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The term LiDAR stands for Light Detection And Ranging and is a technology that allows you to measure distances and create extremely accurate 3D models using pulses of laser light.
If radar uses radio waves and sonar uses acoustic waves, LiDAR uses light: this allows it to obtain very precise measurements, even of very small details.
How does LiDAR work?
How it works can be summarized in three steps:
- A laser sends a pulse of light toward an object or surface.
- The beam hits the target and bounces back to the sensor.
- The system measures the time it takes for the pulse to travel there and back (Time of Flight).
From this information, the distance is calculated with an accuracy often less than centimeters.
By repeating this process thousands or millions of times per second, LiDAR creates a 3D point cloud representing the environment.
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| LiDAR in action |
Why is LiDAR so useful?
Because it allows you to obtain accurate 3D maps even in conditions where cameras or radar have limitations, for example:
- at night (the light is produced by the laser, so no external lighting is needed)
- in complex environments, with many different objects
- where precision and millimeter detail are required
Practical examples: where is LiDAR used?
1. Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars use LiDAR to "see" their surroundings in 3D.
A LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof or bumper:
- detects pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles
- measures distances precisely
- creates a 3D map of the environment in real time
Concrete example:
LiDAR can distinguish a sidewalk from a road even at night and understand exactly where obstacles are located just a few centimeters away.
2. Smartphones and tablets
Some modern mobile devices (such as the iPhone and iPad Pro) integrate a small LiDAR that is used to:
- improve photo focus in dark environments
- support augmented reality (AR) apps
- measure objects and rooms with extreme precision
Concrete example:
By pointing your smartphone at a room, the app can automatically create a 3D floor plan in just a few seconds.
3. Archaeology
LiDAR mounted on drones or airplanes allows archaeologists to see through thick vegetation.
Concrete example:
In the forests of Guatemala, LiDAR has revealed entire Mayan cities covered by jungle, invisible to the naked eye.
4. Precision Agriculture
Drones with LiDAR map:
- Plant heights
- Vegetation density
- Land slopes
This information helps optimize irrigation and fertilization.
5. Engineering and Construction
LiDAR is used to:
- monitor buildings and bridges
- map construction sites
- monitor structural deformations
- create accurate 3D models for design
Concrete example:
An engineer can survey a viaduct with a LiDAR drone in minutes, obtaining a 3D map accurate to the millimeter.
Advantages and Limitations of LiDAR
Advantages
- Very high precision
- Works even in the dark
- Detects very small objects
- Generates detailed 3D models
Limitations
- Higher cost than cameras or radar
- Can be affected by very heavy rain or dense fog
- Requires a lot of computing power to process the data
In Summary
LiDAR is a technology that uses laser pulses to create accurate three-dimensional maps.
It has become fundamental in sectors such as autonomous driving, augmented reality, archaeology, engineering, and precision agriculture.
If we had to sum it all up in one sentence:
👉 LiDAR is the most precise and fastest way to see the world in 3D.
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