Lidar signal depolarization by solid targets and application of polarimetric lidar to terrain mapping and 3D imagery

Xiaoying Cao; Gilles Roy; Robert Bernier; Gregoire Tremblay; Simon Roy; Christian Laflamme

doi:10.1117/12.883883

2 June 2011 Lidar signal depolarization by solid targets and application of polarimetric lidar to terrain mapping and 3D imagery

Xiaoying Cao, Gilles Roy, Robert Bernier, Gregoire Tremblay, Simon Roy, Christian Laflamme

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8040, Active and Passive Signatures II; 80400Q (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883883
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Ladar technology has long since established its advantages as a reliable method for automated Terrain Mapping. One still remaining important problem of this methodology though happens at data processing time. Ladars generate huge amounts of data referred to as 'point clouds'. The very first task in data processing consists of segmenting the terrain image between ground and non-ground data points. The standard processing methods all rely on some slope analysis technique. At the present moment, all these techniques still require interactive evaluation and manual editing of the results. In this work, Ladar polarization is used to discriminate between solid targets by using their polarization signatures. The addition of this feature, over and above range and intensity, could greatly help in the process wherein ground and nonground points are to be separated. Linear and circular polarizations measurements were performed on different specimens in various conditions and at various wavelengths. The results presented herein are a validation of the fact that typical solid targets show a response to the Ladar sensor which conforms to the behavior predicted by the most recent polarimetric BDRF theories. Hence, their polarization signature is expected to be repeatable. The results presented herein also show that, to the extent that more than one wavelength is used, solid targets can be discriminated against each other by the use of their polarization signatures.

Citation Download Citation

Xiaoying Cao, Gilles Roy, Robert Bernier, Gregoire Tremblay, Simon Roy, and Christian Laflamme "Lidar signal depolarization by solid targets and application of polarimetric lidar to terrain mapping and 3D imagery", Proc. SPIE 8040, Active and Passive Signatures II, 80400Q (2 June 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883883

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available