Final answer:
LIDAR data is indeed collected through an active remote sensing system as it involves emitting light pulses and measuring the returned signals to create three-dimensional information about the Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around whether LIDAR data is collected using an active remote sensing system. In remote sensing technology, sensors are either active or passive. Active remote sensing systems emit their own signals, typically in the form of light or radar waves, and then measure the amount of that signal that bounces back after hitting the Earth's surface. On the other hand, passive systems rely on detecting natural radiation that is emitted or reflected by the object of interest.
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, indeed uses an active remote sensing technique. It emits light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system—generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
When analyzing changes in topography and geography, LIDAR systems are particularly useful because they can detect very fine details. The imagery provided by LIDAR can be influenced by different kinds of interference and reflection, such as from vegetation or sediment, which allows geographers to identify old channels or different landforms. With advancements in technology over the last quarter-century, LIDAR has become an integral part of digital mapping and online applications, transforming topographic mapping from printed maps to dynamic, digital representations.