{"id":47617,"date":"2020-09-20T21:24:01","date_gmt":"2020-09-21T02:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/?p=47617"},"modified":"2025-04-05T21:23:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-06T02:23:43","slug":"lidar-uses-applications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/lidar-uses-applications\/","title":{"rendered":"15 LiDAR Uses and Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-image47617_0ac1ab-7a .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image47617_0ac1ab-7a size-medium_large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"404\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-768x404.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Uses Applications\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-47648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-678x357.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-50x26.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-425x224.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-550x290.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-135x70.jpg 135w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-115x61.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-1265x666.jpg 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications-360x190.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Uses-Applications.jpg 1337w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LiDAR Uses and Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From environmental monitoring to urban planning, <strong>LiDAR&#8217;s uses and applications<\/strong> are as diverse as the landscapes it maps. We&#8217;ll answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How are we using LiDAR technology today?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are some of the uses and applications of LiDAR?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How is it different from other types of sensors?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, we&#8217;re going to reveal 15+ <strong>LiDAR uses and applications<\/strong>.  Let&#8217;s dive right in.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Uncovering lost cities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>LiDAR reveals lost cities in the ground by uncovering subtle linear elevations in the ground. As you\u2019ve learned in our <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/lidar-light-detection-and-ranging\/\">guide to LiDAR<\/a>, this technology <strong>peers through<\/strong> the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-425x248.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Uses and Applications - Archaeology\" class=\"wp-image-47634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-425x248.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-678x396.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-50x29.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-200x117.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-550x321.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-115x67.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology-360x210.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Archaeology.jpg 1048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Its biggest strength is that it\u2019s a <strong>&#8220;sampling tool&#8221;<\/strong>. LiDAR sends over 160,000 pulses per second from the air to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is this dense point cloud that enables us to see archaeological artifacts. Otherwise, forests would cover them hiding them from the human eye.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Scanning buildings and bridges for quality control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A building scan with LiDAR makes it possible to ensure construction matches with <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/indoor-mapping\/\">Building Information Modeling (BIM)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aligning the point cloud from a terrestrial scan with a BIM design ensures construction quality and is on schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest advantage is how real-time scanning can <strong>detect defects early<\/strong> in the project. Otherwise, it would be lost time and money to redo any faulty construction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Exploring underwater bathymetry<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-425x298.png\" alt=\"Bathymetry Topography\" class=\"wp-image-47652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-425x298.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-50x35.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-200x140.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-115x81.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography-360x252.png 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Bathymetry-Topography.png 504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Typically, we use <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/ocean-bathymetry-data\/\">bathymetry soundings<\/a> (or Sonar) for underwater surveys. <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/sonar\/\">Sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging)<\/a> emits pings of sounds and listens for an echo. Similar to LiDAR, it calculates the distance by <strong>measuring the elapsed time<\/strong> of the echo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bathymetric LiDAR is different from airborne LiDAR because it uses a green wavelength. By using this type of wavelength, underwater mapping can measure all the way to the seafloor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, river and <strong>bathymetric surveys<\/strong> are capable of mapping both terrestrial and aquatic systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Farming with precision agriculture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Farmers use precision agriculture because they can reduce the amount of fertilizer applied to the field. It&#8217;s just one of many <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/farming-agriculture-technology\/\">GIS applications in agriculture<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because spraying is site-specific, it can save money on input costs. But how can farmers validate their efforts in precision farming?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By attaching LiDAR to a tractor, they can accurately measure important elements like <strong>biomass<\/strong>, <strong>heights<\/strong>, and <strong>volumes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Seeing the trees from the forest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Visualizing <strong>tree structure and height<\/strong> in forests is an area where LiDAR really succeeds. But can LiDAR really see through the trees?<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:400px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6 figure{max-width:400px;}.kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6 .image-is-svg, .kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image47617_0d68e4-f6\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"355\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Terrestrial-678x355.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Point Cloud Terrestrial\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-97496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Terrestrial-678x355.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Terrestrial-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Terrestrial-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Terrestrial.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine you\u2019re standing in the middle of a forest and you look up. Can you see the sunlight? If you can see the light shining through, then LiDAR can too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you know the height of the tree and the height of the ground, you get a true vertical profile. But if you really want a <strong>3D vegetation structure<\/strong>, terrestrial LiDAR generates realistic three-dimensional representations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, the Geoscience Laser Altimeter Systems (GLAS) was the first laser-ranging (LiDAR) instrument to <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/global-forest-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">map out our forests<\/a> from space.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Driving with no hands with autonomous vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/autonomous-vehicles-gis-self-driving-cars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Self-driving cars<\/a> use 360\u00b0 automotive LiDAR sensors mounted on the vehicle to gain a full perspective of its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These LiDAR sensors emit laser pulses and measure the time it takes for them to bounce back, creating a detailed 3D map of the environment, which is essential for safe and reliable autonomous driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For each movement a car positions itself, it constantly scans for obstructions and safety. For example, Velodyne LiDAR is a popular model for 3D imaging in <strong>autonomous vehicles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Predicting flooding before it happens<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-425x283.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Point Cloud\" class=\"wp-image-47629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-425x283.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-678x451.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-50x33.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-550x366.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-115x76.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1-360x239.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-1.jpg 1095w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>By using the bare Earth points from LiDAR, hydrologists build <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-global-dem-data-sources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">digital elevation models<\/a>. From here, flood modelers can map out areas <strong>prone to inundation<\/strong> before it happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this respect, LiDAR can provide an <strong>early warning system<\/strong> for flooding. Insurers can use this data to charge higher premiums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is just one of the many <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/insurance-technology-risk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GIS applications in the insurance industry<\/a> to assess risk accurately and efficiently.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Determining land use<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-550x363.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Land Cover Classification\" class=\"wp-image-47644\" style=\"width:413px;height:272px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-550x363.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-678x447.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-50x33.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-200x132.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-425x280.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-115x76.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification-360x237.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Land-Cover-Classification.jpg 854w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <strong>LiDAR classification codes<\/strong> include ground, vegetation (low, medium, and high), buildings, overhead wires, roads, rail, and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If point classification falls into more than one category, vendors flag it with a secondary class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each code comes from the reflected laser pulse mostly in an automated way. <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-global-land-cover-land-use-data\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land cover<\/a> is a staple in understanding the changing dynamics of our planet including <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/climate-change-effects-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">climate change<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Becoming a forensics detective<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In forensics, LiDAR narrows down the search for a missing or unmarked grave. Similar to archaeology, LiDAR can <strong>locate subtle terrain anomalies<\/strong> in the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These anomalies are possible locations where the body can be found. LiDAR has also been integrated into <strong>crime scene reconstruction<\/strong> for scanning areas of crime or <strong>automobile accidents<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/lidar-vs-photogrammetry\/\">Photogrammetry<\/a> is pretty good at doing this too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Investigating landslides and slope stability<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Photogrammetry-Kilauea-Volcano.jpg\" alt=\"Photogrammetry Kilauea Volcano\" class=\"wp-image-97300\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Photogrammetry-Kilauea-Volcano.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Photogrammetry-Kilauea-Volcano-300x288.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Photogrammetry-Kilauea-Volcano-678x650.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Photogrammetry-Kilauea-Volcano-768x736.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For landslides, LiDAR scans obtain a better representation of the surface in vegetated areas. From shaded relief, slope, and <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/contour-lines-topographic-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">topographic contours<\/a>, it&#8217;s possible to identify <strong>morphologic features<\/strong> common for landslides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s in these heavily vegetated and hilly areas where topographers create landslide inventories. Overall, it can <strong>predict landslide events<\/strong> and better assess safety risks.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Measuring the atmosphere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For atmospheric studies, there are several developed techniques:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Doppler LiDAR<\/strong> &#8211; Instead of Doppler Radar, this technique uses light to measure wind speeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Raman LiDAR<\/strong> &#8211; Measuring water vapor and aerosols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Differential Absorption LiDAR (DIAL)<\/strong> &#8211; Measurements of ozone and water vapor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For local and global environmental issues, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/remote-sensing-of-the-environment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">remote sensing of the environment<\/a> is trying to tackle these types of changes occurring in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Managing assets with mobile LiDAR<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:375px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe figure{max-width:375px;}.kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe .image-is-svg, .kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image47617_f9c4e8-fe\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mobile-LiDAR-Asset-Management.jpg\" alt=\"Mobile LiDAR Asset Management\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-97488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mobile-LiDAR-Asset-Management.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mobile-LiDAR-Asset-Management-300x148.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cities are leveraging mobile LiDAR to <strong>manage assets<\/strong> and ensure safety standards. For example, inventories include everything from potholes, road conditions, bridge damage, utilities, billboards, and street signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon collection, scans are destined into <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/spatial-databases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">geospatial databases<\/a>. This way, they can store, analyze, and visualize each infrastructure asset &#8211; which is the primary function of a <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/what-gis-geographic-information-systems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Geographic Information System (GIS)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Entering the cryosphere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As LiDAR widens its scope into various fields of study, measuring snow depth in the cryosphere has become an area of focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because snow has significant <strong>volumetric scattering<\/strong>, various wavelengths of light can penetrate depths with different levels of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once modeling improves for this type of LiDAR, it can be valuable in hydrology and <strong>avalanche prediction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. Implementing augmented reality<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image47617_52a98b-ad.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image47617_52a98b-ad .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:400px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_52a98b-ad.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_52a98b-ad .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image47617_52a98b-ad figure{max-width:400px;}.kb-image47617_52a98b-ad .image-is-svg, .kb-image47617_52a98b-ad .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image47617_52a98b-ad .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image47617_52a98b-ad\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-550x280.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Point Cloud\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-47646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-550x280.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-678x345.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-768x391.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-50x25.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-200x102.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-425x217.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-135x70.jpg 135w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-115x59.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3-360x183.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-3.jpg 848w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As LiDAR becomes more ubiquitous in smartphones, integration into gaming is now becoming a reality. Augmented reality, that is &#8211; pardon the pun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/augmented-reality-applications-gis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Augmented Reality<\/a> that enables you to interact with the outside world by using your smartphone&#8217;s display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LiDAR adds <strong>depth-sensing<\/strong> to make this possible. But this doesn&#8217;t only apply to gaming. Think about the placement of transmission towers, wind turbines, and solar panels.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15. Detecting dangerous tree encroachment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For right-of-way management, LiDAR uncovers <strong>tree encroachment<\/strong> which can cause a disruption in transmission line systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using the <strong>dense point cloud classification<\/strong> of LiDAR data, it discerns between the overhead wire and medium to tall vegetation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can also help lower the risk of dead or dying trees falling into nearby utility lines, significantly improving safety.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More LiDAR Uses and Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a couple more LiDAR use cases and applications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MILITARY<\/strong> &#8211; The military uses airborne LiDAR to map out the battlefield terrain and build <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/line-of-sight-viewshed-visibility-analysis\/\">viewsheds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image47617_8c220c-f3.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image47617_8c220c-f3 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:375px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_8c220c-f3.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image47617_8c220c-f3 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image47617_8c220c-f3 figure{max-width:375px;}.kb-image47617_8c220c-f3 .image-is-svg, .kb-image47617_8c220c-f3 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image47617_8c220c-f3 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image47617_8c220c-f3\"><figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"297\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-550x297.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Shoreline Erosion\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-47640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-550x297.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-678x367.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-768x415.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-50x27.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-200x108.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-425x230.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-115x62.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion-360x195.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/LiDAR-Shoreline-Erosion.jpg 1089w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MOON TOPOGRAPHY<\/strong> &#8211; NASA used LiDAR all the way back in 1971 to estimate heights on the lunar surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GEOLOGY<\/strong> &#8211; Geologists use it to measure and map out the variations in slope, <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/slope-aspect-microclimate-south-facing\/\">aspect<\/a>, and elevation and study landforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SHORELINE EROSION<\/strong> &#8211; Temporal studies along shorelines can quantify the amount of erosion at floodplains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ECOLOGY<\/strong> &#8211; As habitats and the environment are essential to ecologists, they use this technology for land cover and vegetation structure.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Pittsburgh-678x434.jpg\" alt=\"LiDAR Point Cloud Pittsburgh\" class=\"wp-image-97494\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Pittsburgh-678x434.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Pittsburgh-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Pittsburgh-768x492.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/LiDAR-Point-Cloud-Pittsburgh.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>MINING<\/strong> &#8211; The mining industry used LiDAR for monitoring the extraction process and mineral exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SOILS<\/strong> &#8211; Soil scientists use LiDAR for surface roughness, erosion control, and soil management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HYDROLOGY<\/strong> &#8211; By using the bare earth elevation, hydrologists can model <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/flow-direction\/\">flow direction<\/a> and accumulation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary: LiDAR Uses and Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you&#8217;ve learned, LiDAR is used for more than just self-driving cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, the technology isn&#8217;t new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s been growing so much lately that even your smartphone has a LiDAR sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have we missed any uses of LiDAR? Please let us know in our comment section below.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We reveal 15 LiDAR uses and applications.  LiDAR isn&#8217;t a new technology, but it&#8217;s been growing so much lately that even your smartphone has it<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":47648,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[250],"tags":[45],"class_list":["post-47617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gis-career","tag-lidar"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>15 LiDAR Uses and Applications - GIS Geography<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We reveal 15 LiDAR uses and applications. 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