Leica Geosystems announces the introduction of a full-waveform digitizer designed specifically for use with its ALS-series airborne LIDAR Systems. The digitizer, called Leica WDM65, is offered for new ALS60 System Controllers as well as for fielded ALS60 and ALS50-II systems. According to Ron Roth, Product Manager for Airborne LIDAR at Leica Geosystems' Airborne Sensors Business Unit, "The market sees the inherent potential of full-waveform digitization.

From enhancing point classification to forest biomass analysis to extraction of return signals that overlap other closely-spaced returns, the potential is truly significant. Leica Geosystems’ unique approach to incorporating the digitizing function means no additional external hardware is needed to record return signal waveforms, making operation of this new feature transparent to the user.”   Control of the Leica WDM65 is fully integrated into Leica Flight and Sensor Control Management Software (FCMS) for ease of use, and data output is fully compliant with the latest LAS 1.3 standard. In addition, the incorporation of solid-state recording media as part of the upgrade allows the system’s operational envelope to increase all the way to the ICAO 25,000 foot level for unpressurized aircraft.   “Even during the pre-release period, market response has been outstanding, with many users ready to embrace this new technology.”, confirms Ron Roth.

The Leica WDM65 will be available for all Leica ALS50-II and ALS60 systems beginning in the first quarter of 2010. More information about Leica Geosystems Airborne Sensors at
http://www.leica-geosystems.com/en/Products-Airborne-Sensors_57608.htm