LADS—the Australian Laser Airborne Depth Sounder

Abstract

Abstract The Australian Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) represents a major technical transition in shallow water hydro-graphic survey that can be compared with the change from the lead line to acoustic sounder. LADS offers a substantially increased rate of data acquisition, a demonstrated accuracy which meets international hydrographic standards and a total area cover capability. The system generates discrete depth measurements in a rectangular grid pattern with 10m spacing between measurements. The concepts, methods and processing algorithms used in the design of LADS are based on an extensive research and development programme which has been widely reported in the technical literature. The LADS system has a depth capability of 50 m with depth errors less than 0.28 m (one standard deviation) over the depth range 2–30 m. LADS, installed in a Fokker F27 aircraft, is designed for operational use with the Royal Australian Navy Hydrographic Service. The project has Department of Defence approval and tenders for the manufacture and commissioning of the system are currently being sought.