3d sensor data based aircraft detection, tracking, and docking

A method for tracking an aircraft, comprising:

• capturing, by a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, LIDAR sensor data of an aircraft while the aircraft is approaching a docking area of the airport, wherein the LIDAR sensor is positioned within the docking area;
• retrieving, by a computing device, a simulated two-dimensional image of the aircraft generated based on simulated data of the aircraft;
• generating, by the computing device, an image of the aircraft by projecting the LIDAR sensor data onto the simulated two-dimensional image;
• tracking, by the computing device, a position of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching the docking area using the generated image;
• and,
• displaying the generated image including the position of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching the docking area to provide navigation guidance to a pilot.

A system for tracking an aircraft, comprising:

• a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor configured to capture LIDAR sensor data of an aircraft while the aircraft is approaching a docking area of an airport;
• and
• a computing device configured to:
• receive the captured LIDAR sensor data from the sensor;
• store a simulated two-dimensional image of the aircraft generated based on simulated data of the aircraft;
• track a position of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching the docking area using the LIDAR sensor data and the simulated two-dimensional image;
• and,
• cause a display of an image including the position of the aircraft while the aircraft is approaching the docking area to provide navigation guidance to a pilot.