LIDAR

LIDAR or Light Detection And Ranging, uses scattered light to measure the topographic properties of a surface. A receiver is fixed onto an aircraft, usually an airplane, and it sends out a rapid laser beam and uses the data to show elevation. This has also been used by satellites to measure elevation on the moon and other cosmic entities. LIDAR a very useful tool in developing topographic map. I chose the photo below because it depicts the changes in elevation in very vivid colors.





http://www.rotorworksllc.com/images/lidar%20vertical%201.jpg