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Laser mapping project shows effects of physical changes in Antarctica's Dry Valleys

Researchers have released high-resolution maps of Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys, allowing scientists to compare present-day conditions with lower-resolution surveys conducted 13 years ago. The data provide detailed topography and insights into landscape changes, including rapid erosion along streams.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateAug 8, 2017

NASA tests autopilot sensors during simulations

NASA's Satellite Servicing Projects Division tested three rendezvous and proximity operations sensors in a simulated environment. The testing confirmed improved performance for light intensity and range measurements, and will help build flight cameras and Lidar systems for satellite servicing.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 7, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Seeing the forest through the trees with a new LiDAR system

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have created a new LiDAR system that can survey obscured ground using gated digital holography methods. This technology allows for 3D topography surveys through foliage or other obstacles, with potential applications in disaster relief and self-driving cars.

SourceOptica·DateJun 27, 2017

Legends of the lost reservoirs

Researchers uncover sophisticated irrigation and water-management techniques used by ancient Puebloans in the American Southwest, including the use of corn as a water-intensive crop. The team's findings shed light on how past societies managed their environment and survive in dry deserts, informing modern sustainability strategies.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 29, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

NASA Goddard scientist wins 2017 GLBT Scientist Award

Matthew McGill, a NASA Goddard researcher, has made significant contributions to understanding climate change impacts through the application of lidar technology. His work on the Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has been successfully operating on the International Space Station for two years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 19, 2017

Space-based lidar shines new light on plankton

A space-based sensor has provided a continuous look at phytoplankton boom-bust cycles, revealing they are more tied to the push-pull relationship between predators and prey. The study suggests blooms start when growth rates are slow, not when rates reach a threshold rate.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 19, 2016

New instrument could search for signatures of life on Mars

A new instrument prototype, BILI, uses fluorescence-based lidar to search for organic bio-signatures on Mars and other targets in the solar system. The instrument can scan terrain from a distance of several hundred meters, detecting small levels of complex organic materials in real-time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 1, 2016

Lidar scanning can help identify structurally heterogeneous forest areas

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland developed methods to obtain indicators for tree size inequality using lidar technology. The researchers created maps of several study areas in Finland and Spain, identifying various structural properties of forests and evaluating different types of forest management regimes. These f...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEcological Indicators·DateNov 25, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

NASA study suggests carbon content of temperate forests overestimated

A new NASA study finds that the carbon content of temperate US forests is likely overestimated by 70%, due to a sampling bias in measuring tree height and biomass. Researchers used lidar technology to analyze millions of trees, providing more accurate estimates of forest carbon storage.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2015

NASA Goddard technology helps fight forest pests

The collaboration uses G-LiHT to measure signs and symptoms of forest health, detecting changes in leaf pigments and spotting infested trees with thermal infrared cameras. This technology helps track emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle populations, informing post-infestation control measures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 31, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Camera chip provides superfine 3-D resolution

A new nanophotonic coherent imager (NCI) developed at Caltech uses an inexpensive silicon chip to provide the highest depth-measurement accuracy of any such device. The NCI produces high-resolution 3D images with micron-level resolution, enabling applications in 3D scanning and printing, driverless cars, and human machine interfaces.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 3, 2015

Researchers get a rabbit's-eye view

The study uses LiDAR and remote sensing to create detailed maps of vegetation cover that provide concealment for prey, helping researchers understand the impact of human activities on wildlife habitats. The findings have implications for land management decisions and restoration of landscapes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioScience·DateDec 3, 2014

NASA's CATS eyes clouds, smoke and dust from the space station

The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument on the International Space Station measures aerosols and cloud layers, providing data to improve air quality forecasts and track hazardous events like wildfires. This information will also feed into climate models to better understand Earth's energy balance.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 1, 2014

Laser from a plane discovers Roman goldmines in Spain

A recent study using LiDAR technology has uncovered the ancient Roman goldmines in Spain, including channels, reservoirs, and a double river diversion. The findings provide new insights into the labour-intensive extraction process and highlight the importance of geo-archaeology in understanding Roman mining techniques.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 20, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New technology may speed up, build awareness of landslide risks

Researchers developed a non-subjective technology to analyze and classify landslide risks on a landscape scale, revealing some areas have landslides from one time or another in history. The new system can identify risks common to broad areas, potentially leading to increased awareness and informed land use decisions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalComputers & Geosciences·DateNov 19, 2014

Seeking quantum-ness: D-Wave chip passes rigorous tests

Researchers at USC have validated the quantum nature of D-Wave processors using elaborate tests on its functional qubits. The results consistently agree with quantum models but contradict classical models, indicating the presence of quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 5, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pollen influences optical properties of the atmosphere

Scientists measure pollen's optical properties using laser technology, finding it can be a significant natural source of aerosol particles. The study reveals pollen's vertical distribution in the atmosphere, highlighting its impact on air quality and temperature.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateDec 18, 2013

Revised location of 1906 rupture of San Andreas Fault in Portola Valley

Researchers used high-resolution imaging technology to locate the 1906 fault trace, resolving decades of confusion caused by human error. The primary rupture occurred along a single western trace of the San Andreas Fault, with no step-over within the town.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

First high-resolution national carbon map -- Panama

Researchers have developed a high-fidelity national carbon map of Panama using field data, satellite imagery, and LiDAR measurements. The maps provide unprecedented accuracy in estimating carbon stocks at the national level, with an uncertainty of around 10% per hectare.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJul 22, 2013

Mobile LIDAR technology expanding rapidly

Mobile LIDAR promises to change the way we see, study, and record the world around us, providing highly detailed and precise maps of landscapes. The technology has vast potential in various fields, including surveying, transportation engineering, and virtual tourism.

SourceOregon State University·DateMar 15, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A new point of reference for offshore energy development

A new Department of Energy research facility will test new technologies for offshore wind and ocean power development. The Reference Facility for Offshore Renewable Energy will help verify the accuracy of data from new measurement technologies, providing confidence for potential investors.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 8, 2013

October LITHOSPHERE delivered online

Recent studies in Lithosphere magazine reveal that vertical-axis rotations can significantly impact shortening estimates with potential errors of up to 14%. Additionally, researchers investigate non-Pratt component of oceanic isostasy, finding a dynamic response within the Earth's mantle necessary for equilibrium. Meanwhile, pulsed def...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateSep 25, 2012

Quantum computers could help search engines keep up with the Internet's growth

Researchers at USC have demonstrated that quantum computing can potentially speed up web page ranking calculations, making it easier for search engines to keep up with the ever-expanding Internet. The study showed that a quantum computer could return the ranking of the most important pages in the web faster than traditional computers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 12, 2012
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

LiDAR technology reveals faults near Lake Tahoe

A new USGS study using LiDAR technology confirms the existence of previously suspected faults west of Lake Tahoe, increasing seismic hazard assessment for the region. The study also identifies an earthquake-induced landslide hazard along the fault-formed range front.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateMay 24, 2012

Pattern of large earthquakes on San Jacinto fault identified with help of LiDAR

Researchers have mapped past ruptures consistent with very large earthquakes along the Clark Fault, an individual strand associated with the San Jacinto Fault system. LiDAR technology was used to analyze terrain and identify three large seismic events at evenly spaced intervals.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateMar 29, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

3-D laser map shows earthquake zone before and after

Researchers create comprehensive 3-D map of earthquake zone using LiDAR technology, revealing details of fault ruptures and deformation. The study provides insights into how earthquakes change the landscape, shedding light on minor faults that contribute to major earthquakes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2012

3-D laser map shows earthquake before and after

A team of scientists used LiDAR to create a detailed 3-D map of the earthquake zone, revealing deformation around small faults that caused the quake. The study provides insight into how multi-fault earthquakes occur and sheds light on the behavior of earthquake faults.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2012

Geosphere science posted online ahead of print -- Jan. 12-23

Recent geosphere research interprets Eocene–Early Miocene paleotopography in Nevada and examines the origin of the Colorado Mineral Belt. The study also investigates Miocene magmatism in the Bodie Hills volcanic field, California and Nevada, and compares mountain building processes in Alaska.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJan 25, 2012

New program to expand, enhance use of LIDAR sensing technology

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computer program that enables highway construction engineers to analyze soil movements caused by active landslides and erosion in real-time. This technology uses LIDAR to better assess and deal with these issues, ultimately improving construction quality and safety.

SourceOregon State University·DateOct 10, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

BSSA tip sheet for June 2011

Researchers found that a buried mangrove layer in the Caribbean dampens seismic waves, reducing liquefaction risk. A new active fault was also identified near Lake Tahoe using LiDAR technology, potentially threatening the area with a magnitude 6.4-6.9 earthquake.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 6, 2011

LIDAR applications in coastal morphology and hazard assessment

Researchers used LIDAR technology to measure changes in coastal morphology following a catastrophic series of landslides in Matata, New Zealand. The study found that debris flows sourced from the Awatarariki stream transported over 350,000 cubic meters of debris, and mapped sediment flow paths with high accuracy.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalGeomorphology·DateNov 23, 2010

First-of-its-kind map details the height of the globe's forests

Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind map detailing the height of the world's forests using satellite data. The map provides insights into how much carbon the world's forests store and how it cycles through ecosystems, helping to explain the 'missing' 2 billion tons of carbon annually.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 20, 2010

Space technology revolutionizes archaeology, understanding of Maya

Researchers from the University of Central Florida used LiDAR technology to map the ancient Maya city of Caracol, detecting over 11,000 new structures and confirming its size. The technology revealed extensive agricultural terracing, showing the Maya were adept at 'building green' long before modern terminology.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMay 11, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

RIT captures Haiti disaster with high-tech imaging system

The Rochester Institute of Technology is using a high-tech imaging system to map the damage in Haiti and provide critical insight for recovery efforts. The system, which combines thermal imaging and LIDAR technology, is being used to detect fires, chemical spills, and surface contamination.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJan 22, 2010
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

NIST's LIDAR may offer peerless precision in remote measurements

Researchers at NIST have developed a laser ranging system that can pinpoint objects with nanometer precision over distances up to 100 kilometers. The novel LIDAR system combines the best of two approaches and features rapid updates from multiple reference points simultaneously every 200 microseconds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 24, 2009

Next generation digital maps are laser sharp

A new study reveals that airborne laser elevation (lidar) surveys provide a 10-fold improvement in topographical feature measurement precision. This technology adds greater clarity to mapping streams and rivers, allowing for better habitat analysis and restoration. The results have significant implications for various fields such as fo...

SourceBoston College·JournalEos·DateFeb 12, 2009

New LIDAR system sees the sky in 3-D

A new LIDAR system developed by EPFL will provide continuous data on atmospheric humidity for Western Switzerland's weather forecasting headquarters. The system offers excellent spatial and temporal resolution, outperforming traditional LIDAR systems in stability and reliability.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateAug 26, 2008

New technology may help Olympic sailing

Researchers have developed a mobile lidar station that can measure wind fields more accurately, which could help world-class athletes compete in international competitions. The technology is being tested in conjunction with the XXIX Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Qingdao.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 30, 2008

Montana State University grad students earn prestigious NASA fellowships

Two Montana State University graduate students, David Hoffman and Amin Nehrir, have been awarded prestigious $30,000 NASA fellowships for their research on lidar technology. They will work with top scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center, developing instruments to study the climate and atmospheric science.

SourceMontana State University·DateJun 13, 2008
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

EARLINET, European research for climatic change analysis

The European research project EARLINET-ASOS is analyzing the effects of atmospheric aerosol particles on climate change. By monitoring aerosol concentrations and origins across Europe, scientists aim to improve predictions of climate systems.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateMay 21, 2008

LIDAR imaging detector could build 'super road maps' of planets and moons

Researchers at RIT's RIDL create a new type of LIDAR detector that can build high-resolution topography and atmospheric property measurements. The device will extend NASA science capabilities for planetary applications, enabling robots and astronauts to navigate and explore celestial bodies with greater accuracy.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateMay 15, 2008

On shaky ground: UH Prof finds geological faults threaten Houston

A University of Houston geologist has found over 300 surface faults in Harris County, posing a risk to buildings and infrastructure. The faults could move up to 1 inch a year, causing damage over several years and potentially leading to flooding on the subsiding side.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGeosphere·DateApr 24, 2008
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New approach to measuring carbon in forests

Researchers are developing a new method for measuring forest carbon stores on a large scale using the ECHIDNA instrument. The technique combines ground-based LiDAR data with airborne and spaceborne sensors to provide accurate estimates of forest biomass.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 25, 2008

Viewing ecosystems from above

Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies, such as lidar and high fidelity imaging spectroscopy, enable researchers to study ecological systems at multiple levels. These tools provide essential information for characterizing landscape dynamics and quantifying ecosystem functions related to biogeochemical cycling.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateAug 7, 2007

NASA post-hurricane Katrina images available on Google Earth

The U.S. Geological Survey's Coastal and Marine Geology Program investigates the extent and causes of coastal impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on U.S. coasts. NASA technology provides rapid assessment of coastal conditions, supporting USGS research programs and emergency response agencies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 3, 2006
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.