So, what exactly is LiDAR?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. In short, it’s a sensor that uses laser light to calculate distances. That makes it fantastically useful for measured surveys, where we want to measure distances as accurately and quickly as possible..
OK, but how?
LiDAR sends out laser pulses and measures how long it takes for the light to bounce back to the sensor. By calculating that time difference (and factoring in the speed of light), we can figure out how far away things are. There are three main components at play:
- Laser: This sends out the light pulses.
- Scanner and optics: These catch the reflected light.
- GPS receiver and Inertial Measurement Unit: These track where the sensor is and, therefore, where the scanning subject is.
How Leaping Wing Uses LiDAR
We carry LiDAR sensors on our heavy-lift drones. By integrating these sensors with the drones’ navigational systems, we can gather data for large-scale topographical surveys quicker than any other method.
Case study: cross section through farm buildings and woodlands identifying surface elevations and structural dimensions
Why Choose LiDAR Over Traditional Methods?
Accuracy: LiDAR is all about precision. It can detect tiny changes in elevation, which means better mapping and modeling for your project.
Efficiency: Forget waiting weeks or months for traditional surveying – LiDAR can cover large areas in a matter of hours, saving bags of time especially on big projects.
Versatility: LiDAR has the unique capability of working in all kinds of environments, from dense forests to busy urban areas. We’ll be looking at its ability to penetrate vegetation and trees in another post
Safety: In risky industries like construction or mining, aerial LiDAR allows us to gather data without putting anyone in danger. Safety first!
Next Steps
If you’re planning an engineering project, especially where you need accurate pre-build topographical data, we can quickly provide an estimate of both time and cost. We are also very happy to provide sample data from our previous projects.