LiDAR Intensity

LiDAR Intensity is an important property of the LiDAR point cloud dataset that measures the energy of the laser pulse reflected by the sensor after bouncing off from the object. In addition to providing data on the 3D coordinates of the points, it helps users in analyzing terrain, vegetation, buildings, roads, and other objects. The value of LiDAR intensity may change depending on surface material, reflectivity, humidity, angle of incidence, wavelength, and the sensor itself.

In GIS, remote sensing, surveying, and cartography, LiDAR intensity images may be applied for enhancing the process of identifying and classifying features. The intensity of the point cloud may be helpful when differentiating the road from the terrain, discovering buildings and other infrastructure, analyzing vegetation, and carrying out the land cover classification. LiDAR intensity may also be useful for improving classification and extraction of features from the point cloud.

Using LiDAR intensity together with elevation, return number, point classification, and other LiDAR properties allows users to carry out the more detailed spatial analysis. Therefore, LiDAR intensity is a valuable data component that is applicable for such tasks as topographic mapping, forestry, urban planning, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.