What is LiDAR?
Understanding Light Detection and Ranging technology and its applications across industries.
Definition
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create precise 3D representations of environments. By emitting laser pulses and measuring return times, LiDAR systems generate dense point clouds with millimeter to centimeter accuracy.
How LiDAR Works
LiDAR sensors emit rapid laser pulses (often 100,000+ per second) and measure the time for each pulse to reflect back. Using the speed of light, the sensor calculates distance. Combined with precise positioning (GPS/IMU), each measurement becomes a 3D coordinate.
- Laser pulse emission (905nm or 1550nm)
- Reflection from surface
- Time-of-flight measurement
- GPS/IMU for positioning
- Point cloud generation
Types of LiDAR
LiDAR systems are categorized by platform: Terrestrial (tripod-mounted), Mobile (vehicle or backpack), Aerial (drone or aircraft), and Bathymetric (underwater). Each type suits different applications—terrestrial for interior spaces, aerial for large-area mapping, mobile for corridors and roads.
LiDAR vs Photogrammetry
LiDAR and photogrammetry both create point clouds but differ in key ways. LiDAR works in any lighting, penetrates vegetation, and provides direct measurements. Photogrammetry needs good light, captures color/texture, and costs less. Many professionals use both technologies.
Applications
LiDAR has become essential across numerous fields.
- Surveying: Topographic mapping, boundary surveys
- Construction: Progress monitoring, QC
- Forestry: Canopy analysis, biomass estimation
- Power/Utilities: Line inspection, vegetation management
- Automotive: Autonomous vehicle sensing
- Archaeology: Site documentation through vegetation
Key Takeaways
LiDAR uses laser pulses to create precise 3D point clouds
Works in any lighting conditions, unlike cameras
Multiple returns enable vegetation penetration
Types include terrestrial, mobile, aerial, and bathymetric
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