1. Woolpert & New Geospatial Technologies
May 12, 2015
IN GIS Conference
Ignite!

2. Woolpert and Technologies
Woolpert believes that geo-spatial technologies and methods are rapidly changing.
We have to embrace such changes in order to provide our clients with more affordable products without compromising quality.

3. Single Photon Counting and Geiger Mode Lidar
It is like a Laser-based Digital Camera

4. spot Image received at the single anode
source laser pulse
spot Image received at the single anode
Linear Lidar
One-to-one
Photon Counting Lidar
One-to-many

5. Single Photon Counting and Geiger Mode Lidar
Transmitter is a low-energy (few mJ), high rep-rate.
Diffractive Optical Element (DOE) splits pulse output into 100 beamlets in a 10 x 10 array.
Returns from individual beamlets are imaged telescope onto one anode of a 10x10 segmented anode.
Each anode output is input to one channel of a 100 channel, high resolution, multi-stop timer to form a 100 pixel 3D image on each pulse.
Example: ( kHz = 2 million 3D pixels/sec).

6. Advantage of Single Photon Counting Lidar
Ability to fly higher and faster.
Provides an extremely dense surface model.
Better penetration in trees, vegetation, fog, and clouds.
Each range measurement requires only one detected photon as opposed to hundreds or thousands in conventional laser pulse time of flight (TOF) or waveform digitizing altimeters.

7. Comparison between Conventional and Single Photon Counting Lidar
GSD
Conventional Lidar
Photon Counting Lidar
0.40m 1m 2m
1m**
FOV 15 40 28
Flying Altitude (m)
1,828
2,377
3,047
4,572
7,620
Swath width (m)
481
1,730
2,218
2,300
3,818
Ground speed (knot)
150
170
1) ** Sigma space parameters for 1m post spacing is extrapolated based on the 0.40m post spacing parameters
2) at 0.40m post spacing, Sigma Space photon counting system is 487% more productive in collection rate than conventional Lidar
3) at 1.0m post spacing, Sigma Space photon counting system is 221% more productive in collection rate than conventional Lidar
Woolpert Proprietary and Confidential

8. BuckEye2 Program at a Glance
The Army Geospatial Center (AGC) was tasked with:
“Research, Design, and Field Extended Capabilities of USACE Buckeye and other Aerial Data Collection Systems” (W5J9CQ-11-C-0007, )
“Research, Design and Field TUAS**-Based High-Resolution Data Collection and Mapping Capability to Provide IMINT to DoD, DA, and USACE Planning, Training, and Operations” (W5J9CQ-13-C-0010, 2013 – Present
** TUAS: Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System
Woolpert Proprietary and Confidential

9. Woolpert Mission on BuckEye2 Program
Advancements:
Advanced high altitude single photon LiDAR (SPL) and EO co-collection system
Data Specifications:
Multi-platform TUAS or manned platform design
>1000 sq. km per day
Density: 12 ppsm after filtering & adjustment
.5m gridded elevation products
Color orthophotography
24hr LiDAR PED
Accuracy: Vertical: RMSE = 20cm Horizontal: RMSE = 1 m
Woolpert Proprietary and Confidential

10. Woolpert Commercial Version of the Single Photon Counting Lidar
Woolpert test flew a new photon counting Lidar called “Hercules”
It is a circular scanning LiDAR
Provides point cloud density of 8 to 12 pts/m2 from a single pass

11. Capability of Photon Counting Lidar System BuckEye2 Program, Altitude 25,000’
Woolpert Proprietary and Confidential

12. 1.6 Km swath, 8 -12 points/sq m, 180 Knts, single pass
HRQLS Data Sample
1.6 Km swath, points/sq m, 180 Knts, single pass
Coal Mine Site in Garret County , MD

13. 1.6 Km swath, 8 to12 points/sq m, 180 Knts, single pass
HRQLS Data Sample
1.6 Km swath, 8 to12 points/sq m, 180 Knts, single pass
Coal Mine Site in Garret County , MD

14. Photon Counting Advantage: Urban Area Mapping
Sample Lidar data with point density = 6.5 pts/m2 

15. Where we are heading with Lidar technologies?
Increased demand for Lidar data in general
Increased demand for denser Lidar data:
8 ppm density Lidar data will be in popular demand within the next five years.
Leica announced the ALS80 with pulse rate of 1,000,000 pps
The commercial use of photon counting and Geiger mode lidar to start in the next few years