The emergence of LiDAR technology has to its utilization in multiple applications across different industries. The presence of FMCW LiDAR technology allows devices to have a more vivid and immersive AR or Augmented Reality Experience. It helps to reduce photo capture time and faster autofocus in low-light situations. The use of LiDAR in vehicles, climate and land management, agriculture, and other applications has brought a revolution.

What is LiDAR technology?

LiDAR refers to Light Detection and Ranging, which is a remote sensing technology that utilizes light in the pulsed laser form and measures distance. The light pulses along with other data points yielded by the system help in creating 3-D data about any object associated with its environment. LiDAR technology is a better option for measuring distance between objects and is faster than cameras and RADARs.

Types of LiDAR technology

The two types of LiDAR technology are as follows:

1. Topographic LiDAR utilizes infrared laser for mapping areas of land.
2. Bathymetric utilizes a green water-penetrating light to locate underwater terrain

FMCW LiDAR technology is widely used and popular because it is faster, accurate, and can be used anywhere where the shape and structure of the earth are determined.

Applications of LiDAR technology

Self-driving vehicles

Self-driving vehicles make use of LiDAR sensors and act as the eye for the car. The sensor can view the surrounding in all directions simultaneously. Henceforth, it allows measuring the accurate distance from the other cars and objects associated with the car. This is the highlighting feature of LiDAR technology.

Tracking climate changes

Scientists and researchers use LiDAR technology to study and monitor the changes in the atmosphere. The presence of an airborne LiDAR system can also monitor the traces of atmospheric gases. Furthermore, botanists are using the technology to keep a track of the changes in the forested regions. The technology is also useful to estimate the changes taking place in glaciers over time.

Land management

Organizations handling land management benefit from LiDAR technology immensely. Monitoring and assessing land resources in real-time is easier to implement. Compared to the aerial surveys, LiDAR sensors enable the efficient and faster land assessment and mapping. Furthermore, the technology is also used in warning systems and devices, disaster evaluation, emergency responses like forest fires, and location-associated examinations.

Efficient agriculture

In the agricultural sector, LiDAR is a popular technology used to create a three-dimensional elevation map of specific land. The highlighting aspect is that the 3-D elevation map can be converted and created into a sunlight and slope exposure region map. The information notified by the technology can be utilized to recognize the regions that need more fertilizer and water. This is immensely helpful to give an insight to the farmers, and they can save on labor costs, time, and money.

Conclusion

The incorporation of advanced and the latest technology in different fields can inculcate significant transformations. The presence of FMCW LiDAR technology in a wide array of applications across the industries inculcates huge changes and impacts the functioning and scope positively. LiDAR technology is versatile used in self-driving cars, land management, and tracking agriculture and climatic changes.

David Simson

The author, Dr. David K Simson is a trained radiation oncologist specializing in advanced radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) / Rapid Arc, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). He is also experienced in interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal brachytherapy.