Laser imaging, detection, and ranging has and is still revolutionizing everything from self-driving cars, to surveying, to 3D scanning. Explore what is LiDAR and it’s incredible potentials.
This post has been updated for 2025 to include our Meridian and Meridian Lite mobile mapping systems.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that measures distance by firing rapid laser pulses at a surface and timing how long each pulse takes to return. By collecting millions of these measurements per second, LiDAR builds a precise three-dimensional map of the surrounding environment – known as a point cloud. It is used in mobile mapping, autonomous vehicles, surveying, archaeology, and forestry, among many other fields.
What does LiDAR stand for?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging – though it is also sometimes written as an acronym for Laser Imaging, Detection, and Ranging. Both definitions are in common use; “Light Detection and Ranging” is the more widely accepted technical definition.
The name is also written in several ways: LiDAR, lidar, LIDAR, and occasionally LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging). In professional and scientific contexts, “LiDAR” (with a capital L and R) is the most common.
LiDAR technology was first developed in 1961 shortly after the invention of laser technology. Its development is attributed to Malcolm Stitch, who was working for the Hughes Aircraft Company at the time. Originally intended for tracking satellites, the first applications centered around meteorological uses such as measuring clouds and pollution. Ten years later, the Apollo 15 space flight gave LiDAR public recognition when it used the technology to map the surface of the moon.
Since that time, various industries have used LiDAR for a wide variety of use cases, including creating high-resolution maps for surveying, archaeology, and navigation for self-driving cars. (see below for more details)
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses laser light to measure distances with high precision. Unlike a camera, which captures reflected light as a 2D image, a LiDAR sensor measures the exact distance to every point it scans – producing a three-dimensional representation of the environment. This 3D dataset is called a point cloud: a dense collection of georeferenced points, each with an X, Y, and Z coordinate.
How does LiDAR work?
LiDAR works by emitting rapid pulses of laser light – up to several million per second – and measuring the time each pulse takes to return after reflecting off a surface. This elapsed time, multiplied by the speed of light and divided by two, gives the precise distance to that surface. The process is called time-of-flight measurement.
A device with a LiDAR sensor consists of 4 parts: a laser, a scanner, a specialized GPS receiver, and IMU (inertial measurement unit). These parts work in tandem to collect data necessary to create high-definition images and maps.
LiDAR works by shining a laser at an object and measuring the time it takes for the light of the laser to come back. People often described it as a ‘pulsating laser’ which measures the distance between the device and the surrounding objects. The device calculates the distance using the time it takes for the laser to return, using the velocity of light. This is sometimes called, ‘time of flight’.
Many LiDAR sensors can do this hundreds of thousands or even millions of times per second. Some can do it with a narrow angle of view, and some can do it in 360 degrees by 90 degrees. With each ‘return’, the 3D scanning process creates a 3D visualization, which is known as a point cloud. By combining these points with other data generated in the collection process, an accurate, three-dimensional interpretation of the surrounding area, such as the shape of the earth or surface characteristics, is made.
What is LiDAR point density and why does it matter?
Point density refers to the number of laser returns captured per square meter of surface area. Higher point density produces more detailed point clouds but requires more processing power and storage. For mobile mapping applications such as road asset inventory or infrastructure inspection, typical point densities range from 100 to 500 points per square meter at vehicle speed. For detailed structural scanning or façade capture, densities of 1,000+ points per square meter may be required.
Point density in a mobile LiDAR system like the Mosaic Meridian depends on the sensor’s pulse rate, the scan angle, vehicle speed, and the number of scan lines. Understanding the relationship between these variables allows operators to optimize data collection for their specific use case.
What is LiDAR accuracy?
LiDAR accuracy depends on several factors: the grade of the sensor, the speed of data collection, the quality of GNSS/IMU positioning, and post-processing methods applied.
Typical accuracy ranges by application:
| Application | Typical horizontal accuracy | Typical vertical accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Airborne topographic LiDAR | 30–50 cm | 10–15 cm |
| Mobile LiDAR (vehicle-mounted) | 2–5 cm | 3–8 cm |
| Terrestrial (static) LiDAR | 2–6 mm | 2–6 mm |
| Backpack / handheld LiDAR | 1–5 cm | 1–5 cm |
For professional mobile mapping with RTK-corrected GNSS and a high-grade IMU – as in the Mosaic Meridian – horizontal accuracy of 2–5 cm is achievable under good sky conditions. Accuracy degrades in GNSS-denied environments (tunnels, dense urban canyons) unless SLAM or post-processing corrections are applied.
What is LiDAR used for?
Since its development, LiDAR technology has expanded its case use beyond its original intent. Experts now utilize it throughout an extensive range of industries and companies. It has found uses in everything from oceanography, agriculture, transportation, and even in some of the newest versions of iPhones.
Industries using LiDAR
Mobile mapping
Mobile LiDAR mapping involves mounting a LiDAR sensor on a moving platform – typically a vehicle, backpack, or drone – to capture point clouds of large areas at speed. Combined with a 360° camera, GNSS receiver, and IMU, a mobile mapping system can collect georeferenced imagery and 3D geometry simultaneously, in a single pass.
This approach has transformed the economics of large-scale surveying. A corridor that would take a ground survey team weeks to measure can be captured by a vehicle-mounted system in hours, with centimeter-level accuracy and no lane closures.
Common mobile LiDAR applications include:
- Road asset inventory – detecting and classifying signs, markings, guardrails, and road surface defects
- Infrastructure inspection – bridges, utility corridors, railways, and pipelines
- Cadastral surveying – boundary mapping for land registration
- Urban digital twins – georeferenced 3D models of city environments
- Telecommunications – utility pole condition assessment and network planning
Mobile mapping systems like the Mosaic Meridian combine a multi-return LiDAR scanner with a high-resolution 360° camera, GNSS, and IMU in a single integrated unit – delivering both point cloud geometry and photographic context from one capture run.
LIDAR provides fast and reliable 3D data without the need to process photos with photogrammetry software, which is very expensive and time consuming. It provides a “ground truth” in terms of 3D data that allows mobile mappers to more quickly map streets and obtain accurate geometry at a large scale.
Surveying and engineering
It is possible to survey both land and bodies of water with LiDAR technology. Topographic and bathymetric LiDAR are used to survey and create highly accurate maps of both land and underwater elevations respectively. Both DTM (Digital Terrain Model) and DEM (Digital Elevation Model) are made possible through LiDAR, with accuracy to 50 mm. Hydrographic surveying can have a vertical accuracy of 15 cm and a horizontal accuracy of 2.5 m of depths up to 40 m.
LiDAR is allowing mapping professionals to investigate and gather information regarding natural and man-made environments with greater accuracy, mobility and precision than ever before.
Autonomous vehicles
Some, but not all (see why Elon Musk and Tesla are NOT using LiDAR below) autonomous vehicles are putting LiDAR instruments to work. Due to the ability to form 3D maps by detecting the distances to objects in its vicinity, this technology allows self-driving cars to sense or ‘see’ these objects and react accordingly. LiDAR is the equivalent to eyes for driverless cars, which can note the object, such as a person or another car, and avoid possible collisions.
This might be one of the most important aspects for autonomous vehicles so that they can safely transport themselves and their passengers on the road.
LiDAR technology is also able to detect more nuanced objects such as the painted lines dividing lanes of traffic and road features.
Archaeology
Archaeologists have found various uses for LiDAR, such as planning field campaigns and creating maps of areas hidden beneath canopies or other forms of vegetation. LiDAR technology led to the discovery of sites like the “City of the Money God” in Honduras and revealed that an ancient settlement in Michoacán, México once held as many buildings as Manhattan has today.
Forestry and environmental science
Scientists and forest management are able to put LiDAR tools to use when gathering information regarding canopy heights, biomass measurements and leaf area. Airborne systems can estimate and assess the biodiversity of plants, fungi and animals.
The efficiency and unobtrusive nature of this form of data collection reduce the chance of harming the nature observers study.
Media and entertainment
The final episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ can thank in small part LiDAR technology from Teledyne Technologies, which allowed for a detailed 3D representation of Dubrovnik. VFX technicians use LiDAR throughout motion pictures due to its ability to create scans of buildings or even entire cities in 3D.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the technique of using images to create measurements and 3D models. While traditional photogrammetry was invented by using only photographs, as additional sensors have become available, they have made photogrammetry easier and more efficient. This is especially true for LiDAR (as well as other laser-based devices such as structured light projectors for example).
Military
While militaries are notorious for attempting to maintain details of their technology as classified, there are several known military applications. In 2010, a robotic Boeing AH-6 used LiDAR to fly solo and avoid obstacles. There are stealth nuclear cruise missiles such as the AGM-139 ACM and a counter-mind Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) which both use LiDAR technology.
Apple/consumer devices
Apple has recently released several products which now contain LiDAR abilities. The iPhone 12 Pro, Pro Max, as well as the latest iPad Pro models all boast LiDAR capabilities. Apple is using this to improve ARKit applications (augmented reality experiences) and to more accurately measure the surrounding environment.
LiDAR vs photogrammetry – what’s the difference?
LiDAR and photogrammetry are both methods of creating 3D models of real-world environments, but they work differently and suit different use cases.
| LiDAR | Photogrammetry | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Active – emits laser pulses, measures returns | Passive – processes overlapping photographs |
| Works in low light? | Yes – generates its own light source | No – requires adequate ambient light |
| Accuracy | Very high (mm to cm) | High (cm to dm depending on conditions) |
| Point density | Very high | Depends on image overlap and resolution |
| Colour/texture | Requires separate camera | Inherent – extracted from photographs |
| Processing speed | Fast – near real-time | Slower – computationally intensive |
| Cost | Higher sensor cost | Lower sensor cost |
| Best for | Precise geometry, vegetation penetration, low-light environments | Textured surfaces, lower budgets, aerial RGB capture |
In professional mobile mapping, LiDAR and photogrammetry are increasingly used together. A system like the Mosaic Meridian captures both simultaneously – the LiDAR scanner delivers precise geometry while the 360° camera delivers the photographic texture needed for asset identification and visual inspection.
What companies are making technology containing LiDAR sensors?
There are many companies making LiDAR sensors, including:
Velodyne
The first and the original LiDAR company. This Radiohead video was the first appearance of LiDAR data in popular culture. (update note: Velodyne merged with Ouster in 2023).
Ouster
Founded by former Velodyne engineers. Ouster LiDARs are smaller, cheaper, but similar in performance to Velodyne lidar. They are a bit more noisy however.
Waymo
Born from an internal Google self-driving car project, Waymo currently operates a commercial self-driving taxi service around the Phoenix, Arizona region.
Teradyne
Teradyne is a developer and supplier of automation test equipment for their industrial clients such as Samsung, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and IMB.
Teledyne Optech
Not to be confused with the previously mentioned Teradyne, Teledyne Optech specializes in producing digital imaging sensors, cameras, and systems for their clients who hail from aerospace, defense, pharmaceutical, environmental markets and many more.
Some of the other leading companies are: Riegl, Microvision, Luminar, Topcon, Sense, Intel RealSense, and Hesai.
Costs – who can afford LiDAR?
Some LiDAR cost a few hundred dollars and have a range of a few meters only indoors, and some cost many tens of thousands of dollars and have a range of hundreds of meters in daylight.
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicles has built an in-house solution which brought the cost down from $75,000 per unit to a ‘mere’ $7,500 per unit.
This might be why Elon Musk hates LiDAR and is not making use of it in Tesla vehicles. Despite the fact that SpaceX uses LiDAR to navigate to the Space Station in order to dock the spaceship.
Apparently Tesla is the only car company who is not currently taking advantage of such technology in their self-driving car stack. Ford, Waymo, Lyft, BMS, Volkswagen, UBER, GM, and Toyota all use LiDAR in their autonomous vehicle research and development.
While it’s easy to discount or reject Tesla, they do have the habit of proving people wrong, even if they might be a few years late doing it. They have also designed their own silicon specifically for self-driving, and they are perhaps 5 years ahead of all of the other car companies with self-driving capabilities. So Tesla might be perfectly able to come up with a solution for self-driving that does not include LiDAR.
But the real truth is that for Tesla, who are actually trying to deliver a self-driving solution at scale today, LiDAR is simply too expensive. That’s all – it’s too expensive and it’s not a choice for them to put it in their cars today, so they can’t use it.
Benefits of using LiDAR
The biggest benefit that LiDAR technology offers its user is the high resolution and accuracy of the image or map that it creates. When creating topographic maps, every millimeter counts. The autonomous vehicles of the future, everything from self-driving pizza boxes to cars to trucks to trains and planes all need to have maps which account for each and every variation in the Earth’s surface in order to accurately prepare for future trips.
Another added benefit of this technology is the real-time visualization, which allows for object detection and reaction to that detection. This is paramount in self-driving cars, to avoid objects, as well as remote landing operations for autonomous spacecraft landing such as the SpaceX spaceship landing at the space station.
This and other technologies are coming together in a wide range of products around the globe which are leading us to a new form of living. One in which machines, robots, and vehicles are better able to understand and interact safely with their environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LiDAR and radar?
Both LiDAR and radar measure distance by timing a signal’s return, but they use different types of waves. Radar uses radio waves, which travel further and work in poor weather but have lower resolution. LiDAR uses laser light, which provides much higher spatial resolution but is affected by rain, fog, and dust. For detailed 3D mapping, LiDAR’s resolution advantage makes it the preferred choice.
What is the difference between LiDAR and sonar?
Sonar uses sound waves and is used primarily underwater (where light doesn’t travel well). LiDAR uses laser light and works in air. Both measure distance by timing a signal’s return to the sensor – the principle is the same, but the medium and application are completely different.
Can LiDAR work in the dark?
Yes. Because LiDAR generates its own laser light source, it does not rely on ambient light and can operate equally well at night or in tunnels. This is one of its key advantages over photogrammetry and standard camera-based mapping, which require adequate lighting.
What is the range of a LiDAR sensor?
Range depends on the sensor type and application. Short-range LiDAR sensors (such as those in smartphones or proximity detectors) operate at 0.1–10 meters. Mid-range sensors used in mobile mapping and autonomous vehicles typically operate at 50–200 meters. Long-range airborne LiDAR sensors can operate at ranges of 500–2,000 meters.
What is mobile LiDAR scanning?
Mobile LiDAR scanning is the collection of LiDAR point cloud data from a moving platform – typically a vehicle, backpack, or drone. Unlike static terrestrial LiDAR (which requires setting up a tripod at multiple positions), mobile scanning captures large areas continuously at speed. It is widely used for road surveys, infrastructure inspection, and urban mapping.
Mosaic’s Meridian and Meridian Lite MMS
If you are looking for a mobile mapping camera solution with LiDAR built in, our Meridian MMS integrates the Mosaic X with a LiDAR system and GNSS receiver. This groundbreaking solution meets the needs of surveying, mapping, and GIS professionals who demand high-quality imagery and reliable LiDAR data.
Additionally, the Meridian Lite is our more budget-friendly package. It features a Mosaic 51 camera and is ideal for capturing data in urban environments. The rolling shutter design captures the imagery you need today without overdoing it and clogging up the post-processing. Capture today and deliver results tomorrow!
Already have your own LiDAR unit? No worries! Mosaic cameras are also able to easily integrate with additional sensors, such as external GNSS, IMUs, wheel encoders, and LiDAR. So you can mix and match with the sensors that will give you the best data for your use case.
