Unlocking the Secrets of Lidar Data: Everything You Need to Know

Lidar technology is an essential tool for collecting data, and is typically mounted on a small aircraft. It consists of a laser scanner, a Global Positioning System (GPS) and an Inertial Navigation System (INS). The laser scanner emits brief pulses of light to the ground surface, which is then detected and measured by the range. QGIS 3 is a great tool for working with lidar data, as it allows you to drag and drop LAS and LAZ files without needing to convert them into an intermediate format.

An individual license for this software costs 1500 EUR, which is equivalent to about 1800 USD. ENVI LiDAR is another powerful tool that enables you to create 3D visualizations and extract features from raw lidar data. ArcGIS is also one of the most advanced lidar processing tools available, allowing for a clearer analysis of lidar data. Whitebox Tools is another great option for lidar processing, offering advanced functionality even before you pay for the lidar extension feature.

How Does Lidar Topography Work?

At a technical level, lidar works by pointing a laser at a target surface on the ground or underwater. It can be mounted on almost any mobile vehicle, such as airplanes, satellites, motorcycles with folded wheels, agricultural machinery, drones and even long poles.

This technology is used in many industries, including agriculture, archaeology, environmental management and law enforcement.

Conclusion

Lidar technology has revolutionized the way we collect data and analyze our environment. With powerful tools like QGIS 3, ENVI LiDAR, ArcGIS and Whitebox Tools, it's easier than ever to process lidar data and extract valuable insights from it. Whether you're in agriculture, archaeology or law enforcement, lidar technology can help you get the job done.