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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones)
MLS-equipped vehicles
Stationary vehicles
Hyperspectral Platforms (Satellites)
The light detection and ranging (LiDAR) method of remote sensing operates by deploying lasers to ground level, from which point they are able to measure the distance from the ground to the sensor. This data is then able to be used to create digital models of the study area.
Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) combines the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of a mobile platform, either airborne or on-the-road, with the powerful imaging and modeling capabilities of light imaging detection and range (LiDAR) sensing. It is capable of capturing imagery at high speeds, making it useful for scanning wihtout impeding traffic flow.
LiDAR and Mobile Laser Scanning
Multispectral Sensing
Multispectral sensing refers to remote sensors with a capability to discern multiple (but not all) bands on the electromagnetic spectrum.
One example discussed here, the Multispectral Infrared Visible Imaging Spectrometer, utilizes a satellite carrying 4 multispectral sensors, known as spectrometers The sensors have most prominently been employed in Europe. In one project, MIVIS imagery was used to aid in the detection of corrosive material on asphalt surfaces.
Hyperspectral Sensors
Hyperspectral imagery is characterized by its ability to identify distinctions not discerned otherwise. Like MIVIS, these have been utilized to observe the structural soundness of roads. Two such devices are the AVIRIS sensor, and the thermal infrared HyperSpec viewer.
RES-1
A thermal infrared sensor employed to detect vehicular emissions. RES-1, also called "Smog Dog," operates at ground level, and is combined with a camera to identify offending vehicles.
WATCH: Minnesota transportation officials discuss their use of mobile LiDAR scanning.
Transportation infrastructure and land use are displayed distinctly by color infrared imagery, as seen above.
Notable Sensors
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