AERIAL PROFILING OF TERRAIN SYSTEM

In 1974 the U.S. Geological Survey entered into an engineering analysis contract with Charles Stark Draper Laboratory to study the concept of executing accurate surveys of the terrain from low-flying aircraft using a laser profiler and inertial guidance technology. This analysis and later studies concluded that the desired accuracy, within 0.5 feet (15 cm) vertically and 2 feet (61 cm) horizontally, could be achieved for extended missions if positional updates are provided at 3-minute time intervals. A laser tracking instrument for ranging and measuring directions to ground reflectors was proposed to provide the update data. The project has progressed through the early experimental phases, system design and component fabrication, and the integration of components into subsystems has begun. Laboratory calibration and testing of the system will be completed in the fall of 1982 and installation in the Twin-Otter aircraft will then begin, and flight testing will follow beginning in early 1983. (Author)

  • Corporate Authors:

    U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station

    3909 Halls Ferry Road
    Vicksburg, MS  United States  39180-6199
  • Authors:
    • Chapman, W H
  • Publication Date: 1982-4

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00369326
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 31 1983 12:00AM