Remote sensing applications to hydrology: Airborne laser altimeters

Shortly after the development of the first laser instrument in 1960, studies began on using laser distancing technology from airborne platforms to measure surface features on the landscape. Airborne laser altimeter studies in the 1960s and 1970s were used to measure terrain features and sea ice roughness. Research in the 1980s and 1990s has shown that airborne laser measurements can be used to measure directly topography, stream channel cross sections, gully cross sections, soil surface roughness, and vegetation canopy height, cover and distribution. These laser measurements can be used to estimate forest biomass and volume, aerodynamic roughness and leaf area indices. Airborne laser altimeters provide quick and accurate measurements for evaluating changes in land surface features and can be an additional tool in the arsenal of remote sensing equipment used to understand watershed properties and to develop plans to manage water resources.