Urban reconnaissance with an airborne laser radar (Invited Paper)

Over the past five years the potential utility for 3-D laser radar (LIDAR) to support urban warfare initiatives has grown rapidly. Currently, every major U.S. defense agency, supporting geo-spatial analysis and urban warfare, is now actively using or investigating the potential for high-resolution 3-D LIDAR terrain in future operations. Airborne LIDAR data are now commonly collected with an average spatial posting of 1 meter to 5 cm. The Joint Programs, Sustainment and Development Project Office (JPSD-PO) has contributed significantly to the rapid collection of high-resolution urban terrain using LIDAR sensor technology. JPSD has collected LIDAR data in support of Department of Defense activities throughout the world. Currently, the Urban Recon ACTD is creating the next generation LIDAR sensors for use in tactical environments. Advancements in flash LIDAR data collection and the integration of a complete LIDAR sensor under the Urban Recon ACTD will be examined.