Hi Natty. The Titan MS lidar sensor provides a signal intensity grey scale response for each laser pulse return in each of the three channels (532, 1064 and 1550nm). As such, it can be used to construct false colour composite images that look like RGB images from satellites or airborne camera systems but the surface colorization will be a function of the reflectance across all three channel wavelengths. This includes both the surface spectral response as well as any contact area influence such as when emitted pulses are split across feature edges or through vegetated canopies. So, in effect, these data can be used to map certain geological or soil feature boundaries that may not normally be easily distinguishable in single channel lidar imagery but I doubt this would be the best technology for detailed discrimination of metal contents in geological formations or sedimentary deposits. For such applications, I would suggest hyperspectral imagery is likely a better bet. Experimenting with MS lidar for such exploration in vegetated or forest canopy environments might be a worthwhile research exercise but for the time being I would not have high expectations for MS lidar success as a commercial tool in this domain. If and when the technology advances to the point where we see ranging hyperspectral lidar sensors (e.g. FLS + time), then I would imagine geological exploration in canopy environments would be a commercial target application domain. Such technology is theoretically possible but the challenge is the simultaneous multi dimensional digitization of the time response as well as the spectral response. So, standby for some exciting developments in the future when technology catches up with theory! :)

You're welcome

no. This kind of LiDAR beam will not harm your eye at distance. Green LiDAR (for bathymetric) certainly can. We run a similar setup, but on a large format UAS/drone. Prolonged, direct exposure to this sort of LiDAR has potential for harm, but not a single beam from 250'-350'. Great question tho, and I'm sure the @theLiDARPROs can answer it in greater depth.