What is a LiDAR used for?
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What is LiDAR Used For?
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system—generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
Primary Uses of LiDAR:
- Geography and Geology: Mapping topography, assessing soil erosion, and monitoring land shifts.
- Forestry: Assessing forest canopy density, structure, and biomass.
- Agriculture: Evaluating crop health and terrain analysis for precision farming.
- Urban Planning: Mapping and modeling cityscapes for infrastructure development and flood risk assessment.
- Archaeology: Discovering and mapping archaeological sites hidden under vegetation.
- Autonomous Vehicles: Providing real-time data for navigation and obstacle detection.
- Atmospheric Research: Measuring atmospheric conditions, including pollution levels and cloud formations.
How LiDAR Works:
LiDAR systems emit rapid pulses of laser light at a surface. Some of this light is reflected back to the sensor, where it is analyzed to calculate the distance the light traveled. By repeating this process across a wide area, LiDAR can produce a detailed 3-D map of the terrain.
Types of LiDAR:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Airborne LiDAR | Mounted on aircraft, measures the Earth's surface. |
| Terrestrial LiDAR | Stationary, ground-based systems for capturing detailed images of structures and landscapes. |
| Mobile LiDAR | Mounted on moving vehicles, used for mapping and surveying at ground level. |
| UAV LiDAR | Mounted on drones, used for detailed and flexible aerial surveys. |