LIDAR comparison for the use of orchard characterisation
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analysing the reflected light LIDAR is largely used in geography geology forestry and other sectors In agriculture LIDAR is used for creating topographic maps of fields and for crop mapping in orchards and vineyards The objective of this study was to test two LIDAR systems for their ability to obtain useful canopy characteristics within an apple orchard The two LIDAR systems included a SICK LMS20030106 and a SICK LMS51110100 PRO SR which mainly differ by the laser beam divergence the number of signal returns the range and the resolution as well as frequency values Methods involved mounting each LIDAR sidebyside in conjunction with a RTK GPS and computer system One orchard line was scanned on both sides in order to obtain a full scan at three differing ground levels 60 cm 115 cm and 120 cm As expected the captured data indicate differing resolutions and further analysis is being administered to determine canopy characteristics between the two LIDAR models such as percent open space and porosity This technology could be used for improving agrichemical application in orchards