What Can't Lidar Do?

LIDAR technology is not suitable for a variety of applications, such as forest management, precision agriculture, or search and rescue in wilderness areas. This is because it cannot detect how moving objects, such as humans, dogs, or flying plastic bags, move or even what those objects are. The cause of this interference is due to the operation of the LiDAR system. It starts by firing a laser at an object of interest and turning on a timer.

The laser hits the object, bounces back, and is detected by a receiver. The known speed of light and the length of time make it possible to measure the distance. Raindrops can also interfere with LiDAR. The laser beam that hits the droplets is refracted in a different direction (producing no result) or is reflected back to the sensor (reflection). Solid-state LiDAR with no moving parts only improves the reliability of building the LiDAR system. Standard LIDAR technology is also not suitable for applications where there is water, since water absorbs the LIDAR signal.

The LiDAR is an optical device just like a camera, so if the fog is dense enough to block all light transmission, the LiDAR could lose its effectiveness. In addition to these limitations, LIDAR technology has difficulty detecting objects that are too small or too far away. This means that it cannot be used for applications such as mapping small objects or surveying large areas. Furthermore, LIDAR systems are expensive and require specialized knowledge to operate. Despite these drawbacks, LIDAR technology has many advantages. It can be used to accurately measure distances and create 3D models of objects and environments.

It can also be used to detect changes in terrain over time and detect objects that are hidden from view. In addition, it can be used in autonomous vehicles to detect obstacles and navigate safely. In conclusion, while LIDAR technology has its limitations, it can still be used for a variety of applications. Its accuracy and ability to create 3D models make it an invaluable tool for many industries. However, it is important to understand its limitations before investing in a LIDAR system.