How wide is the spread of the LIDAR beam at a distance of 1000 feet?

The correct answer highlights the typical behavior of LIDAR technology with respect to its beam spread over distance. At a distance of 1000 feet, the LIDAR beam generally expands due to the nature of light propagation.

LIDAR systems use pulse lasers, and as these light beams travel away from the source, they diverge or spread out. Studies and operational practices indicate that the beam spread at that distance is approximately between 3 to 4 feet wide. This spread is significant for speed detection and other applications, as it affects the accuracy and reliability of the readings obtained.

This characteristic is crucial for understanding how LIDAR systems function in real-world conditions, especially in traffic enforcement, where precise measurement of vehicle speed is necessary. Knowing the spread can help operators anticipate the effective area they are measuring and adapt their equipment and techniques accordingly.