Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) mapping system
US6711475B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S19/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is an rapid terrain visualization (RTV) flight management and planning system intended to assist operators of a LIDAR mapping system in planning and conducting aerial surveys. Its primary functions include flight management, survey planning, system control, coverage evaluation, and training. Flight planning capabilities are provided through a survey planner that allows a user to define mission parameters and automatically calculates LIDAR parameters and flight lines. A course deviation indicator (CDI) is provided to the pilot(s) to show both graphically and numerically their perpendicular distance from the current desired flight line. Real-time coverage tracking is provided through a plan progress window that provides a map of the survey area including flight lines. When the aircraft passes through a survey area while the LIDAR is activated, the resulting laser swath traced on the ground is drawn on a plan progress display.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.