Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology
In News:
In simple terms, LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging.
It is basically a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances to the subject.
These light pulses – when combined with other data, generate accurate, high-resolution three-dimensional information of the object.
This technology is mostly used for ground-based surveys.
LiDAR was first used on a spacecraft during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, when astronauts mapped the surface of the moon.
Apart from aerial surveys, the LiDAR sensor is the most important component in self-driving cars. The LiDAR sensor provides continuous 360 degrees of visibility and accurate depth information.
Challenges with LiDAR
LiDAR can measure the distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away, but won’t fare well in identifying objects in the vicinity.
Also, it can’t perform well in fog, rain, snow and dusty weather.
LiDAR also struggles to detect a glass wall or door, which is why smartphone manufacturers and self-driving cars makers use LiDAR along with secondary cameras and sensors.
Do You Know?
Sonar (short for sound navigation and ranging) relies on sound waves to detect objects and hence is usually used to detect objects underwater.
Meanwhile, Radar (short for radio detection and ranging) uses radio waves to determine an object’s distance or range. Radio waves can work over a long distance and perform better in dusty conditions.
