What kind of data does a typical lidar system provide?

A typical lidar system is designed to measure various parameters related to vehicles on the road. It provides speed, distance, and identification of specific vehicles due to its advanced capabilities in emitting and detecting laser beams. The system calculates the time it takes for the laser pulse to reflect off a target and return, allowing it to determine the distance accurately. The speed measurement results from analyzing changes in the frequency of the returning laser light caused by the movement of the vehicle, known as the Doppler effect.

Additionally, some lidar systems are equipped with technologies that can recognize specific vehicle types, making it possible to gather identification data. This information is particularly useful for law enforcement and traffic monitoring, as it allows for comprehensive data collection beyond mere distance measurements.

The other options focus on limited aspects of what lidar systems can capture, either by mentioning only distance to vehicles or by focusing on non-essential details such as vehicle model and color, or traffic volume and speed limits, which don’t represent the core functionalities of a typical lidar system.