Some Issues Relating to Performance Evaluation of LADARs

Abstract

The use and scope of LADAR applications continues to expand as the technology matures. This growth is reflected in NIST's experience with research into the applications of LADARs for construction, manufacturing, and autonomous vehicle navigation. However, standard protocols or procedures for calibrating and testing of LADARs have yet to be developed. Because selections of LADAR instruments are generally based on the manufacturer's specifications, the availability of standard test procedures would promote more uniform definitions of these specifications and provide a basis for a more rational decision. Consequently, NIST's Construction Metrology and Automation Group (CMAG) has conducted exploratory experiments to characterize the performance of a LADAR. The experiences gained in these efforts are summarized in this paper. These experiences also pointed to the need for an internal calibration/testing facility at NIST, as well as to the need for the development of uniform specifications and test procedures for LADARs. As a result, NIST convened a workshop on the establishment of a LADAR calibration facility. A discussion of some of the issues relating to the performance evaluation of LADARs and facility requirements is also presented in this paper.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA515329

Entities

People

  • Christoph Witzgall
  • Geraldine S. Cheok
  • William C. Stone

Organizations

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Algorithms
  • Calibration
  • Construction
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Performance Tests
  • Specifications
  • Standardization
  • Standards
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • Test Methods
  • Uncertainty
  • Workshops

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy