Sensitivity of space and time on scanning LiDAR data correlation and the implications on synchronisation of bi-static systems

When possible, running a cross comparison between two or more instruments that are out on the field is an important check for accuracy, consistency and reliability of the instruments in question. As part of the Carbon Trust OWA Offshore wakes campaign, two scanning LiDAR systems were deployed to give near full coverage of the host offshore wind farm.
As part of the programme, periodic checks were performed to give confidence on how each system was performing, and that system output remained consistent. The LiDARs were several kilometres apart and the scan patterns were not synchronised temporally or spatially. It was, however, possible to pick out data points from the two LiDAR data sets that could be used for such a cross comparison based on their spatial and temporal separation. The line of sight velocities were compared for certain beam angle scenarios.
The process and results of the correlations and their sensitivity are presented, with implications as to the accuracy needed when looking to implement bi-static systems, using more than one system to scan the same volume of space.