This paper describes the depth surrounding activities in Sweden. These include the development of a helicopter borne lidar called FLASH as well as instrumentation for in situ measurement of the optical water parameters. The FLASH system has been further developed into two operational systems called Hawk Eye with Saab Dynamics as the main contractor and Optech Inc. as the main subcontractor. Data collection and evaluation from Hawk Eye will be discussed. The Swedish Defence Research Establishment (FOA) is member of the Hawk Eye project team together with the National Maritime Administration, the Royal Swedish Navy and the Defence Material Administration. Together with the Swedish Maritime Administration, FOA has been engaged in analysis of lidar data to determine system performance and possible ways to optimize that in relation to lidar parameters and anticipated bottom depth and topography. Examples from that analysis will be presented. The test analysis so far strongly supports the depth sounding lidar technology as being a rapid and accurate sounder fulfilling the requirement by International Hydrographic Office on depth accuracy.

Date Published: 26 June 1996
PDF: 21 pages
Proc. SPIE 2748, Laser Radar Technology and Applications, (26 June 1996); doi: 10.1117/12.243551

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2748:
Laser Radar Technology and Applications
Gary W. Kamerman, Editor(s)