Lidar System and Its Aplications in Maritime Operation

Naval force is centeric material and centric proficiency force. Strategic naval force needs special material. Nowadays naval operation is based on submarine operation. Thereby naval operation planners and submarine desighners are seeking methods which enemy can not detect by acoustic sensors. This dual process always exsists. Lidar is a technology which can detect underwater objects whithout use of acoustic waves. Lidar and radar works similar and but they differ in applied waves length. Radar uses short waves length, but the lidar applies light waves length. The lidar can not measure in all weather conditions, whereas the radar does. This technology is currently being used for high-resolution topographic mapping by mounting a lidar sensor, integrated with global positioning system and inertial measurement unit and in oceangraphy researchers such as, determining water depth, signifying water pollutants and also underwater photography. Military applications of this technology involve preparation of topography and hydrography charts. Lidar is the only equipment which can collect hydrography and topography information together. We also use it for detecting enemy submarines in antisubmarine operation. Another use of the lidar is atmospheric research to measure ozone layer, vapour and pollutions in atmosphere. Lidar data also are being used in wood, urban development and oil exploration.