You may have heard of drone LiDAR technology a few years ago but resisted taking the plunge due to LiDAR drone cost and weight. Well, here’s the good news: the equipment is now cheaper and lighter.

If you want to take your drone mapping and surveying to the next level, now’s the time.

This article will provide an easy-to-understand overview of LiDAR technology and show various uses for drones. No doubt, you’ll get some good ideas about how you can put it to use in your projects.

How LiDAR Works

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. LiDAR uses laser technology to map an area, creating a highly detailed and accurate rendering.

First, the drone emits a laser pulse toward the ground or at an object. A sensor then captures the light when it bounces back to the drone. Measuring how long it takes for the signal to return allows the system to calculate the target’s location and velocity of the target.

LiDAR technology for drones collects hundreds of data points per square meter to reproduce the scene digitally. You can even upgrade with an option allowing the system to register three returns per pulse, providing an even higher degree of accuracy.

The Benefits of LiDAR

Aerial LiDAR presents an alternative to photogrammetry which constructs models using multiple photographs. LiDAR can reveal objects that traditional photo representations may not.

Sunlight at the wrong angle and intensity can make it challenging to discern subtleties such as electrical wires with traditional cameras. But the laser pulses of LiDAR have no difficulty striking tiny objects and relaying their location to the system software.

So why have some enterprises hesitated to adapt to the newer technology? For some companies, their needs are met by the less detailed work of photogrammetry.

But for others, it’s been a matter of sticking to the familiar. Their technicians have backgrounds that include photogrammetry rather than LiDAR.

But the inevitable shift toward wanting more rather than fewer data indicates a positive future for LiDAR. The more information a company has, the better decisions it can make. LiDAR delivers greater insight into structures and landscapes.

It isn’t necessary for companies using photogrammetry to drop the existing technology to use LiDAR. Instead, you’re more likely to see companies combining different types of drones, taking advantage of what each technology offers.

How Are Businesses Using LiDAR?

You’ll find LiDAR on drones in various professions, including mining operations and construction. They can help externally calculate the progress of a mining expedition, while internally, they can help experts determine if conditions are safe for workers.

It’s also invaluable for agricultural projects and checking power lines. Drones can quickly maneuver into inhospitable areas for inspections and identify potential threats.

How Are Scientists Using LiDAR?

LiDAR has also proven to be a valuable asset for archeologists. For example, it takes a lot of work for researchers to find artifacts and structures left behind by Mesoamerican civilizations because they are often shielded by centuries of an untamed rainforest. But LiDAR penetrates the tree canopy, revealing a treasure trove of data about early civilizations.

How Are Rescue Crews Using LiDAR?

LiDAR is a life-saving tool for finding people missing or lost in rugged terrain. LiDAR “sees” through heavy vegetation to register the distinctive heat signature all humans produce.

LiDAR works in total darkness. This can also protect the lives of rescuers who put themselves at risk, especially while conducting night searches.

How Are Agricultural Enterprises Using LiDAR?

Logging companies might use LiDAR to get an accurate count of mature trees suitable for their operation. Forest services can use LiDAR to monitor the regrowth of forests or track adverse events such as the spread of plant diseases or pesticides causing deforestation.

The detailed data provided by LiDAR can help farmers protect the environment from overexposure to commercial fertilizers and pesticides. Traditionally, a farmer might spray his entire crop. However, drone data can give the farmer the precise locations needing attention.

Then the farmer can treat only those areas. He saves money, and more importantly, he risks introducing fewer fertilizers and pesticides into the water table.

Drones With LiDAR Can Take Inventory

Some operations, like construction companies, use LiDAR to take a quick aerial survey of reserve materials on site. Using LiDAR for inventory helps projects stay on track by reducing the likelihood of work stoppage due to running out of material faster than initially calculated.

LiDAR also eliminates the need to draft an entire team of inventory takers. Companies no longer have to interrupt normal operations by removing people from their regular duties.

In addition, there’s a safety factor. A drone can accurately calculate inventory without risking the health of employees. A LiDAR-equipped drone can hover 50 meters above the target while taking images.

How Much Does a LiDAR Drone Cost?

If you were to hire a LiDAR drone service for one day, you could expect a bill that comes to at least mid-four figures. Depending on the complexity of the assignment, the final tally for just one day could easily top $10,000.

For the cost of one day’s service, you can purchase a drone module that includes LiDAR plus other imaging technology. For example, the Zenmuse L1 by DJI currently costs just under $10,000.

Now you’ll need a drone capable of handling the weight of the payload. The Zenmuse L1 is compatible with the Matrice 300 RTK drone from DJI. It has a price of less than $14,000.

Now you can see why many companies have chosen to invest in their own LiDAR equipment. They save money in the long run.

Are You Ready to Get a Drone with LiDAR?

Is the current LiDAR drone price better than you expected? Are you starting to get ideas for incorporating LiDAR technology into your business?

You may be in one of the fields currently using a drone with LiDAR, or you could be on the cutting edge of adapting the technology for use in a different type of business.

In either case, keep returning to this blog if you’re looking for more inspiration. We’ll help you stay current on the latest developments of drones with LiDAR and drones in general.

If you have any news we should share with our community, don’t hesitate to contact us.