An Efficient Architecture for Modeling Path Loss on Forest Canopy Using LiDAR and Wireless Sensor Networks Fusion

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) provide the means for efficient intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. However, deploying such networks in irregular terrains can be time-consuming, error-prone, and in most cases, result in unpredictable performance. For example, when WSN are deployed in forests or terrains with vegetation, measuring campaigns (using trial/error) are required to determine the path loss driving node positioning to ensure network connectivity. This paper proposes an architecture for planning optimal deployments of WSN. Specifically, it proposes the use of airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a Global Positioning System (GPS), and a Stereo Camera (SC) to detect forest characteristics with real-time mapping which reduces the need for trial campaigns; thus, minimizing costs, time, and complexity. The proposed approach expands the state-of-the-art to optimize the performance of WSN upon deployment.