LIDAR

Light Detection and Ranging, LIDAR, is an optical remote sensing technology that measures light to find range or information about distant objects. The idea is similar to radar where sound is bounced off an object. LIDAR bounces light off an object and measures the time delay between the transmissions. LIDAR can be used to develop a 3-dimensional model like the one in the photo above. LIDAR created this 3-D model of the area around the World Trade Center on Sept. 28, 2001, shortly after the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.