Lockheed Martin Corporation
Method to determine airborne lidar installation angles using ground returns and INS/GPS data

Abstract:

A system for determining airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) installation angles includes an airborne platform, a light detection and ranging (lidar) apparatus, a navigation system and a processor. The airborne platform performs a calibration flight in an orbit. The lidar apparatus is installed on the airborne platform for wind-velocity measurement. The navigation system is on board the airborne platform and measures motion data associated with movements of the airborne platform and generates a navigation signal. The processor determines in real time one or more installation angles of the lidar apparatus on the airborne platform to improve accuracy of the wind-velocity measurement.