Sample of SPCL data with density of 45 pt/m2 using Sigma Space Corp. system, “HIRQLS”.
Do not feel intimidated with the names, but Geiger Mode Lidar (GML) and Single Photon Counting Lidar (SPCL) are no different from any other lidar in the sense that they deliver point cloud data for light-reflective ground surfaces. In layman’s terms, GML and SPCL are lidar systems that utilize a Focal Plane Array concept that is similar to a digital camera. Instead of a single detector, as is the case with the current linear lidar, both GML and SPCL utilize an array of detectors to receive the split pulse. In these new lidar systems, each laser pulse gets split into multiple sub-pulses to increase the data density and ground resolution. Depending on the system architecture and optics design, the pulse gets split either on departure or after it reflects back before it reaches the detectors.
