A new device developed by Chinese researchers enables high-definition, 3D surface modeling for both land and water to support environmental monitoring and resource surveying in complex landscapes.
The device, named GeologyObserver-1, is an airborne photon-counting LiDAR system for integrated land and sea remote sensing intelligent detection.
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth. LiDAR systems generate precise, 3D information about the shape and surface characteristics of the Earth’s terrain and objects on the Earth’s surface.
Complex geological environments such as plateaus, rugged mountains, hills and islands account for many of China’s land area. These regions have diverse landforms, complex geological structures and harsh climate conditions, posing significant challenges to human life and socioeconomic development.
Many of the nation’s resources, such as natural gas, oil and minerals, are almost entirely found in complex geological environments. Many of the nation’s large-scale hydroelectric projects are in high mountain gorges. Conducting effective surveys of these environments is crucial.
According to Wang Lizhe, a professor from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) in Hubei province, the newly developed GeologyObserver-1 distinguishes itself from previous domestic devices by having broader application prospects.
The device is believed to improve wild survey efficiency and maintain investigator security with cutting-edge technology.
GeologyObserver-1 can be mounted on various platforms, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing drones. It can be used for island, reef and coastal zone surveys to detect and accurately identify small underwater targets, according to Wang.
GeologyObserver-1 can effectively overcome the issues of low detection efficiency of shipborne sonar and low detection accuracy of optical satellite remote sensing. Compared to full-waveform LiDAR, GeologyObserver-1 features a smaller receiving field of view and stronger suppression of the multiple scattering effects of lasers in water bodies owing to its ability to detect faint light, thereby effectively improving depth measurement accuracy.
“We’ve tested it in the integrated land and water terrain mapping of Weizhou Island of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and the Nansha Islands,” Wang said, adding that more applications can be expected in underwater surveys, which is important in areas such as water pollution monitoring and beach and port management.
“For a port, the underwater terrain of its ship channels and berths is crucial for operational safety and efficiency. To ensure the safe berthing of large cargo vessels and smooth navigation in the channels, port authorities need to regularly conduct underwater terrain surveys to assess sedimentation levels and the stability of underwater structures,” Wang said. “GeologyObserver-1 can provide major data for port managers.”
GeologyObserver-1 can also collect farmland data and obtain precise 3D crop models, analyzing plant attributes, such as height, canopy width and leaf area, to help in crop health monitoring, yield prediction, weed detection and field terrain analysis.
“GeologyObserver-1 is primarily aimed at the low-altitude economic market, which is currently booming,” Wang said. “Real-life 3D modeling, LiDAR and coastal zone mapping all represent billion-dollar markets, supported by the government, with broad prospects for future applications.”
Wang and his team are working with the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to improve the device’s functions and lower the cost.
Related studies about GeologyObserver-1 have been published in journals such as Remote Sensing of Environment, ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensors and Optics Express.
（原載 ChinaDaily 2025年1月3日）
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