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    Lidar

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    Hennie Veldman

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Lidar

    Uploaded by

    Hennie Veldman
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    8 views9 pages

    Lidar

    Uploaded by

    Hennie Veldman

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    ARTICLE
    What Is Lidar and How Does It Work?
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    Introduced in the 1960s, LiDAR technology originally measured large


    areas of terrain by mounting scanners to airplanes. Like Radar (Radio
    Detection and Ranging), this is achievable by emitting pulses toward the
    surface of the ground and bouncing them back to a sensor. Originally
    referred to as a "colidar system,” LiDAR sensors employ the same concept
    for measuring and creating 3D models today.

    The introduction of commercially viable GPS systems in the 1980s made


    LiDAR data useful for accurate geospatial measurements. Since then,
    research and development have rapidly advanced and improved LiDAR
    technology, making it commonplace for surveyors across the globe, via 3D
    laser scanning solutions like the FARO Focus Premium .
    ® ™

    What is LiDAR?
    Lidar is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote
    sensing method for creating 3D models of the real world.
     How Do Lidar Sensors Work?
    Depending on the LIDAR sensor, scanners can emit millions of laser
    pulses per second. Each pulse returns to the scanner, calculating the
    distance between the object and sensor using the velocity of light,
    referred to as the Time of Flight (ToF). The result is a single point in
    space and the combination of all these points creates a dense 3D
    visualization called point cloud data.
     The Difference between Radar and LiDAR?

    LiDAR and Radar both emit pulses to determine the time it takes to
    hit a surface and return to the sensor. Radar, however, uses radio
    waves instead of light pulses. LiDAR technology creates accurate
    measurements through 3D models, whereas the primary use for
    Radar is for military purposes i.e. on battleships to detect objects in
    the vicinity.

    What Is LiDAR Technology?


    Lidar technology is an ideal way to examine the surface of the earth.
    Assessing information about the ground, creating a digital twin of an
    object, or detailing a range of geospatial information. Laser scanning
    solutions harness this technology, using LiDAR data to create 3D models
    and map digital elevation.
    LiDAR maps give positional accuracy — both absolute and relative, to
    allow users of the data to know where in the world the mapping took place
    and how each point relates to objects in terms of distance.

    What is LiDAR used for?


    There aren't many applications that wouldn't benefit from using LiDAR
    technology. From busy construction sites to deep underground — LiDAR
    sensors are ideal solutions for a variety of industries. Here are a few
    examples:

     AEC

    LiDAR technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in AEC.


    Tracking building projects and producing digital twins for Building
    Information Modeling (BIM). Plus mapping the built environment
    like buildings, road networks, or railways.

     Terrain Mapping

    Surveying tasks often require laser scans to collect 3D measurements


    to create Digital Terrain Models (DTM) and Digital Elevation
    Models (DEMs) of landscapes and large areas.

     Real Estate

    Creating 2D floorplans using 3D point cloud data is ideal for


    measuring the space of a building or gaining insights ahead of
    renovation projects.

     Environment

    Environmental applications for LiDAR are plentiful. Laser scanning


    is a popular method of mapping flood risk, carbon stocks in forestry
    and monitoring coastal erosion.

     Mining

    Creating 3D models of mines provides greater visibility of progress


    but can also improve safety through various means like regularly
    reviewing and analyzing movement in the rockface.
     Autonomous Vehicles

    LiDAR sensors are also implemented in autonomous vehicles (AVs),


    creating detailed 3D maps of the surrounding areas in real-time.
    LiDAR technology is key in providing AVs with the perception
    needed to navigate safely and efficiently in diverse environments.

    What Are the Different Types of LiDAR Scanners?


    Since the commercialization of Lidar technology, there have been various
    iterations of laser scanners.
     Terrestrial Laser Scanner

    The most common and longstanding use of a LiDAR sensor for


    mapping is in terrestrial laser scanners (TLS). A TLS is a static-
    based solution often on a tripod, emitting hundreds of thousands (in
    some cases millions) of light beams per second to create dense point
    cloud data.

    TLS delivers highly accurate and granular data, which is ideal for
    applications like crime scene investigation or visualizing
    construction site progress.
     Mobile Laser Scanner

    The recent development of mobile laser scanners has opened


    opportunities for mapping previously hard-to-reach or impossible
    places. Though slightly less accurate than TLS, mobile LiDAR is
    significantly more versatile with the capacity for handheld, UAV, or
    vehicle-mounted scans. Additionally, SLAM-enabled systems do not
    require GPS to create a digital map, further widening its usability.
    Solutions, like FARO Orbis , are ideal for industries like mining
    ® ™

    where speed, accuracy, and ease of capture are a must.


     Lidar Technology in Phones

    Apple was the first company to introduce Lidar to mobile phones


    and tablets in 2020. Though significantly less accurate than both
    mobile laser scanners and TLS, and lacking high levels of range, the
    development of the iPhone and iPad is a huge step towards getting
    LiDAR into more hands.

    Working in tandem; TLS, mobile, and Lidar-enabled phones are the


    perfect solutions for consistent Lidar data capture of the same area over
    time.

    What Is a Point Cloud Data?


    A point cloud is a multitude (often millions) of points within the scans
    captured by a LiDAR scanner. These points represent a point on the
    surface of, for instance, a scanned building. The scanner combines the
    vertical and horizontal angles created by the laser beam to calculate a 3D
    XYZ coordinate position for each point to produce a set of 3D coordinate
    measurements.

    Processing the data creates a point cloud dataset that gives an accurate
    detailed picture of the scanned environment. The denser the points, the
    more detailed the representation, which provides clarity for smaller
    features and texture details.

    LiDAR Systems for Geospatial Surveying


    There are many great use cases for Lidar. These include civil engineering
    and surveying, from highways and roadworks to bridge inspection and
    mapping large retail developments. It is extensive, allowing surveying
    firms to be more cost-effective while maintaining the highest level of
    professionalism.
     Design

    3D scanners help civil engineers get highly accurate results in a short


    space of time - essential when working with tight timeframes.
     Evaluation

    LiDAR technology is perfect for creating a digital model so you can


    spot and correct irregularities before building work starts, as well as
    monitor changes between scans to show progress.
     Surveying
    Surveyors prefer LiDAR systems to help them create detailed 3D
    images, accurate digital terrain models (DTM), and digital elevation
    models (DEMs) of specific landscapes.
     Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

    A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a three-dimensional


    representation of terrain and all the objects within that space.
    Regularly spaced elevation values collected from Lidar scans
    create a coordinate system that allows the earth to be reflected
    and modeled with a high level of accuracy.
     Digital Terrain Models (DTMs)

    Unlike DEM which considers objects like vegetation,


    buildings and other artifacts, a Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
    only considers the surface of the earth. A DTM will include
    heights and elevations of the surface, including ridges or rivers
    to give an accurate picture of the terrain.

    So, What is LiDAR Technology?


    Hopefully, we've satisfied your curiosity about Light Detection and
    Ranging. This pulsed laser technology has so many mapping applications,
    providing detailed information and data on the environment.

    If you're looking for a 3D scanner for a business application, LiDAR


    technology gives you the power to collect the geospatial data you need.
    Our range of laser scanners produces point cloud data for many different
    applications and industries.

    Learn more about FARO's laser scanning products here here

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