From ancient times to the present day, mankind has continuously invented new technologies and tools for comfort and progression. Be it fire, the wheel, electricity, computers, the internet, mobile devices, or the latest LiDAR laser technology. All of these inventions have made significant contributions to mankind’s evolution and, at the same time, have become the foundation stone for many other inventions as well. This article discusses how LiDAR laser is transforming the way we see the world.
There are countless applications at present; however, this article covers the top four applications. Let us understand each one in detail.
Applications of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR Laser)
- Autonomous Vehicle Industry
It is not exaggerated to say that autonomous vehicles are set to be one of the greatest inventions in mankind’s history. With remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence and sensor technology, leading companies worldwide are working on building autonomous vehicles. It is apparent that these high-tech, driverless beauties will soon be on the roads.
However, it is important to know that it is nearly impossible to build an autonomous vehicle without LiDAR laser technology. LiDAR is known as the eye of self-driving vehicles because it plays a critical role in their navigation systems. The laser emits pulsed light waves into the surrounding environment, which bounce off objects and return to the sensor suite. This mechanism helps the system calculate the distance between the vehicle and its surroundings, identify potential obstructions, and ultimately helps avoid collisions, ensuring a safer driving experience.
- Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) is another primary application of LiDAR laser, bringing a new level of precision and depth to this already transformative technology. AR can be defined as the technology that enhances our physical world experience by adding visual elements, digital content, and interactive overlays that blend seamlessly with the real environment.
When combined with LiDAR laser, AR technology significantly enhances the clarity, accuracy, and final output of the AR system. The laser scans the surroundings and creates a detailed point cloud of the image, providing highly accurate depth information. These data points are further used to integrate with other data sources or to develop detailed 3D models, improving the user experience.
The widespread use of AR in various commercial industries such as medicine for surgical assistance, entertainment for immersive gaming, and communication for virtual meetings has indeed made AR one of the most sought-after technologies of the 21st century.
- Climate Change Mitigation
Indisputably, climate change, including global warming, is the major crisis of our time, affecting ecosystems, weather patterns, and sea levels worldwide. Various experiments are being carried out, and cutting-edge technologies are being invented to tackle this global crisis. Coastal LiDAR laser is one such technology used to analyze and understand climate change effects more accurately. This advanced laser technology helps map coastal areas with high precision, enabling scientists to detect subtle changes in terrain and shorelines.
Coastal LiDAR laser is often employed to assess the Sea Level Rise (SLR) – a primary and devastating consequence of climate change, contributing to coastal erosion and threatening low-lying regions. Based on the comprehensive data obtained from LiDAR, scientists and geologists can plan or replan their strategies, such as designing flood defenses or managing coastal development, to counter this growing emergency.
- Archaeological Study
LiDAR laser has proved to be an important asset for archaeologists, providing a technological breakthrough in the field. This advanced laser technology has thoroughly revolutionized the way archaeological exploration used to be done, allowing archaeologists to explore previously inaccessible or densely vegetated areas. It empowers archaeologists to unearth hidden gems such as ancient objects, ruins, and buried structures that might otherwise remain hidden forever beneath dense forests or difficult terrains. The non-invasive nature of LiDAR allows for large-scale surveys without disturbing the landscape, helping to preserve these sites for future generations.
LiDAR’s other major applications include landscape analysis, military, seismology, forestry, and land surveying.
Inphenix is a lasers and light sources products manufacturer based in the USA. The company primarily deals with superluminescent diodes, swept laser, semiconductor optical amplifier, driver boards, and broadband light source. The company’s strong customization abilities and advanced technology support empower them to design quality LiDAR lasers that meet the client’s purpose and outperform their competitors.
