What Exactly is LIDAR?
LiDAR technology has been a trending topic recently because of its utilization in self-driving vehicles, but LiDAR technology has many uses. If you’re looking for anything underground, underwater, or otherwise hidden from your view, you might want to consider using LIDAR. That’s because this unique technology makes it possible to easily detect objects that are hidden from your view.
Understand What LIDAR Is
In order to determine whether or not LIDAR is right for you, the first question you need to answer is, “What is LIDAR?”. LiDAR is an acronym meaning light detection and ranging. It uses lasers to penetrate deep beneath the surface of the ground or objects, which could allow you to locate whatever it is that you’re looking for. The LIDAR system measures the amount of time that it takes for the laser to be reflected back.
What Can LIDAR Be Used For?
You may have actually heard of applications of LiDAR without realizing it. There are numerous potential and current uses of LIDAR technology. However, these eight uses of it are the most common:
1. LIDAR Can Be Used to Measure Topography
If you’re measuring the topography of a certain region, then LIDAR is the best tool to use. That’s because LIDAR satellites are used to accurately measure the topography of the Earth’s surface. Topography is useful in many areas. Engineers use it to plan the construction of dams and roads. Geologists use it to determine where to build mines and measure tectonic activity. It can also be useful for hikers as well to track trails and elevation.
2. It Can Look For Buried Treasure
If you’re looking for buried treasure or coins, then LIDAR could be the best tool to choose for the job! That’s because LIDAR can penetrate deep into the ground, which will allow you to locate treasure or coins that are located far below the surface. This can dramatically increase the success rate of your digs, and you won’t have to spend as much time digging. That’s because you’ll know exactly where to dig!
3. LIDAR Can Detect Buried Structures
If you are an archeologist, there’s a good chance that you’re already quite familiar with LIDAR. In fact, there’s a good chance that you use it whenever you go on an expedition to look for artifacts. This technology has been used to locate some of the greatest archeological discoveries of the 21st century!
4. LIDAR is Used to Take Astronomical Measurements
Due to the precision of LIDAR, it’s used by astronomers and physicists to take measurements. In fact, the technology led to the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves in 2015! This observation was the first of its kind. It’s likely that the technology will be used to make many more astronomical discoveries in the future, which could lead to numerous new scientific and technological advances. Maybe it could even answer the question: is there life on Mars? Maybe it will aid scientists in the search for extraterrestrial life.
5. LIDAR Can Detect Buried Pipes and Electrical Lines
If you’re digging, it’s important to make sure that you avoid buried electrical lines and pipes. Luckily, using LIDAR can make this much easier. That’s because the technology can allow you to observe what’s underneath the surface of the ground, which will ensure that you don’t accidentally sever an electrical line or pipe. Here’s what you need to know about detecting buried pipes with a LIDAR device:
- LIDAR will be able to detect pipes and electrical lines buried underneath most soil types.
- Certain rocks can interfere with LIDAR, which can reduce the depth of the scan.
- The resolution of LIDAR varies from one device to another.
6. LIDAR Has Many Uses in Construction
If you’re working on a construction project, there’s a very good chance that you’ll use LIDAR for something on the job. That’s because it can be used to ensure the accuracy of measurements, find level ground, detect studs, and more! In fact, LIDAR is used by most successful construction companies. Here are a few things that you can use it for on a construction site:
- LIDAR is often used to figure out exactly where to build. That’s because it can identify level ground on a property.
- The technology is often used to determine where groundwater is located.
- LIDAR can be used to ensure that you don’t accidentally cut electrical or plumbing lines that you recently installed.
7. LIDAR is Used to Take Geological Measurements
LIDAR has been used to take measurements of lava flows and other geological phenomena. This can help geologists to more accurately predict when an eruption will occur, which means that the technology can save lives. Not only that but it’s also used to measure the movements of tectonic plates. This could give geologists more insights into the forces that cause volcanoes and earthquakes.
8. Military Applications of LIDAR
Of course, LiDAR was originally developed by military scientists to detect satellites, but today its application in the military goes beyond that. Currently, it is more effective than SONAR (sound navigation and ranging) or RADAR (radio detection and ranging). Future advancements in LiDAR will improve the military’s aim point selection, target identification, range instrumentation support, mapping, and weapon defenses. If any enemies are hiding their weapons in a bunker, the military will be able to detect it with LiDAR. It will also help protect soldiers from hazards like hidden land mines.
LIDAR is an Exceptionally Versatile Tool
From geology, astronomy, archeology, engineering, and more it is clear the LiDAR is a very useful technological advancement. Not only is LIDAR useful for the eight purposes described in this article, but there are literally hundreds of potential uses of this technology. As time goes on, it’s likely to be improved, which will make it even more useful. In the coming years, we will see even more uses for LiDAR technology. There will even be uses for LiDAR we cannot currently foresee.
