LIDAR monitoring of the environment

LIDAR has to be considered as a key-tool for environmental remote sensing. A LIDAR measurement, based on the laser induced spectroscopy of a remote target, give the possibility of an accurate and fast monitoring of wide areas with good spatial and temporal resolution. LIDAR applications range from atmosphere to earth-surface remote sensing, offering the possibility of measuring significant environmental parameters, such as the concentration of different pollutants and of biological pigments. LIDAR sensors have been successfully employed from different mobile platforms, including van, ship, helicopter and aeroplane.