Disaster can strike anywhere, at any time. When it does, it’s crucial that emergency response teams are able to mobilize quickly and effectively to assess the damage and save lives. Lidar is playing a key role in helping these teams do their jobs. Lidar-based mobile mapping systems provide rapid and accurate aerial assessments of disaster areas, allowing responders to make informed decisions about where to send help first.
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, for example, lidar data was used to create detailed maps of flood-affected areas that showed which roads were still accessible and which had been washed away. This information was vital in helping rescue teams reach people who were stranded.
Lidar is also being used to support first responders on the ground. Lidar-equipped drones are providing real-time mapping data that helps teams identify potential hazards and plan the safest routes through disaster zones. In the future, lidar systems will become even more sophisticated, with the ability to automatically identify and track people and animals in disaster areas. This will allow responders to more easily locate and rescue survivors.
Lidar is a powerful tool that is helping disaster response teams save lives. As disasters become more frequent and more destructive, lidar will become an increasingly essential part of the emergency response arsenal.
Lidar-based mobile mapping systems can provide rapid and accurate aerial assessments of disaster areas, allowing responders to make informed decisions about where to send help first. Lidar-equipped drones can also provide real-time mapping data that helps teams identify potential hazards and plan the safest routes through disaster zones. In the future, lidar systems will become even more sophisticated, with the ability to automatically identify and track people and animals in disaster areas. This will allow responders to more easily locate and rescue survivors. As disasters become more frequent and more destructive, lidar will become an increasingly essential part of the emergency response arsenal.
