De La Salle University - Manila

LIDAR Research Group

The LIDAR Research Group is one of the research groups in the De La Salle University (DLSU) Physics Department. The group is composed of individuals with a fervent desire of contributing towards the protection of the Earth’s fragile environment. LIDAR, the acronym for Light Detection And Ranging or laser remote sensing, is one of the most sensitive and real-time techniques that is used to study the environment. The main task of this unit is to examine the environment (air, water, land) by harnessing its’ interaction with light along with utilizing a host of passive and active sensors that may also serve as correlative sources of information. This will also lead to the establishment of multi-platform measurements. Thus, the researches conducted by the group are aimed at obtaining more in-depth information on the environment. Whenever possible, instruments will be built or adapted to the Philippine setting in order to create a network of instruments that will yield not only baseline information on the environment but also provide continuous monitoring.

Mission-Vision

By 2008-2010, the LIDAR Group intends to be one of the leading research groups in Asia in the field of photonics-based environmental research. Extensive collaboration with other researchers in the Asian and global level are envisioned to exist or start developing by this period. This time frame also marks the beginning of the establishment of a network of multi-platform stations in strategic places in the Philippines to continuously monitor the environment. Competent researchers will be trained to oversee these stations. Data gathered by the network will be processed to yield reliable, timely and useful information that the government will need to protect the environment while improving the life of every Filipino.