We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Engineering

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is LIDAR?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 19,608
Share

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a technology that utilizes lasers to determine the distance to an object or surface. It is used in a variety of industries, including atmospheric physics, geology, forestry, oceanography, and law enforcement. LIDAR is similar to radar, but it incorporates laser pulses rather than radio waves. Both systems determine distance by measuring the time delay between transmission and reflection of a pulse.

For many applications, LIDAR is a better choice than radar, because it has a greater ability to reflect images, making more objects visible. When using data collection systems that involve aiming wavelengths at a target and waiting for a reflection, it is usually only possible to collect information for objects the same size as the wavelength or longer. LIDAR uses waves ten to one hundred thousand times shorter than radar waves, meaning that it is able to collect much more data. A basic LIDAR system includes a transmitting laser and receiver, and LIDAR used in mobile environments like aircraft and satellites also incorporates positioning technology.

Because of the density of the beams, combined with the short wavelength, LIDAR is frequently employed in studies of the atmosphere, as it is able to pick up information about atmospheric particles, clouds, rain, smoke, and other things that radar is incapable of registering. LIDAR is also capable of measuring wind speed and the density of various components of our atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen.

LIDAR can also be used for creating three dimensional topographical maps and surveys of geographical regions. LIDAR has been used in this way to create maps of Mars, to track glaciers, and to visualize the Grand Canyon. LIDAR can also be used to analyze the ocean floor and to determine canopy heights and biomass measurements. It also has applications in seismology and has been used in studies of uplift, fault lines, and other geological features.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-lidar.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.