What is LiDAR and How Does It Work?
In the early 1960s, as lasers debuted, LiDAR emerged — a fusion of “light” and “radar.” Initially mapping small water bodies, LiDAR soared in the 1980s with GPS integration, revolutionizing geospatial data collection.
Back then, LiDAR sensors were hefty, tethered to piloted planes, and operated manually, limiting their accessibility. Fast forward to today: LiDAR is compact, cost-effective, and ingrained in diverse sectors, even in iPhones, crafting 3D models from 4.5 meters away.
This 60-year evolution is remarkable. But what is LiDAR, and how does it work? In this guide, we dissect LiDAR’s components, explore its applications, and unravel the synergy of laser precision and data analytics
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR, an acronym for “Light Detection and Ranging,” stands as a revolutionary distance-measuring sensor, akin to its counterparts radar and sonar. Functioning by emitting laser pulses that rebound off objects, LiDAR sensors meticulously capture the intricate structure of their surroundings.
The process involves recording the energy of the reflected light, enabling the precise determination of distances to objects. This, in turn, facilitates the creation of detailed 2D or 3D representations of the environment.
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Types of LiDAR Sensors
Based on Platform
LiDAR sensors can be categorized based on the platform on which they are deployed. This includes aerial and ground-based LiDAR systems.
Airborne LiDAR
Airborne LiDAR systems are mounted on either fixed-wing drones or helicopters, and they play a crucial role in topographic and bathymetric applications.
Topographic LiDAR
Topographic LiDAR, employing a 1,064 nm near-infrared laser, is extensively used for land-based mapping.
This system captures a dense point cloud, enabling the creation of high-precision 3D maps and models of the Earth’s surface. To enhance accuracy, UAV topographic LiDAR often integrates a GPS receiver and an inertial navigation system (INS). Post-processing of data further refines precision.
Bathymetric LiDAR
Bathymetric LiDAR systems, utilizing a green wavelength of 532nm, are specifically designed to measure seafloor depths and shoreline elevations. These systems provide valuable information near coastlines, harbors, and shores.
The dual functionality involves collecting elevation and water depth simultaneously, utilizing both infrared and green lasers for comprehensive airborne surveys.
Terrestrial LiDAR
Terrestrial LiDAR is mounted on a stationary or mobile platform, such as tripods, vehicles, or handheld devices.
Mobile LiDAR
Dynamically mounted on moving platforms such as vehicles, trains, or boats, Mobile LiDAR systems play a crucial role in analyzing road infrastructure, identifying obstacles, and surveying transportation corridors.
These systems often integrate LiDAR sensors with cameras, GPS, and inertial navigation systems for comprehensive data collection.
Static LiDAR
Positioned on tripods, Static LiDAR systems bring portability and flexibility to detailed scanning, accommodating both indoor and outdoor environments.
Their applications span various industries, including engineering projects, mining operations, land surveying, and archaeological excavations.
