Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR technology offer a range of advantages for mapping companies. From increased safety and efficiency to higher data quality, LiDAR UAVs can help overcome difficult terrain or hazardous locations. But what is LiDAR and how does it work?LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It works by sending pulses of laser light and measuring the time it takes for the light to hit an object and return to the sensor.
These pulses are sent in nanoseconds, allowing for quick scanning of areas and the creation of complete, high-precision 3D images. This data can then be used to create elevation maps and more.
Accuracy and Consistency
The main benefit of LiDAR is its accuracy and consistency. The short wavelength of the laser light allows for the detection of even small objects, creating exact 3D models that can be used to identify objects such as trees, people, or walls. Additionally, LiDAR is significantly cheaper than other topography and mapping methods due to its speed, cost, and the enormous volume of high-precision data it produces.Disadvantages
While LiDAR offers many advantages, it is important to be aware of its disadvantages when planning to use it.Airborne LiDAR has been accepted by the surveying community for more than a decade, but UAVs have the ability to fly much lower and slower than a helicopter or an airplane. This means that the resulting point cloud data has much greater detail, but also comes with a greater risk of errors.
Integrating LiDAR Sensors
Integrating LiDAR sensors into commercial drones makes LiDAR mapping more affordable, but the cost remains difficult to estimate. Additionally, setting up a LiDAR workshop requires a large investment in both the LiDAR sensor and personnel. It is important to understand best use cases, how data accuracy is guaranteed when capturing a drone-based LiDAR, why LiDAR and high-resolution images are complementary technologies, and new market opportunities for bathymetric LiDAR.Conclusion
LiDAR UAVs offer a range of advantages that make them an attractive option for mapping companies.From improved safety and efficiency to higher data quality, these UAVs can help overcome difficult terrain or hazardous locations. However, it is important to be aware of their disadvantages when planning to use them. Integrating LiDAR sensors into commercial drones makes LiDAR mapping more affordable but still requires a large investment in both the sensor and personnel. Understanding best use cases, how data accuracy is guaranteed when capturing a drone-based LiDAR, why LiDAR and high-resolution images are complementary technologies, and new market opportunities for bathymetric LiDAR are all important considerations when setting up a LiDAR workshop.
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