What is LiDAR?
                     What is LiDAR?
Introduction
LiDAR is a remote sensing method. LiDAR technology 
uses the light from a laser to collect measurements. These 
are used to create 3D models and maps of objects and 
environments.
Source: geoslam.com
What does LIDAR stands for?
Light Detection and Ranging. The acronym LiDAR is often 
used to name this remote sensing method. It uses light to 
measure distances and is also known as laser scanning or 
3D scanning.
Source: geoslam.com
What does LIDAR work?
A LiDAR system calculates how long it takes for beams of 
light to hit an object or surface and reflect back to the laser 
scanner. The distance is then calculated using the velocity 
of light*. These are known as ‘Time of Flight’ 
measurements. 
Source: geoslam.com
How do LIDAR Sensor work?
Depending on the sensor used, LiDAR scanning units can 
fire hundreds of thousands of pulses per second. These 
light waves bounce off objects and return to the LiDAR 
sensor. 
Source: geoslam.com
Difference between RADAR & LIDAR
LiDAR works in a similar way to Radar and Sonar yet uses 
light waves from a laser, instead of radio or sound waves.
Source: geoslam.com
What is  LIDAR Technology?
LiDAR technology is the application of the remote sensing 
method described above. It is usually used to examine the 
surface of the earth, assess information about the ground 
surface, create a digital twin of an object or detail a range 
of geospatial information.
Source: geoslam.com
LIDAR Mapping 
LiDAR mapping uses a laser scanning system with an 
integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and GNSS 
receiver or in GeoSLAM’s case, the SLAM algorithm, which 
allows each measurement, or points in the resulting point 
cloud, to be georeferenced. 
Source: geoslam.com
Architecture
Laser scanning systems are popular for surveying the built 
environment too. This covers buildings, road networks, and 
railways.
Source: geoslam.com
Construction
The construction industry is also using LiDAR surveys 
increasingly. LiDAR technology tracks building projects and 
produces digital twins for BIM applications.
Source: geoslam.com
Environmental Application
Environmental applications for LiDAR are plentiful. Laser 
scanning is a popular method of mapping flood risk, carbon 
stocks in forestry, and monitoring coastal erosion. 
Source: geoslam.com