Bathymetric LiDAR

Fenit Harbour

 

Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology emits two laser light beams from a sensor on-board an airplane. One beam reaches the water surface and is reflected, while the second beam penetrates the water, hits the seabed and is then reflected back. The difference in time between the two beams returning allows the water depth to be calculated. We use LiDAR data to produce a bathymetry chart of very shallow, intertidal areas that boats cannot reach. In Ireland the typical depth penetration is 15 metres depending on sediment or biological material (seaweed) in the water. LiDAR can establish seaweed biomass to enable sustainable harvesting.