Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Surface Feature Extraction Tool

The United States Navy vision for Modeling and Simulation (M&S) includes making better analytical decisions, improving warfighting skills, and developing superior systems for maintaining the world's most powerful maritime forces for the joint force commanders. Over the past five years the potential for Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data for the support Urban Warfare and various M&S initiatives has grown rapidly. LIDAR sensors capture the three-dimensional shape of the urban landscape at very high resolutions and accuracy. This resolution represents the character, or 3-D geometry, of the urban terrain, enabling precise line-of-sight, route analysis, cover and concealment, vulnerability assessment, and situational awareness to be performed. The data also provides the ability to extract objects from the scene such as individual buildings, trees, power lines, roads, and water. The Advanced LIDAR Exploitation System (ALES) program being conducted by the Joint Precision Strike Demonstration Project Office (JPSD-PO) will provide the M&S community with advanced database generation applications for the exploitation of LIDAR data. Visual Learning Systems, Inc. (VLS) was awarded the ALES contract by the JSPD-PO which will provide a significant advantage for implementing the Navy's Modeling and Simulation Master Plan.