Laser Remote Sensing for Environmental Applications

After the first applications of the laser remote sensing devices in the '60s, studies related to the atmosphere (long-range transport phenomenon, biomass burning, desert dust, and anthropogenic pollutants), volcanic aerosol, cloud investigations, bathymetric and topographic applications have greatly benefited from the use of technology mainly based on LIDAR device. Due to continuous advances in laser technology, LIDAR systems are increasingly adopted in all the fields of remote sensing where range resolved capability is required. This chapter is devoted to the presentation of the state of the art of the LIDAR applications to the environmental monitoring.