The immense growth of technology triggered the spontaneous innovation of new instruments. Today’s discussion revolves around lidar sensor technology, the pillar of various industrial equipment like cell phones, military equipment, autonomous vehicles, and so on. It’s the updated version of the Radar technology with some unique features, making it appropriate for a wide range of applications. Read the entire post to unveil some fantastic facts about LiDAR technology.
What is LiDAR?
The term is light imaging detection and ranging, designed to minimize human dependence. A collaboration of NASA and the US military in the mid-70s first invented the technology. The system aimed to measure the distance in space and to an accurate global map. Nowadays, it’s used in various sectors, from forestry to mining and construction to land development.
How does it work?
The function of LiDAR is much like Radar, which emits light pulses instead of radio waves. It captures the timing that the light pulses take to come back after hitting the nearby objects. It can provide accurate surface measurement with 3D mapping, a big advantage in the technological industry. Data collection and accuracy are the two most important reasons why LiDAR is surging in popularity.
What are the advantages of using LiDAR technology?
Accuracy: LiDAR technology is famous for providing accurate and consistent results. The use of short wavelengths can accurately detect even the smallest object, creating 3D models. Nothing can hide from its laser pulses, whether a tree, a wall, or a person.
Higher sample density: The lidar sensor technology provides higher surface density in data collection. For example, photogrammetry projects require such applications to improve performance. The high penetrative power can evenly map even densely forested areas.
Automated functionality: The LiDAR technology is fully automated and requires minimum human support. Most of its processes are automated with the specialized data collection and analysis protocol. It can analyze complex data automatically, a major time-saving advantage.
Low light performance: The researchers can use the LiDAR sensors day and night. It is hard to affect its performance in various lighting. According to researchers, the LiDAR sensors provide accurate results in low to any light conditions.
Low-cost: The LiDAR technology can be a cost-saving method compared to other mapping or surveying methods. For topographical surveys, LiDAR is an affordable method indeed. Geometrical distortions can’t affect the data collection of LiDAR sensors. The quick assassination is a game-changer in this technology, making it unique.
Conclusion
After knowing all the advantages of lidar sensor technology, it is easy to understand its role in the industrial revolution. Like every flip side of a coin, it also has certain disadvantages. It can be ineffective in heavy rains and low-hanging clouds. LiDAR technology may not provide accurate results in high sun angles since the laser pulses focus on the principal reflection. However, there is no denying that LiDAR technology is the backbone of modern technological innovations.