How do Aerial LiDAR Surveys Work?

What Is LiDAR?

LiDAR, as the name suggests, is a combination of the words light and radar. LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. It works by releasing fast pulses of light towards a target then measuring the time it takes for that light to bounce back. It can be used for the mapping of land, property and infrastructure to create digital terrain models that are unachievable with traditional photogrammetry.

It is often used in aerial surveys which allows for a faster way of surveying both small and larger areas or those areas that are more difficult or dangerous to access on foot such as highways, railways, powerlines, dilapidated structures or small islands.

How Are LiDAR Surveys Created?

Our LiDAR drone surveys are easily accessible as we have our own in-house drone operation and pilots who are CAA approved and fully insured and experienced.

While in the area above your requested surveyed location, the LiDAR will shoot small bursts of light to the object and measure how long it takes for that light to bounce back, this is combined with the data on the position of the LiDAR scanner which is provided using GPS and internal measurement systems.

These 3D spatial co-ordinates of latitude, longitude and height are turned into a data point and thousands of these are created to build up a picture of the area. They are processed and analysed to create a topographical map.

It is one of the most accurate ways to produce a survey of an area as well as quickly and in-depth. It can reach areas that might otherwise be difficult to reach or are densely grown such as forests and woodland.

Find out More Here: Bristol-based Land Surveyors

The Benefits Of An Aerial LiDAR Survey

Whether you need a survey created of a rural or urban area, an aerial LiDAR survey are ideal for creating an accurate picture of the area with all the details you need of the topography of the land and particular landmarks and elements of a structure.

They are often used for land surveys, quarries, highways, urban planning, civil structures, onshore and offshore windfarms, building inspections and open cast mines as well as the agricultural industry.

We have worked across a range of different projects providing our expertise and technology to produce detailed models and surveys of all kinds of environments. Whether you need drone footage for surveys, planning or even just marketing purposes, our in-house drone operators can provide you with expert skill and expertise to produce the information you need.

Why Choose LiDAR?

LiDAR has a number of benefits, particularly its ability to provide fast and accurate surveying. It is able to navigate a number of barriers such as cloud cover, treelines, thick vegetation, low-light and other issues that hamper other surveys.

LiDAR is the only technology available that is able to produce both Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) so is the ideal choice to meet a number of different needs. LiDAR uses precise measurements so is ideal for creating obtaining the most accurate data and being able to detail small details such as powerlines and pipelines.

If you would like to find out more about LiDAR and how it could be used for your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your project with us. We’ll be happy to discuss the best solution for your needs, provide you with a quote and book you in for a drone survey.

This post was written by swsAdmin