LIDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that has revolutionized the surveying industry. The process uses light in the form of a laser to gauge distance.

By compiling the data collected through the LIDAR system, professional data specialists at a LIDAR survey company can produce highly accurate three-dimensional data of a specific area. This is what makes LIDAR an ideal system for numerous industries, including civil engineering, mining, and the roadwork industry.
With that being said, let’s take an in-depth look at the various aspects of LIDAR.

LIDAR’s impact on surveying – how does it work?

As mentioned before, LIDAR is a revolutionary mapping technology that takes the mobility, cost-effectiveness, time-saving, and accuracy of aerial surveying to a new level.

In fact, this is exactly what the developers thought about LIDAR shortly after it was invented in the early 1960s. And thankfully, this impressive technology managed to keep up with expectations and still is making things easier for surveyors and engineers.

LIDAR, a remote sensing method, uses high-speed light pulses to map the earth’s surface. It uses laser pulses to gather measurements that can be used for 3D maps and models of environmental objects.

In simple terms, LIDAR records the time it takes light beams to hit a surface or an object and then travel back to the laser scanner. The velocity of light is then used to calculate the distance. Depending on the sensors used, the LIDAR scanning units can shoot thousands of pulses every second. These pulsed measurements are then further used for processing 3D visualization or “point cloud.”

Benefits associated with the LIDAR survey

1. Accurate:

LIDAR systems can collect highly dense data without leaving any space between the points. This results in highly accurate data that enables the professionals to model or plot man-made and natural landscapes.

2. Fast:

As mentioned, LIDAR is capable of gathering thousands of points every second. This is what makes it an exceptionally fast surveying method. With the LIDAR system, it can take only minutes to scan the interiors of a building or even large spaces. This means the survey can be completed within an hour, without the need for GPS.

3. Flexible:

You get plenty of options when using LIDAR for land surveys. For laser scanning, there are hand-held devices that you can mount on drones, poles, or cars. Since LIDAR uses light to measure, you can obtain the services from the LIDAR survey company at any time of the day or night.

4. Safe:

If you wish to survey places that are unsafe for humans or wish to conduct surveying work remotely for a long period of time, the LIDAR system can prove useful, thanks to its prompt and remote operating feature.

Best use cases of the LIDAR survey

1. Civil engineering and surveying

One of the most common applications of LIDAR systems is civil engineering. The application includes but isn’t limited to –

• Designing – LIDAR’s ability to provide highly precise results makes it an essential tool for planning projects that have terrestrial limitations.

• Evaluating – LIDAR helps civil engineers to evaluate existing construction products and buildings for any changes and defects. The gathered data can be used to compare with the previous ones to identify changes that can otherwise be difficult.

• Surveying – LIDAR systems also help professionals generate detailed 3D images of existing structures.

2. Mines

Since mines are often areas that have limited access, limited light, and rough terrain, LIDAR proves to be an essential surveying tool in them. LIDAR provides an extensive solution for producing accurate and detailed results. Mines have both complex and intricate construction. With regular mapping, it becomes easy to identify the accuracy of current maps and whether or not the mines are built safely. LIDAR can create 3D maps of the mining networks quickly and accurately to make things easy.

3. Quarries

• Regular volume measurements are imperative to identify how much product is remaining and how much is collected from quarries. LIDAR uses detailed terrain mapping to accomplish this process easily and quickly. The data generated here can be compared with previous data for extensive volume measurements.

4. Tunnels

For worker safety, tunnels need to be constructed carefully. LIDAR, being accurate and functional in a wide range of environments, proves to be a preferred choice.

Signing off

It is evident that LIDAR laser technology is a game-changer in the surveying industry.

If you wish to experience the many benefits of LIDAR, then consider meeting the experts at NV5. The data preparation experts at their LIDAR survey company will deliver fast and accurate results. From preparing 3D models to performing services and compiling actionable data, they can undertake all of your surveying needs.