Technological advances in the performance of small micro-lasers and photo-detector sensitivity have recently enabled the development of experimental airborne lidar systems with low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). These systems show the potential to perform highly accurate topographic and bathymetric mapping. There is a need to build up a modeling capability in order to aid in future system and mission design. A numerical sensor model has been developed to predict measurement performance from low SNR lidar systems. Both optical and signal processing components are considered, along with other factors including atmospheric effects and surface conditions.
['T. Cossio', 'K.C. Slatton', 'K. Y. Shrestha', 'W.E. Carter']
Performance Prediction for Low-SNR Lidar Sensors