NASA | Laser Mapping The Earth

Bryan Blair, an instrument scientist, discusses the LVIS Sensor, a high-altitude laser mapping tool. He explains its broad applications, including mapping large landscapes and entire glacier systems. The LVIS Sensor was used in the Antarctic Peninsula to create interactive topography data. With advancements like the Global Hawk drone, mapping capabilities have expanded significantly, allowing for rapid and extensive area coverage. The ultimate goal is to apply this technology to planetary mapping, enabling frequent and comprehensive Earth and other planetary surveys.

What advancements in mapping capabilities does LVIS provide compared to older sensors?

Discuss the potential applications of LVIS technology beyond Earth.