Air truth: operation of a remotely controlled infrared camera and ground-air video/data link during airborne lidar tests

摘要

Abstract: In early tests of an airborne lidar platform, we confirmed the utility of an elevated, ground-based infrared camera as a chemical plume diagnostic. For a series of lidar tests during the summer of 1998, we carried this concept a step further, by adding a digital data link to pass infrared camera video and other data streams to and from the aircraft in real time. In addition, the entire system had to be operated from a distance, for safety considerations. To achieve this goal under a restricted budget and significant time and effort constraints, we assembled a system using primarily off-the-shelf components and software requiring little customization. Remote system control was achieved by a set of radio modems, while the aircraft data link was effected via wireless ethernet connection. The system performed reliably throughout the test series.!0