Describe the function of the receiver in a lidar system.

In a lidar system, the receiver plays a crucial role in collecting data that enables the system to generate accurate measurements of the environment. Its primary function is to gather the laser light that is reflected back from the target after being emitted by the system's laser source. Once this reflected light is collected, the receiver converts it into an electrical signal. This conversion is vital, as the intensity and timing of the received light directly correlate to the properties of the target and its distance from the lidar system.

By processing these electrical signals, the lidar system can then analyze and interpret the data to create detailed three-dimensional maps or models of the surveyed area. Therefore, understanding the function of the receiver is integral to comprehending how lidar systems operate and achieve their applications in fields such as topography, forestry, and autonomous vehicles.