Laser profilers measure 1D range profiles and operate in different environments, like spaceborne, airborne and indoor. Most of them operate top-down on flying platforms, but as well bottom-up is possible, e.g. in meteorology for cloud monitoring. It is the simplest application of the LIght Detection And Ranging technique. It transmits a short pulse of energy (visible or near-infrared radiation) and detects 'echo', by measuring the time delay and knowing the speed of propagation of the pulse, the range from the instrument to the surface can be measured.
Discuss what types of electromagnetic waves the laser profiler uses
In progress