Visibility and Cloud Lidar

Abstract

In summary it can be stated that visibility lidar is an accepted technology wherever impaired vision must be detected to impose speed limits to road or takeoff and landing restrictions to air traffic. Visibility lidars known as ceilometers have reached a degree of maturity to work 24 hours a day in the required fully-automated, hands-off operation mode. The development of much smaller systems for use under restricted space conditions and of systems small and cheap enough to be used as a truck and car accessory is in progress, with good chances to reach full commercial availability soon.