Laser scanning helps US scientists map devastation at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon

Oct. 22, 2001
OCTOBER 22--US scientists are using airborne laser swath mapping and ground-based laser scanning to map regions around the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

OCTOBER 22--US scientists are using airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM) and ground-based laser scanning to map regions around the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. By collecting millions of laser measurements from the ground, rubble, and buildings at these areas, the team will build three-dimensional models of the disaster sites. The collaboration involves the US Department of Defense Joint Precision Strike Demonstration, the University of Florida, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Geodetic Survey, and Canadian imaging-equipment maker Optech.

Airborne imaging provides broad coverage of the mapping areas, while ground-based laser scanning gives higher resolution. By combining the two, the researchers obtain the information they need to make topological maps of the regions. "These maps will be more detailed and accurate than any other maps used by recovery workers and planners," said team-member Dave Bloomquist of the University of Florida.

Based on laser radar, the systems operate in a similar way to ordinary radar. Narrow light pulses reflect off an object and return to a sensor or counter. The sensor then measures the time traveled by the pulse and converts it into distance.

Bloomquist says that the ALSM system emits 10,000 pulses per second and collects data every 2 m. By flying over an area several times, the team can increase the density at which they collect data. "[Soon] we will have an updated 33-kHz system," he added. "This will reduce the spacing to around 0.5 m."

The team expects to return to the World Trade Center within the next two months to complete the mapping.

Voice Your Opinion

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vision Systems Design, create an account today!