Multi-sensors and differential absorption LIDAR data fusion

A method of acquiring data using multiple sensors in an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) turning ON a multi-spectral camera to detect a target of interest during a first flight pass over a region of interest (ROI), wherein the target of interest is a gas or oil pipeline leak;
• (b) detecting the target of interest using the multi-spectral camera;
• (c) storing location of the detected target in a look up table (LUT);
• (d) during a second flight pass over the ROI, triggering another sensor to turn ON at or about the location stored in the LUT;
• (e) confirming presence of the target of interest using both the other sensor and the multi-spectral camera;
• (f) determining whether the confirmation of the target of interest, using the other sensor, satisfies an end user's requirement of accuracy;
• (g) if not satisfied, storing another location of the target of interest detected by the other sensor in the LUT;
• (h) during a third flight pass over the ROI, triggering still another sensor to turn ON at or about the other location stored in the LUT;
• and
• (i) confirming presence of the target of interest using the still other sensor.

A method of acquiring data using multiple sensors in an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) turning ON a first sensor to detect a target of interest during a first flight pass over a region of interest (ROI);
• (b) detecting the target of interest using the first sensor;
• (c) storing location of the detected target in a look up table (LUT);
• (d) during a second flight pass over the ROI, triggering a second sensor to turn ON at or about the location stored in the LUT;
• and
• (e) confirming presence of the target of interest using the both the first and second sensors.