Surveyor (a redstone block that measures distance)

I thought it'd be really useful and interesting to have a block that can measure distances.

My idea is a type of Surveyor block that, in whatever direction it faces, checks for collisions (block or entity) within a 15-block range. If it detects something, let's say a player, it will emit a constant redstone signal. The smaller the distance the stronger the signal will get.

I could imagine this being useful for a myriad of different contraptions:

• Unlike Sculk Sensors, this could detect silent entities, whether it be in-the-air arrows or stillstanding chickens.
• And unlike Observers, this block isn't necessarily limited to block updates, plus it also has further reach.
• You could play around with some long distance redstone signals with this
• Maybe use it in flying contraptions?
• Or use it as a sensor to protect your base or farms against approaching mobs or players.

There's probably a ton of other uses for something like this that I haven't thought of. Either way, I believe the Surveyor (or at least something like it) would be a cool addition to the game.