Effect of incidence angle on laser scanner intensity and surface data

We present a comprehensive experimental set of data on the dependence of the laser intensity on the angle of incidence to the target surface. The measurements have been performed in the laboratory for samples with a Nd:YAG laser and terrestrial laser scanner. The brightness scale data were also compared with data acquired by airborne laser scanning (ALS). The incidence angle effect is evident for all the targets. The effect is significant for incidence angles > 20 degrees, and stronger for bright targets. However, effects due to some of the other surface properties, such as roughness, were also detected. We also found a set of gravel samples for which the incidence angle effect was minor even up to 40 degrees. The data provide an important reference for the interpretation and applications, e.g., full-waveform data processing of a laser scanner and ALS intensity calibration. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.