Developments and applications of underwater LiDAR systems in support of marine science

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has been used extensively to accumulate high-resolution topographical data in air. Over the last few decades, the technology has been extended to capture bathymetric data in coastal waters. With a large portion of the ocean unmapped, there is opportunity for technology advancement to deliver improved quality and efficiency in the mapping of shallow water regions. This paper assesses existing technology and the history of underwater LiDAR profiling and bathymetric mapping to identify potential opportunities for future growth. Alternative uses for laser ranging systems, both subsea and in-air will drive expected system specifications. The findings assist with classifying important design choices that drive the functionality and suitability of a LiDAR for different marine science applications.

I. Introduction

This paper reviews the state of the art in underwater LiDAR, and assesses the feasibility of a low-cost, shallow water LiDAR to provide bathymetry for inshore survey operations. A wide range of methods have been adopted to map the seafloor. This review focuses on commonly used techniques and attempts to distinguish areas where underwater LiDAR presents either a significant advantage over conventional techniques, or provides added value to existing data products.