Leica Geosystems GIS & Mapping has improved its ALS50 Airborne Laser Scanner to allow data capture at pulse rates up to 83 kHz. With the ALS50, users can enjoy the tightest possible planimetric spacing between points acquired on the ground. The ALS50 is the only compact LiDAR-based system in the market that includes this functionality.

The latest release phase of the ALS50 features other notable improvements, including:

• Four range returns, including last, maximizing the probability of hitting terrain surfaces under forest cover while providing enhanced data from canopy layers
• Simplified operation, with full-time, four-return operation
• Improved pulse rates at all flying heights, maximizing detail in captured DEMs

The ALS50 is a compact, LiDAR-based system designed to acquire topographical and return signal intensity data from numerous airborne platforms. The system computes the data using laser range and return signal intensity measurements recorded in-flight, along with position and attitude data taken from airborne GPS and inertial subsystems.

The latest release of the ALS50 made its public debut at this year's International LiDAR Mapping Forum (ILMF) held in Orlando, Florida on 9-10 February. It is now available worldwide. All fielded systems can be upgraded to this configuration.

Source: Leica Geosystems, Feb. 9, 2004