LIDAR
LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) was a technology that used laser pulses to calculate the size, speed, and distance of an object.

LIDAR was used in pre-warp civilizations, including those on Earth. The Ares IV command module, which was used in the early Mars missions, was utilizing LIDAR when it became engulfed in a subspace anomaly. NASA also made use of it to try and locate the lost Ares IV, but were unsuccessful in their attempts. ()

See also
RADAR, a similar technique that utilized radio waves projected through the air
SONAR, a similar technique that utilized sound waves projected underwater

External link 
 

de: LIDAR
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