument to make its own decisions while in orbit.

Researchers use high-resolution images to create model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas

A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.

Lehigh partners with North Carolina A&T to enhance flood damage mapping with AI and advanced radar

The partnership aims to improve the speed and accuracy of flood damage assessments by combining multi-modal data sources and a novel vision language model. The system will enable first responders to quickly allocate resources and respond more efficiently to weather disasters.

Giving robots superhuman vision using radio signals

PanoRadar leverages radio waves and AI to enable robots to navigate challenging environments like smoke-filled buildings or foggy roads with high resolution. The system combines measurements from all rotation angles to enhance imaging resolution, creating a dense array of virtual measurement points.

Novel quantum lidar achieves high-sensitivity wind detection

Researchers developed a quantum lidar system using up-conversion detector technology to record optical signals over a wide bandwidth. The system achieved wind field detection at a distance of 16 km with improved sensitivity and consistency compared to traditional lidar systems.

How to design autonomous machines that are more reliable and less costly

Researchers propose a new approach to reduce the tradeoff between overhead and protecting machines against vulnerabilities. The 'Vulnerability-Adaptive Protection Paradigm' applies different protection strategies to different parts of the system, allocating resources more wisely.

A statistical study on the correlation between sporadic Ca+ layer and Es in Beijing (40.5°N, 116°E)

Researchers found a correlation of 61.89% between sporadic Ca+ layers and Es over Beijing, increasing to 90% above 100 km. Seasonal variation was observed, particularly during summer, attributed to variations in metal ions.

EarthCARE's lidar shows particles in the atmosphere in detail

The ATLID atmospheric lidar is a state-of-the-art instrument that records detailed vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds in the atmosphere. The new data from EarthCARE's lidar will significantly advance our understanding of aerosols, clouds, and their interactions with climate change.

Wildland firefighters hit their STRIDE

Researchers from University of Utah introduced Simulating Travel Rates in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) model to predict walking travel times with unprecedented accuracy. The model considers slope steepness, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness for efficient routes.

Tracking the color of light

Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method using tunable lasers, enabling precise tracking of the laser's color at every point in time. The technique offers higher power and spectral stability compared to existing methods, making it suitable for various applications including LIDAR and spectroscopy.

How spaceborne satellites can help with forest monitoring

The study uses spaceborne lidar to estimate canopy height, providing accurate measurements over large geographic regions. The results show promising accuracy for evergreen forests with dense canopy cover, highlighting the potential of ICESat-2 in monitoring forest recovery and detecting health issues.

Streamlined microcomb design provides control with the flip of a switch

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

This highly reflective black paint makes objects more visible to autonomous cars

Researchers developed a highly reflective black paint that improves detection of dark objects by lidar sensors in self-driving cars. The new paint, made with titanium dioxide, was tested on two types of lidar sensors and showed improved performance compared to traditional carbon-based paints.

Details of hurricane Ian’s aftermath captured with new remote sensing method

A new remote sensing method captures details of hurricane Ian's aftermath, identifying 2,427 structures impacted by the storm. The study found that most damaged structures were single-family and multi-unit residences, with a total assessed value of over $200 million.

Airborne single-photon lidar system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging

Researchers have developed a compact and lightweight single-photon airborne lidar system that can acquire high-resolution 3D images with a low-power laser. The system uses single-photon detection techniques to measure time-of-flight, enabling highly accurate 3D mapping of terrain and objects even in challenging environments.

High-resolution lidar sees birth zone of cloud droplets

Researchers developed a high-resolution lidar technique that can measure cloud droplet number concentrations remotely. The device provides unprecedented fine-scale structure at the base of clouds, enabling scientists to gain insight into aerosol-cloud interactions and their impact on climate.

Revolutionizing drone navigation: AI algorithms take flight

Researchers at University of Missouri are developing software that allows drones to fly independently, perceiving and interacting with their environment while achieving specific goals. This technology has the potential to assist in mapping and monitoring applications, such as 3D or 4D advanced imagery for disaster response.

New UAF lidar will add to space weather research capability

The new lidar will measure temperature and neutrally charged iron in the upper atmosphere, supporting experiments at HAARP. It is expected to be operational later this year and will provide complementary measurements to existing lidars.

High-tech aerial mapping reveals England’s hedgerow landscape

Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.

Towards more accurate 3D object detection for robots and self-driving cars

Researchers developed a network that combines 3D LiDAR and 2D image data to improve small object detection accuracy. The model outperformed existing methods in various noise conditions, with average precision improvements of up to 7.18%.

360-degree head-up display view could warn drivers of road obstacles in real time

Researchers developed a 360-degree head-up display system that can project holographic representations of road obstacles, improving road safety. The system uses LiDAR data to create accurate and dynamic information about potential hazards.

Researchers create stable hybrid laser by 3D printing micro-optics onto fibers

The researchers successfully created a stable hybrid laser by 3D printing micro-optics onto fibers, reducing the size and cost of traditional lasers. The new design enables high-power laser sources with compactness and robustness, opening up opportunities for applications such as autonomous vehicles, medical procedures, and lithography.

Breakthrough in coherent two-photon LIDAR overcomes range limitations

Researchers have developed Coherent Two-Photon LIDAR, eliminating range limitations imposed by coherence time. This technique uses phase-dependent interference to measure distances beyond the coherence time of the light source.

Researchers extend non-line-of-sight imaging towards longer wavelengths

The new system enables infrared non-line-of-sight imaging, improving safety and efficiency for unmanned vehicles and robotic vision applications. Spatial resolution of less than 2 cm achieved at both 1560 and 1997 nm wavelengths.

Precise control of photonic angular momentum

The development of a new photonic technique enables the precise control of photonic angular momentum, allowing for the efficient recognition and real-time control of total angular momentum modes. The technique, which involves the symmetrical cascading of two units, has been experimentally demonstrated to recognize up to 42 individual T...

New camera offers ultrafast imaging at a fraction of the normal cost

Researchers developed a new diffraction-gated real-time ultrahigh-speed mapping (DRUM) camera that captures dynamic events in a single exposure at 4.8 million frames per second. The camera uses off-the-shelf components and is fast enough to capture highly dynamic biomedical processes or enable high-speed lidar systems.

Vision for future micro-optical technology based on metamaterials

Researchers propose integrated metasurfaces that can be combined with standard optical components like LEDs and LCDs for commercialization. Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for developing innovative optical platforms.

Roman road network spanning the South West identified in new research

Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a Roman road network spanning Devon and Cornwall using LiDAR scans and geographical modelling. The network, which connected settlements with military forts, reveals that North Tawton was a strategically vital connection point.

Enhanced light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures

A new approach boosts light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures, increasing the absorption efficiency over a wide band in the NIR spectrum. The findings demonstrate a promising strategy to enhance the performance of Si-based photodetectors for emerging photonics applications.

From chaos to light

A team of researchers from EPFL has found a way to harness the unique features of chaotic frequency combs to implement unambiguous and interference-immune massively parallel laser ranging. This innovative approach offers significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling hundreds of multicolor independent optical carriers.

Wide field-of-view metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar technology

Researchers have proposed an innovative solution to address limitations of lidar technology, enabling imaging in low SNR environments. The novel technique uses a high-scanning speed AOD and metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar, extending ambiguity range by up to 35 times.

Unexpected coupling with leaky mode unveils new path for dense photonic integration

A novel coupling mechanism involving leaky mode has been uncovered, enabling zero crosstalk between closely spaced waveguides. This discovery drastically increases the coupling length of transverse-magnetic (TM) mode, expanding the potential for dense photonic integration.