LIDAR enables the collection of state-of-the-art topographic and bathymetric data capture. This imaging technologies are used to make high-resolution, 3D maps for the purposes of geography, geology, geomorphology, archaeology, climatology, forestry, and agriculture, to name but a few.

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. Put simply, it’s a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of laser pulses to measure distances and dimensions between the sensor and target objects. In the context of autonomous vehicles, LiDAR sensors are used to detect and pinpoint the locations of objects like other cars, pedestrians, and buildings relative to the vehicle. The rising popularity of artificial neural networks has made LiDAR even more useful than before.

How does LiDAR work?
Most LiDAR systems consist of four elements:
1) Laser: Sends pulses of light towards objects (usually ultraviolet or near-infrared).

2) Scanner: Regulates the speed at which the laser can scan target objects and the maximum distance reached by the laser.

3) Sensor: Measures the time it takes for the light from the laser to bounce off the target object and return to the system (thereby measuring distance).

4) GPS: Tracks the location of the LiDAR system to ensure accuracy of the distance measurements.