Lidar apparatus; Lidar, optical, proximity and hyperspectral sensors; Sensor systems comprised of lidar, optical, proximity and hyperspectral sensors for scanning terrain, objects, persons, and atmospheric components; Computer hardware systems for laser scanning or 3D scanning for customization by users; Downloadable computer software for use in operating lidar; Downloadable computer software for use in operating lidar, optical, proximity and hyperspectral sensor systems and hardware; Downloadable computer software for creating topographical maps and high-resolution digital elevation maps and measurements of biomass; Downloadable computer software for creating 3D images; Motor vehicle collision avoidance system, namely, an electronic alert system that detects and reacts to road conditions and other motor vehicles, comprised primarily of distance, ultrasound, and optical sensors, radar apparatus, distance measuring, warning, and control apparatus, and speed measuring and control apparatus; Downloadable computer software for use in navigating vehicles; Downloadable computer software for use with autonomous vehicles; Downloadable computer software for creating highly realistic virtual simulation environments for use in navigating vehicles; Downloadable computer software for creating highly realistic virtual simulation environments for use with autonomous vehicles; Computer hardware, sensors and downloadable computer software for providing vision and perception functionality for use in navigating vehicles; Computer hardware, sensors and downloadable computer software for providing vision and perception functionality for use with autonomous vehicles