Light Detection and Ranging Technology Instruction for Future Technician Education and Development

光探测和测距技术，也被称为激光雷达，是用于探测、识别和创建物体精确3D虚拟图像的先进遥感系统的基础。目前，汽车行业对激光雷达的兴趣很大程度上是由汽车行业驱动的。汽车和卡车上的许多现代安全功能都依赖于激光雷达。自动驾驶汽车使用激光雷达来识别和避开障碍物、其他车辆和人员。此外，激光雷达现在被广泛用于其他应用，如测绘、基础设施检查、公用事业和建筑，导致对熟练掌握激光雷达技术的技术人员的需求不断增长。该项目将通过创建一个证书课程来满足对熟练激光雷达技术人员的需求，该课程将允许不同专业和领域的学生熟练使用激光雷达技术。学生将学习如何将激光雷达应用于他们感兴趣的行业，从而增加学生作为激光雷达技术人员就业的数量和种类。该项目将重点关注激光雷达在广泛领域的应用，如三维（3D）结构扫描、精密屋顶和建筑检查以及开发现场分析，包括建筑物的真实3D扫描，用于虚拟演练、精确测量、结构完整性的虚拟检查以及许多其他应用。该项目有三个主要目标。首先是创建两个激光雷达课程，以满足熟练技术人员的新兴需求。第二是创建一个证书课程，以解决激光雷达在建筑中的使用。第三，也是最后一点，是招募和留住代表周边社区的各种成功学生，重点是边缘化人群。该项目将成为其他有兴趣开发全面计划的学术机构的典范，旨在帮助解决合格和熟练的激光雷达技术人员的短缺问题。该项目由先进技术教育计划资助，该计划侧重于为推动国家经济的先进技术领域培养技术人员。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Light detection and ranging technology, also known as LiDAR, underpins advanced remote sensing systems used to detect, identify, and create a precise 3D virtual image of an object. The automotive industry has driven much of the current interest in LiDAR. Many modern safety features found in cars and trucks rely on LiDAR. Autonomous vehicles use LiDAR to identify and avoid obstructions, other vehicles, and people. In addition, LiDAR is now being used in a wide range of other applications such as mapping, infrastructure inspection, utilities, and architecture, resulting in a growing demand for technicians skilled in LiDAR technology. This project will address the demand for skilled LiDAR technicians by creating a certificate program that will allow students in various majors and fields to become proficient in the use of LiDAR technology. Students will learn how LiDAR can be applied to their industry of interest, resulting in an increase in the number and variety of students prepared for employment as LiDAR technicians.This project will focus on the use of LiDAR use in a wide range of areas, such as three-dimensional (3D) structure scanning, precision roof and building inspection, and site analysis for development, to include realistic 3D scans of buildings for virtual walkthroughs, accurate measurements, virtual inspections of structural integrity, and many other applications. There are three overarching goals of the project. First is to create two LiDAR courses that address the emerging need for skilled technicians. Second is to create a certificate program to address the use of LiDAR in architecture. Third, and finally, is to recruit and retain a diverse population of successful students who represent the surrounding community with an emphasis on marginalized populations. This project will serve as a model for other academic institutions interested in developing a comprehensive program aimed to help address the shortage of well-qualified and skilled LiDAR technicians. This project is funded by the Advanced Technological Education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced technology fields that drive the nation's economy.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.