How can dust affect Lidar measurements?

Dust can significantly impact Lidar measurements due to its ability to scatter the light emitted by the Lidar system. When dust particles are present in the air, they can disrupt the direct path of the laser beams sent out for distance measurement. This scattering can cause the laser light to deviate from its intended target, leading to inaccuracies in the distance calculations and potentially causing false readings or missed targets altogether.

The presence of dust adds interference that can degrade the quality of the return signal, making it more challenging to obtain precise measurements. This scattering effect is particularly problematic when trying to detect objects or measure distances in environments that are not clear or have high levels of particulate matter. Thus, the impact of dust can be quite detrimental, ultimately leading to reduced accuracy in Lidar measurements.