A Geiger-mode lidar system for real-time detection and tracking of individual birds in large dense flocks

Andrew M. Eldredge; Brandon Call; Dale G. Fried; Brandon Robinson; Trevor Mangum; David Kelley; Kimberly Reichel-Vischi; Carter Sturm

doi:10.1117/12.3025089

5 June 2024 A Geiger-mode lidar system for real-time detection and tracking of individual birds in large dense flocks

Andrew M. Eldredge, Brandon Call, Dale G. Fried, Brandon Robinson, Trevor Mangum, David Kelley, Kimberly Reichel-Vischi, Carter Sturm

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13049, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XXIX; 1304906 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3025089
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2024, National Harbor, Maryland, United States

Abstract

We have developed a Geiger-mode lidar system for detecting individual birds in large flocks and tracking them using a real-time processing system. We present initial results of field tests conducted in North Dakota observing large flocks of red-wing black birds and their predators. We analyze the signals and tracks arising from the birds and from a small UAS in the scene. We also present data from testing in Lawrence, Massachusetts observing American Crows in which we tested a real-time processing system. The exquisite sensitivity and rapid measurement rates achievable with Geiger-mode lidars enable rapid surveillance of airspaces for the detection of small targets (cross section of 100 cm² at 20 percent reflectivity) at operationally relevant standoff (400 - 800 m) with high revisit rates (5 - 10 Hz). The objective of this demonstration was the tracking of over 1000 birds in a flock occupying a volume of interest of (100 m)³ at a standoff of 400 m. We will present initial results from field campaigns observing red-wing blackbirds, predators and American crows.

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Andrew M. Eldredge, Brandon Call, Dale G. Fried, Brandon Robinson, Trevor Mangum, David Kelley, Kimberly Reichel-Vischi, and Carter Sturm "A Geiger-mode lidar system for real-time detection and tracking of individual birds in large dense flocks", Proc. SPIE 13049, Laser Radar Technology and Applications XXIX, 1304906 (5 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3025089

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