LiDAR Based Research in Tamar Valley

• 06 Jun 2020

Why in News

A U.K.-based team of archeologists has continued its research over the Tamar Valley through LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) despite lockdown due to Covid-19 in the country.

• LiDAR is commonly used by geologists and surveyors to make high-resolution maps.

Tamar Valley

• Tamar valley is located in the south of England and is a rich archaeological landscape with many sites belonging to the Iron Age and Roman era.
• The area is a World Heritage Site due to its historic mining activities.
  
  • A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its special cultural or physical significance.
  • The list of World Heritage Sites is maintained by the international 'World Heritage Programme', administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

LiDAR

• Description:
  
  • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges & variable distances.
  • These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional 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 LiDAR data over broad areas.
• Applications:
  
  • LiDAR is used for agriculture, hydrology and water management systems
  • and geology-related applications.
  • It is also used in archaeology.

Source:TH