A METHOD OF DETERMINING CHARACTERISTICS OF A REMOTE SURFACE WITH APPLICATION TO THE LANDING OF AN AERIAL VEHICLE

摘要

A method of determining the attitude of a remote surface (14) is disclosed. The method includes the step of directing beam (24) towards at least three separate points on the surface (14), the points defining a shape. The method also includes the step of receiving light reflected from the surface (14) from the at least three points. The attitude of the surface (14) is determined based on the received light. The method has particular application in the landing of an aerial vehicle.