macOS

Features of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR is an acronym for a light detection and ranging. The LiDAR systems of the new age use laser light emitting from low-flying aircraft to measure ground distances down to the centimeter scale. This is widely used in autonomous vehicles, topographic mapping, environmental monitoring, and forestry applications.

How LiDAR Works:

LiDAR sensor sends out fast laser light pulses towards a target.

Each of these laser pulse then bounces back from the object and is detected by the sensor, secured in a specific position on top of the headliner between sunroof opening.

At the speed of light, the system can calculate how far away the object is.

LiDAR odometry uses biometric 3D position mappings of the vicinity by scanning through an area.

Components of a LiDAR System:

Laser emitter

Photodetector (receiver)

Scanner or rotating mirror

GNSS/IMUs for geo-referencing

Applications of LiDAR:

Autonomous Vehicles — To perceive the environment in real-time and detect obstacles.

Use of Machine learning for Topographic Mapping: For producing high-resolution 3D maps of terrain and landscapes.

Forestry and Agriculture: Canopy height, biomass, crop health measurements.

Urban Planning: high resolution models of cities.

Archeology: Exploring hidden, plant-covered or soil-sheathed locations.

Advantages:

High accuracy and resolution

Works in low-light or dark conditions

High-throughput data collection at vast continents

Limitations:

Costly equipment

Subject to poor weather conditions (fog, rain, snow)