Comparison of classical and drone based hard-target methodologies applied to scanning lidar for offshore wind

Abstract Hard target testing is a crucial part of the commissioning process of scanning lidar measurement systems. The correct alignment of the scan head and understanding of the pointing accuracy is crucial to reducing uncertainties in wind speed measurements by scanning lidar especially in dual-scanning configuration. This paper presents a comparison between traditional hard targeting technique and the use of drone based hard targets. A procedure is presented to minimise measurement error and hence increase confidence in the pointing accuracy.