Data Analyis System Design for Lidar Experimentation

A Web-based Lidar Experimentation and Data Analysis System (LEDAS) was developed, with support from a National Science Foundation award, to support resource sharing of lidar equipment, datasets and data analysis routines and collaboration between members of the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) Lidar Collaboratory. The system allows users at different geographical locations to conduct remote sensing research and education over the Web through remote access and control of a single shared lidar system and Web-based data analysis. Users need not have any specialized instrumentation or software at their institutions, thereby making real remote sensing research available to students and faculty from institutions which may not have the internal budgets for such facilities. An original structure providing basic functionality was developed and implemented. This paper describes the second generation data analysis system which provides significant new enhancements and capabilities.