Prehistoric settlements discovered through Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data

Prehistoric settlements discovered through Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Science and technology

In News:

• U.K.-based archaeologists have discovered Roman large embanked settlement enclosures in Tamar Valley, England by analysing images derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data.

Important value additions 

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

• It is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth.
• These light pulses, when combined with other data recorded by the airborne system, generate precise, 3-D information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
• A LiDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver.
• Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring the data.
• It can be used to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.
• Two types of LiDAR are:
  • Topographic typically uses a near-infrared laser to map the land
  • Bathymetric uses water-penetrating green light to measure seafloor and riverbed elevations.