8 Things you didn’t know about LiDAR
LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scanning is a disruptive technology that is making waves across the world. Its innovative and unexpected applications have led to a growing demand, with the LiDAR market projected to reach $1.5 million by 2025, according to a recent report by Technavio. In this edition of The David Moss Report, we explore some of the hidden uses and successes of LiDAR technology that are shaping our daily lives.
LiDAR scanning is proving to be an invaluable tool in the field of historical preservation. By creating highly detailed data sets, LiDAR scanning enables the creation of accurate 3D models of at-risk historical sites. This aids in restoration work, ensuring that the original look and design of monuments and structures are preserved. Notable examples include the restoration of the Christ the Redeemer statue, where scans were used to guide the restoration process without altering its historic origins. LiDAR scans are also being used in the restoration of the Notre Dame cathedral, helping to recreate its exact original design. Moreover, the resulting 3D models allow digital access to historic monuments and artifacts, providing a unique opportunity for people to admire these treasures remotely.
2. It Can be Used to Recreate Crime Scenes
LiDAR is revolutionizing the courtroom by simplifying the process of documenting crime scenes. With its incredible detail and accuracy, LiDAR scanners can capture the exact positioning of every item, ensuring that no vital details are missed. The point cloud data collected is utilized to create full 3D reconstructions of crime scenes, providing jurors with comprehensive and clear evidence presentations. This advancement in forensic technology not only saves time and effort but also enhances the accuracy of collected data, potentially reducing wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice.
3. We Can Use It To Create New Realities
LiDAR sensors are already being incorporated into smartphones, contributing to the improvement of camera quality, autofocus, and night vision capabilities. However, the true potential of mobile phone and LiDAR integration lies in augmented reality. Numerous apps are taking advantage of LiDAR technology, allowing users to create digital versions of their surroundings for interactive experiences. Some even speculate that crowdsourcing these digital worlds could lead to the development of intricate 3D environments, taking online maps to a whole new level.
4. It Helps Emergency Responders Deliver Aid After Natural Disasters
Natural disasters such as wildfires and landslides can transform landscapes, rendering existing maps useless and hampering emergency response efforts. LiDAR technology enables quick scans of altered terrains, which can then be used to create new maps and identify areas where response efforts should be focused. By providing up-to-date and accurate information, LiDAR assists emergency responders in delivering aid more effectively and safely.
5. LiDAR Can Rediscover Lost History
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Beyond preservation, LiDAR is helping us rediscover lost history. Its ability to scan vast areas quickly allows archaeologists to uncover patterns and features that would otherwise be missed when examining smaller sections. LiDAR has facilitated the mapping of a Mayan city in Guatemala, revealing previously unknown areas and providing valuable insights into the society that once thrived there.
6. It’s A Key Component in Creating ‘Smart Cities’
LiDAR scanners have played a crucial role in the development of Virtual Singapore, an ambitious 3D digital model of the city. By capturing detailed data, including lower floors of buildings often missed by other scanning methods, LiDAR ensures the accuracy of the digital twin. This virtual model is accessible to the public, businesses, and government agencies, enabling efficient planning and decision-making, from emergency evacuations to leisure activities.
7. It’s Used By NASA to Profile the Entire Earth
NASA utilizes LiDAR not only for space exploration but also for measuring Earth's atmosphere and oceans. By monitoring air pollution and studying its impact, LiDAR assists in understanding and combating climate change. NASA has been using LiDAR technology since the 1970s, and its research informs climate change policies worldwide.
8. LiDAR Detection Makes ‘Uncrashable Cars’ Possible
LiDAR is a critical component in the development of self-driving or autonomous cars. By emitting laser pulses to detect potential hazards, LiDAR sensors enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. Advancements in LiDAR technology, such as extended laser waves, increase sensitivity and range, bringing us closer to the realization of 'uncrashable cars.'
As LiDAR technology continues to evolve, its applications are becoming increasingly widespread. From historical preservation to crime scene investigation, from creating digital realities to aiding emergency response, LiDAR is already revolutionizing various sectors. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as LiDAR becomes an integral part of our everyday lives.
See you again tomorrow!
-DM