Acquisition of a Terrestrial Laser Scanning System for Polar Research

该项目获得了一个地面激光扫描系统，设计用于地球极地地区的极端寒冷。TLS技术基于光距离和测距（LiDAR）。它可以生成高分辨率的表面和物体的三维地图，范围从米到公里，精度达到亚厘米。除了成像之外，高精度还可以检测和量化表面高度和形状的微小变化。就智力价值而言，该系统将用于一系列极地项目，包括冰川运动、冻土变形、岩浆湖动力学和生命环境的表征。独特的能力和易于部署使TLS成为极地地区采用的其他成像技术的有益补充，如合成孔径雷达，机载和星载激光雷达。就更广泛的影响而言，该项目代表了极地工作的新研究基础设施。这些仪器将由全球定位系统和地面激光雷达大学联合会-联合国志愿人员组织购置和管理，并将提供给一般科学界。这些仪器将在2007-2009国际极地年期间立即投入使用。该项目也符合国际极地年为极地观测留下新技术遗产的目标。

This project acquires a Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) system designed for use in the extreme cold of the Earth's polar regions. TLS technology is based on Light Distance and Ranging (LiDAR). It generates high resolution, three-dimensional maps of surfaces and objects over scales of meters to kilometers with sub-centimeter precision. Beyond imaging, the high precision allows the detection and quantification of minute changes in surface elevation and shape. In terms of intellectual merit, the system will be used for a range of polar projects including glacier movement, deformation of frozen ground, magma lake dynamics, and characterization of environments hosting life. The unique capability and ease of deployment make TLS a useful complement to other imaging techniques employed in polar regions such as Synthetic Aperture Radar, and airborne and spaceborne LiDAR. In terms of broader impacts, this project represents new research infrastructure for polar work. The instruments will be acquired and managed by UNAVCO, the university consortium for GPS and terrestrial LIDAR, and will be made available to the general scientific community. The instruments will see immediate use during the 2007-2009 International Polar Year (IPY). This project also meets the IPY goal of leaving a legacy of new technology for polar observations.