Scanning lidar bathymeter for water depth measurement

A scanning lidar bathymeter has been developed for airborne hydrographic surveying. The system has a depth penetration capability of four optical diffuse attenuation lengths, with an accuracy of ±0.3 m.From an altitude of 500 m the system generates a swath 270 m wide and a uniform sounding density on a 35 m grid spacing with a positioning accuracy of ∼ 15 m. A description of the system is given, with emphasis on the design and performance characteristics of the optical transceiver. Results from system flight tests are summarized, including those from a recent operational hydrographic survey in the Canadian Arctic.