Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
LiDAR is an acronym that stands for Light Detection And Ranging. Like radar (radio detection and ranging), LiDAR determines distances from the time it takes for a pulse of energy to travel to a remote target and back to the receiver. Radars use radio waves, but LiDARs use pulses of laser light.
Insect LiDAR
In collaboration with the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division of the National Park Service, we are developing insect LiDAR technologies to study insect populations and ecology in national parks. This builds on our patented wingbeat-modulation LiDAR method Fish LiDAR In collaboration with Jim Churnside's group at NOAA, we are developing airborne LiDAR for mapping spawning locations of invasive Lake Trout that are threatening the prized native Cutthroat Trout in Yellowstone Lake. |
Polarimetric LiDAR
In collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) we are developing polarimetric LiDAR instruments and algorithms for active polarization imaging. Cloud and Aerosol LiDAR We develop dual-polarization LiDARs and polarization imagers to study cloud thermodynamic phase, forest-fire smoke, and aerosols. |
Drone-Based Hyperspectral Imaging for River Ecology
We are developing drone-based hyperspectral imaging methods for detecting harmful algal blooms (HABs) in rivers. The current work targets the Upper Clark Fork River, which was contaminated by a 1908 flood which caused millions of tons of historic mine tailings laden with heavy metals and arsenic to enter the watershed. The large influx of contaminants caused an overabundance of nutrients in aquatic ecosystems, leading to large algal blooms.
Atmospheric Polarization Imaging
We are pioneers in all-sky polarization imaging for understanding
how sky polarization varies with environmental conditions.
how sky polarization varies with environmental conditions.
Hyperspectral Imaging for Precision Agriculture
In collaboration with Iowa State University, we are developing
hyperspectral imaging methods for identifying herbicide-resistant weeds.
hyperspectral imaging methods for identifying herbicide-resistant weeds.
All images are copyright Joseph A. Shaw and Riley D. Logan. Use only with permission.