Revolutionizing Non-Contact Terrain Vibration Analysis
What Is Non-Contact Terrain Vibration Analysis?
Non-contact terrain vibration analysis is a breakthrough method for studying ground movement and material behavior—without touching the surface. Unlike traditional methods that rely on wired sensors and physical contact, this approach uses advanced optical systems to measure how the terrain vibrates. It’s faster, cleaner, and perfect for fragile environments.
At Ommatidia LiDAR, we recently tested this method with our Q1/Q2 Laser RADAR system. The test showed how effective it can be for analyzing sand and glass-like surfaces in a completely contactless way.
How We Performed Contactless Terrain Testing
The Q1/Q2 system was placed above a sandbank. First, we scanned the area using metrology mode to check the surface. After that, we switched to vibrometry mode. This allowed us to run real-time non-contact terrain vibration analysis using 128 laser beams.
As a result, we were able to collect rich vibration data without cables or sensors. We tested both horizontal and vertical excitations, and in some cases, we loaded the sand to simulate a fault or weak zone. This setup gave us detailed insights into how waves travel through the ground.
Key Results From the Terrain Vibration Measurements
Our tests provided valuable information about vibration patterns in both sand and glass beads. For example:
Sandbank Analysis (Non-Contact Method)
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Strong signal at 200 Hz, showing key vibration behavior.
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Waveforms spread across the surface, allowing us to model wave movement.
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Phase data acted like a microphone array, helping us understand how vibrations moved through the fault zone.
Glass Bead Bed Testing (Vertical and Horizontal)
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Detected main peaks at 100 Hz, 210 Hz, and 310 Hz.
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The system picked up subtle vibrations caused by setup movements, around 10 Hz.
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Even very small changes in terrain condition were visible, thanks to the contactless laser measurement.
Clearly, this non-contact terrain vibration analysis approach captures highly detailed results while simplifying fieldwork.
Where Non-Contact Terrain Vibration Analysis Can Be Used
This technique has many useful applications:
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Geologists can measure fault dynamics and soil responses without disturbing the land.
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Civil engineers can test ground strength for roads, bridges, and buildings with minimal setup.
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Seismologists can better understand how vibrations travel through different materials.
Because the system is easy to deploy and does not require sensors on the ground, it works well in remote, hazardous, or delicate environments.
The Future of Terrain Testing Is Contactless
By combining laser technology with smart data analysis, terrain vibration analysis is changing how we understand the ground beneath us. It’s fast, reliable, and highly accurate—saving time and reducing costs for researchers and engineers alike.
📩 Want to see how this technology could help your next project? Let’s talk.
