FROM THE CHAT ANSWER TO VIDEO / QUESTION FROM SAN DIEGO, CA

Answer: Lidar is a method for determining ranges (variable distance) by targeting an object with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. Lidar can also be used to make digital 3-D representations of areas on the earth's surface and ocean bottom, due to differences in laser return times, and by varying laser wavelengths. It has terrestrial, airborne, and mobile applications.

If anyone else has more info on this particular flight, feel free to reply in comments.