The Lowdown on Lidar

I confess I was expecting to not care for this. I'm not sure how any of it should be surprising, as it seemed fairly straight forward analysis of the tools.

That said, this was a ridiculously fun read. More detailed than expected for some parts, and always informative. I'm glad it did not come across as anti speed detectors. Really more of a "know the limitations."

Re: The Lowdown on Lidar

#5

Post by timdierks » Thu, Jul 31, 2014, 3:22 PM UTC

thrownaway2424 wrote: post #2

Alternate title: some guy says he was doing the limit in a Porsche.

My clickbait technique is impeccable.

Re: The Lowdown on Lidar

#6

Post by ARothfusz » Thu, Jul 31, 2014, 3:23 PM UTC

Well, he fought with half science: he came up with a set of testable hypotheses, but didn't actually run any of the tests. I guess that's as scientific as cosmology :-)

Re: The Lowdown on Lidar

#7

Post by PeterWhittaker » Thu, Jul 31, 2014, 3:24 PM UTC

Excellent presentation with considerable technical information, e.g., weaknesses in the LIDAR approach, operational realities that reduce accuracy, etc., and some legal background, e.g., limiting LIDAR to 1000' or less in some jurisdictions - but contrast with overall lack of case law.

Could be of value to anyone wishing to fight a ticket.

Re: The Lowdown on Lidar

#8

Post by privong » Thu, Jul 31, 2014, 3:26 PM UTC

Anecdotally, I heard of an astronomer in a similar situation, who attempted to prove the radar gun used to "catch" him speeding was incapable of measuring the speed accurately enough (presenting info on the radar gun's sampling properties and on sampling theory; I forget the specifics). Supposedly the judge maintained the speeding violation but reduced the man's fine for "entertaining the court".

Re: The Lowdown on Lidar

#9

Post by justinsb » Thu, Jul 31, 2014, 3:27 PM UTC

Can anyone tell me why speeding tickets aren't enforced with video cameras (like red-light tickets are)? It would seem to be much more accurate, much easier to enforce, and much harder to dispute.

Irrespective of the rights or wrongs of speed limit laws, I do believe that consistent and efficient enforcement can only be a good thing.

Re: The Lowdown on Lidar

#10

Post by toomuchtodo » Thu, Jul 31, 2014, 3:33 PM UTC

justinsb wrote: post #9

Can anyone tell me why speeding tickets aren't enforced with video cameras (like red-light tickets are)? It would seem to be much more accurate, much easier to enforce, and much harder to dispute. Irrespective of the rights or wrongs of speed limit laws, I do believe that consistent and efficient enforcement can only be a good thing.

One word: Discretion

"Confronting Automated Law Enforcement" http://robots.law.miami.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Shay-...