Photon-counting ladar in support of disaster relief (Conference Presentation)

A 3D imaging pulsed LADAR with Geiger mode APD array was assembled, flight-tested and deployed in response to a FEMA request for data collection and debris estimation analysis to support the Hurricane Harvey relief effort in TX. Here we report on the rapid response and application of this Geiger Mode APD system to collect high area coverage rate data for geo-mapping and debris volume estimation. MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Airborne Optical Systems Testbed (AOSTB) hosted on a DeHavilland Twin Otter aircraft was flown to collect LADAR imagery of Houston TX area inundated with over 50 inches of rainfall in 4 days and the Port Arthur coastal vicinity that weathered Harvey's initial landfall. This testbed, which serves to advance the Laboratory's effort to develop EO Sensor architectures, along with the actions of a large dedicated team demonstrated the usefulness of this sensor modality for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief response.