LiDAR vs Laser: Key Differences, Applications Explained

In the ever-evolving and complex construction landscape, accuracy matters everywhere. Be it precise elevation mapping(extraction of 2D drawings from 3D models) or intricate structural inspections, laser scanning has created reforms. Laser scanning has revolutionized how engineers, architects, and contractors acquire real-world data. LiDAR lies at the prominence of technological evolution. The remote sensing method has swiftly become a cornerstone of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The remote sensing technique offers several advantages owing to its high accuracy and lack of physical contact.

Pinnacle Infotech, a global leader in BIM solutions, incorporates high-definition laser scanning services into every stage of construction projects. Laser technology is useful for generating rich point cloud data. It can measure the x, y, and z coordinates of any object with high accuracy. Our LiDAR-based solutions can provide unparalleled design accuracy and clash detection.

We live in the era of buzzwords. Hence it is necessary to clarify to stakeholders the difference between LiDAR and traditional laser scanning.

What is Laser Scanning?

Laser scanning technology involves hitting surfaces and objects with laser beams. The laser scanners receive the bounced laser beams and measure the distance traveled. This is the fundamental principle of operation of laser scanners. They collect 3D spatial data defined by the x, y, and z cartesian coordinates of an object. The technique is being used extensively across architecture, engineering, archaeology, and gaming industries.

Scanners use laser reflection technology to calculate distance. Such a measurement is highly accurate. Apart from the cartesian coordinates, the point cloud may also include attributes like color, size, or intensity.

Each point corresponds to a set of Cartesian coordinates. Each point in the cloud incorporates several measurements including, but not limited to, location, color, shape, and size.

What is LiDAR?

Light Detection and Ranging abbreviates LiDAR. It’s not a technology distinct from Laser scanning. It is a special type of laser scanning. The remote sensing method consists of the following components: A laser sensor, a GPS unit, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

The lidar system can measure distances with an amazing accuracy to centimeter-level. It has an unmatched expertise in capturing the shape and surface characteristics of the earth. It collects dense, precise 3D data.

Apart from topography, LiDAR has a variety of applications. The combination of laser technology with geospatial intelligence unveils the great power of LiDAR. A few such applications are:

Airborne LiDAR for mapping terrains and vegetation
Terrestrial laser scanning for buildings and road infrastructure
Mobile LiDAR for capturing data from scanners mounted on moving vehicles
Bathymetric LiDAR to study submerged ecosystems and draw accurate shoreline maps

Differences Between LiDAR and Laser Scanning

Feature	Laser Scanning	LiDAR
Definition	General method to scan objects via laser beams	A specific remote sensing technique using light pulses, GPS, & IMU data.
Data Output	Point clouds, 3D models	High-resolution point clouds, digital terrain models, digital elevation models, and geospatial data
Application	Construction sites, interior design, creating digital representation of indoor spaces	Hydrodynamic modeling, forestry, infrastructure planning, emergency response operations
Precision	High	Very High (especially with geo-referenced accuracy)
Mobility	Often static (tripod-based)	Airborne, mobile, and terrestrial
Sensors Used	Basic laser scanner	Sophisticated LiDAR sensors(GNSS and IMU integration)

The similarity between the technologies is that both are capable of generating point clouds and 3D models. LiDAR scanner is preferable over general laser scanning for large terrains and hard-to-reach areas. The reason is for the geospatial accuracy of the latter.

The Power of Point Cloud Data

Design development and modification(A phase of construction design where initial designs transform into an elaborate and comprehensive plan)
Clash detection in BIM workflows
Renovation and modification of the current system with new parts, and technology for improved performance(retrofitting)
Mapping site conditions
Creating as-built documentation with accurate modelling.
The superior detail or increase in lidar data collected demands excess storage and computational power.

LiDAR systems or Laser scanners?

If a high level of accuracy is required and the project is reasonably complex LiDAR technology is preferable over conventional laser scanning. Data processing resources are also a factor that needs to be considered.

At Pinnacle, our team converts point cloud scans into intelligent BIM models by integrating design resources and structural detail. Thus stakeholders have access to rich visualizations. BIM models support design decisions across the project lifecycle with spatial planning and coordination among disciplines.

How Does LiDAR Work?

A LiDAR system sends forth lakhs of light pulses per second. It measures the rebound beams with the assistance of GNSS data and orientation information from the IMU. Together the LiDAR system provides geospatially accurate points. The data set is then used to:

Generate 3D representations of ground(earth) without buildings or plants(digital elevation models)
Map roads, vegetation, and road infrastructure
Map roads, vegetation, and road infrastructure
Keenly monitor changes over time in large-scale environments

To put it in a one-liner, LiDAR works like radar with light instead of radio waves.

Use Cases for Laser Scanning and LiDAR data

Use Case	Laser Scanning	LiDAR	Reason
Building Renovation	✔	✔	Conventional laser scanning has an upper hand owing to high-detail close-range accuracy.
Topographical Survey	✖	✔	Conventional laser scanning is of short range. Airborne LiDAR is the right technology.
Interior Design	✔	✖	At close range of operation, LiDAR is associated with lower resolution. It often lacks RGB/color data.
Forestry Analysis	✖	✔	Traditional lasers can't penetrate leaf clusters and discriminate between layers. Full-waveform LiDAR can be used.
Infrastructure Projects	✔	✔	Mobile/aerial LiDAR covers large, complex environments like bridges or tunnels.
Autonomous Vehicles	✖	✔	Traditional lasers lack real-time capabilities and have a low refresh rate. Real-time 3D LiDAR is ideal for this purpose.
Fast scanning	✖	✔	Mobile LiDAR

Applications of LiDAR in the Construction Industry

During the Design Phase

LiDAR provides highly clear-cut 3D scans of prevailing site conditions. Such a delineation offers designers an as-built foundation with millimeter accuracy of full-waveform LiDAR. So no more guesswork and rework owing to mismatched assumptions.

The wealth of spatial data from the LiDAR beam helps assess design feasibility in real-world site constraints. It aids in early anticipation of spatial limitations, viable design conflicts, and constructability issues. Hence feasibility validation becomes a piece of cake for Design Managers and Engineers.

LiDAR data blends seamlessly into BIM workflows. Such a characteristic nature of lidar data facilitates the creation of well-coordinated and clash-free design models. This helps in the generation of detailed designs for optimizing building layout and structural integration with greater precision.

During the Construction Phase

LiDAR enables absolute and meticulous comparison between the design model and the actual construction. It helps ascertain if the structure under construction goes as per approved drawings and tolerance levels. Earlier detection of deviations using LiDAR sensors entails reduced reworks, delays, and costs.

With periodic LiDAR scans, stakeholders can oversee construction progress and compare it against the planned project schedule. These accurate visual records simplify milestone validation. It creates an aura of transparency across contractors, consultants, and clients.

Post-Construction Phase

LiDAR data comes in handy in the creation of highly accurate as-built BIM models. These models truly reflect the prevailing conditions of the built environment. These models, in fact, are useful for facility management teams to inspect systems throughout the building’s lifecycle.

With precise and dense point cloud data LiDAR systems identify wear-and-tear zones. Preventive maintenance schedules can be defined with quick repetitions or frequency for such zones.

It also simplifies renovation planning with digital reference of existing layouts. With such a useful guide there is a scope for reduced site visits or manual measurements. LiDAR scanners help analyze structural capacity, space utilization, and scope for expansion. Such a data-driven approach empowers facility owners and managers to arrive at informed decisions. These decisions are related to capital planning, tenant improvements, or repurposing buildings in their current form.

Construction projects benefit immensely from such end-to-end visibility. LiDAR can go a long way in saving effort, time, and costs.

The Rise of Mobile and Airborne Systems

Mobile Laser Scanning or Mobile LiDAR is usually mounted on boats, trains, or cars. It can scan large areas quickly and provides high-precision 3D data as output. The large scale of operation makes it ideal for urban planning, generating 3D models of cities and buildings. It can capture detailed 3D models of highways and other infrastructure. It can monitor vegetation and assess traffic patterns.

Airborne laser setup consists of lidar scanners mounted on aerial vehicles such as drones, planes, or helicopters. They can also map large landscapes. They can be useful in pipeline routing, flood risk analysis, mining, etc.

Radar and LiDAR Sensor

Amid technologies like radar(transmission of radio waves), and sonar(emission of sound waves to detect submerged objects), LiDAR sensors stand out for these reasons:

LiDAR can perform 3D mapping with a relatively high accuracy, outshining other technologies.
It can detect smaller objects that lie closer to each other.
Can spot non-metallic structures with sharpness of shape and size. It is suitable for normal weather conditions with reasonable lighting.

Industry Trends and Innovations

Experts conceive the future of laser scanning revolving around integration, automation, and intelligence. The use of Full waveform LiDAR is on the rise. AI-powered object detection is underway. Cloud-based data processing circumvents crunched timelines.

Autonomous vehicles, the revolutionary invention of electric motors, integrate compact LiDAR sensors for sensing traffic and safer navigation.

Pinnacle’s Laser Scanning Services

The 3D laser scanning services of Pinnacle Infotech include:

Terrestrial and mobile scanning
Point cloud to BIM conversion
Digital elevation models and terrain mapping
Clash detection and quantity takeoffs
Scan-to-plan and scan-to-facility management models

Pinnacle has executed several major infrastructure, commercial, or industrial facilities projects successfully. Our engineering teams deliver laser precision. Our experts include seasoned engineering managers, design directors, and product managers with keen and updated knowledge of connecting design with construction reality.