1. What is LiDAR?
LiDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging, is a cutting-edge technology that uses laser light to measure distances. By emitting laser pulses and calculating how long they take to bounce back, LiDAR can generate highly detailed 3D maps of objects, landscapes, and structures.
2. How does LiDAR work?
LiDAR works similarly to hearing an echo. Imagine shouting in a valley and timing how long it takes for your voice to return—the delay tells you how far the mountains are. LiDAR does the same but uses light instead of sound. A sensor sends out rapid laser pulses, and the reflected signals are analyzed to determine distance, shape, and surface details.
3. Where is LiDAR used?
Unlike traditional cameras, LiDAR can operate in darkness and penetrate dense vegetation. While GPS mainly provides location data, LiDAR delivers detailed 3D information, accurately capturing the shapes and surfaces of objects and terrain.
5. Is LiDAR used in India?
Yes, India has applied LiDAR in several key projects, including:
LiDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging, is a cutting-edge technology that uses laser light to measure distances. By emitting laser pulses and calculating how long they take to bounce back, LiDAR can generate highly detailed 3D maps of objects, landscapes, and structures.
2. How does LiDAR work?
LiDAR works similarly to hearing an echo. Imagine shouting in a valley and timing how long it takes for your voice to return—the delay tells you how far the mountains are. LiDAR does the same but uses light instead of sound. A sensor sends out rapid laser pulses, and the reflected signals are analyzed to determine distance, shape, and surface details.
3. Where is LiDAR used?
- Self-driving cars – to detect obstacles, traffic, and pedestrians in real-time.
- Archaeology – to uncover hidden structures beneath forests or soil.
- Geography – to create precise maps of rivers, coastlines, and mountains.
- Forestry – to measure tree height, density, and biomass.
- Disaster management – to assess areas affected by landslides, floods, or earthquakes.
Unlike traditional cameras, LiDAR can operate in darkness and penetrate dense vegetation. While GPS mainly provides location data, LiDAR delivers detailed 3D information, accurately capturing the shapes and surfaces of objects and terrain.
5. Is LiDAR used in India?
Yes, India has applied LiDAR in several key projects, including:
- Mapping the Ganga river basin for flood and water management.
- Monitoring flood-prone areas to improve disaster preparedness.
- Conducting archaeological surveys in dense forest regions.
- Planning highways, smart cities, and infrastructure projects.
- High cost of equipment and maintenance.
- Reduced accuracy in heavy rain, fog, or dust, as laser beams can scatter.
- Requires trained professionals to process and interpret large datasets.