Point cloud data

Point cloud data is any data collected as the (x, y, z) location of a surface point based on some sort of focused energy return. Point cloud data can be created using lasers, radar waves, acoustic soundings, or other waveform generation devices. The spacing between points is arbitrary and dependent on the type and position of the sensor collecting the data. In this book, we will primarily be concerned with LIDAR data and radar data. Radar point cloud data is typically collected on space missions while LIDAR is typically collected by terrestrial or airborne vehicles. Conceptually, both the types of data are similar.

LIDAR uses powerful laser range-finding systems to model the world with very high precision. The term LIDAR or LiDAR ...

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