Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica ›› 2022, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (6): 964-982.doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2022.20220174

• Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Advances of spaceborne laser altimetry technology

SHAN Jie, TIAN Xiangxi, LI Shuang, LI Renfei   

  1. School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN 47907, USA
  • Received:2022-03-07 Revised:2022-04-13 Published:2022-07-02

Abstract: Spaceborne laser altimetry technology has become one of the main technologies for all-round global observation. Its high accuracy, all-day capability, and efficient three-dimensional measurement constitute unique advantages for many scientific studies. This paper systematically discusses the working principles and data processing methods of two current spaceborne laser altimetry technologies. The description is also extended to representative applications of spaceborne laser altimetry data in earth and planetary sciences. Finally, the paper presents a brief prospect for future directions and developments of spaceborne laser altimetry. It is expected that this paper will be beneficial to colleagues and professionals who are engaged in research, development and applications of spaceborne laser altimetry technology.

Key words: spaceborne laser altimetry, topographic mapping, forestry and ecology mapping, polar and ocean mapping, planetary mapping, linear-mode lidar, photon-counting lidar

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