Context

• Recently a U.K.-based team continuing its research over the Tamar Valley through Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data.
• In this method, commonly used by geologists and surveyors to make high-resolution maps, laser light is used to survey a site and its reflection is measured with a sensor. 

Tamar Valley

• Tamar valley is located in the south of Englandand is a rich archaeological landscape with many sitesbelonging to the Iron Age and Roman era.
• The area is a World Heritage Sitedue to its historic mining activities.
• A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)for its special cultural or physical significance.
• The list of World Heritage Sites is maintained by theinternational ‘World Heritage Programme’,administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

What is LiDAR

• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is aremote sensingmethod that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges & variable distances.
• These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
• A LiDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver.
• Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring LiDAR data over broad areas.

Applications of LiDAR:

• LiDAR is used for agriculture, hydrologyand water management systems and geology-relatedapplications.
• It is also used in archaeology.