LiDAR mapping: what is it, and what case of uses applied

Discover what is known as LiDAR and in what type of projects. LiDAR, better known in English as Light Detection and Ranging, is a technology that allows measuring the distance between a sensor and an object through a ray of light. Using LiDAR systems and light pulses with pulsed laser resulted in a three-dimensional digital model of high resolution and precision.

Are you looking for speed and high precision in the 3D LiDAR sensors and laser light for mapping spaces and properties? You may get what you need thanks to LiDAR instrument measurement systems. Through this, it is possible to obtain geo-referenced distance measurements, digital elevation models and LiDAR point cloud thanks to the LiDAR sensor and the millions of 3D points that mark and captures each surface in detail; top, bottom, or side. Ideal for digitizing environments and terrain, calculating structural dimensions or 3D modeling buildings.

Lidar data

Topographic LiDAR typically generates point cloud data and point clouds. Laser scanners can scan zones with natural and artificial environments and ground surfaces and generate digital elevation models with airborne LiDAR.

We invite you to continue reading so that you can delve into its operation and learn about the many advantages you receive through this technology.

What is LiDAR technology?

LiDAR instrument principally consists of the result of mounting LiDAR device with sensors on drones, known as a LiDAR system (Light Detection and Ranging) flight. Sometimes it is accompanied by an RGB camera to color the results and has a GNSS receiver and an inertial measurement unit. With this, various functions are fulfilled and obtain LiDAR data, such as:

LIDAR mapping

• Cross areas with great vegetation to survey natural lands.
• Cover large areas with topographic LiDAR.
• Calculate structural dimensions of buildings or cartography.
• Carry out the lifting of infrastructure and construction.

Are you interested in knowing the basics of 3D laser scanning? Do not miss our article Top 5 terrestrial scanners so that you can solve all your doubts about the basics of laser scanning. Top 5 Terrestrial Laser Scanners 2022

‍

How does a LiDAR system's flight work?

LiDAR utilizes a sensor that measures the distance to an object by sending laser pulses. In other words, a laser pulse is sent from the sensor to the object, and its return time is measured (a principle known as indirect measurement).

Lidar sensors

At the same time, it can measure objects in a range of .5 to 100 meters. And even go further depending on the model of the sensor. However, one of the great advantages is that this technology can measure objects with an accuracy of up to 2 cm. Surprising, right?

‍

And what makes this technology so precise?

It is known as a point cloud, which (as its name specifies) is a set of three-dimensional points responsible for representing a specific surface. Each point is given a value of X, Y and Z coordinates. In other words, the point cloud's density indicates the area's size and the necessary precision.

Precision by which it is possible to create digital models of a surface (or visualize the terrain in 3D), taking into account aspects such as slopes or volumes. Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring LiDAR data over broad areas.

5 advantages that a LiDAR flight offers you

While there are various goals behind a LiDAR flight, the benefits are the same. Here are five specific ones:

1. Efficient management of resources: Thanks to the fact that this type of technology can be operated and managed by the same person.
2. Daily information collection: Unlike traditional methods, it manages to collect many kilometers of 3D information daily, especially with drones or an airplane.
3. Precision in architecture or engineering projects: Through the generation of millions of data in 3D points that are obtained and leading to much more accurate decision making.
4. Detection of important changes: By having information in a point cloud format. In the same that, through a photographic camera, color can be added to differentiate or detect changes.
5. Reduce project development times: This technology can be used in extreme scanning conditions without putting human capital at risk.

‍

Once you have analyzed the most crucial points of a LiDAR flight, have you identified if this solution is what your project needs?