LiDAR - Definition and Applications
- John Moors
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
This term comes up quite a bit, especially when we hear about the semi or fully autonomous vehicles around us on the street. But how does it work? Where is it useful?
Definition:
Light Detection and Ranging
Essentially, this tech is sending out laser pulses that bounce back to the sensor which then can provide precise measurement of distances. Doing this repeatedly, at high rates, can build not just 2D, but a 3D map of the environment. ¹
Civilian Vehicles
We might think of autonomous vehicles first and foremost. What's important to note here is that LiDAR must be capturing these data points quickly, as the car itself is already moving (potentially towards potential dangers). Resolving the data into a 3D understanding must be accurate and swift.
Defense Applications
Radar and infrared sensors are common in the military environment, but these can be limited by low visibility, fog, or highly cluttered (perhaps confusing to a sensor) environments. ²
Speed is again, important here. LiDAR can provide a much faster, comprehensive picture of what is out there, and can do so in fractions of a second.
This can be used to great effect in various tactical areas: ²
Surveillance & Reconnaissance
Target Acquisition & Missile Guidance
Autonomous Military Vehicles & Drones
Navigation in GPS-Denied Environments
I put this one last as it's particularly fascinating, and I dive into it more in the next section
GPS-Denied Navigation
I plan to cover the GPS-Denied navigation as a larger topic soon, and LiDAR plays a critical part here.
GPS signal can be lost, intentionally blocked, or simply not available (like in a cave or cluttered area where syncing to multiple satellites is impossible). LiDAR is one tool that can help personnel or vehicles continue to find their way. By plotting the terrain in real-time, LiDAR allows the sensors/users to build their own map. Whether this is in a cave, a dense forest, or in a GPS-jammed zone, plotting a course could still be possible. ³
Search and Rescue
Where else might this be incredibly useful? GPS-Denied navigation is also life-saving in the wake of a disaster. Satellite access may be limited, victims may be deep under rubble, and in either case, finding and triaging the situation is a time-sensitive task.
LiDAR can also aid here, helping rescue crew to find survivors in collapsed structures. What otherwise may be an impossible task, could now be both feasible and life-saving. ³
The use of LiDAR is, in short, very broad. I expect its accuracy, cost, and accessibility will greatly increase over the next few years. An exciting topic for sure!
¹ Synopsis. “What Is LiDAR and How Does It Work? | Synopsys.” Www.synopsys.com, www.synopsys.com/glossary/what-is-lidar.html. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
² Ball, Mike. “Military LiDAR Solutions for Defense Applications.” Defense Advancement, 4 Dec. 2024, www.defenseadvancement.com/suppliers/military-lidar/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
³ Sweet, Neesa. “Drones That Work in GPS-Denied Environments.” Inside Unmanned Systems, 14 Mar. 2023, insideunmannedsystems.com/things-that-go-bump-in-the-night-drones-that-work-in-gps-denied-environments/. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
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