In 1769, James Watt invented a device he dubbed the “micrometre”. It used a telescope fitted with crosshair reticules and a surveyor’s rod to effectively judge distance. Watt used it to map canals. In the decades that followed, similar inventions added mirrors, and within a couple of centuries, these primitive but ingenious devices developed into laser rangefinders able to precisely map a location. This technology is still in use today, but it has come a very long way since Watt cobbled together his version. In the modern era, scientists use something known as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to create precise, detailed maps of areas that were previously out of reach. This technology is mapping the world below our feet and shaping the future by providing countless benefits in the following fields.
Self-Driving Cars
We have yet to reach the future of flying cars promised to us by countless 20th century novels and films, but over the last few years, we have seen some incredible advancements in self-driving car technology. So,
how do self-driving cars work? How can a vehicle know how to keep its distance from other vehicles and obstacles? How do they know to stop when a pedestrian runs across the road? As you have probably guessed, it’s all down to LiDAR technology. LiDAR allows cars to judge distance and speed while plotting a course. It creates detailed 3D maps of its surroundings. It then combines this with various other technologies to get customers from A to B without issue. To date, these vehicles are only being used in select locations, and the technology is under heavy restrictions to ensure it is 100% ready before it’s rolled out. But we’re seeing some exciting innovations and huge leaps forward, such as the Robotaxis planned by Tesla. At the current pace, we could all be booking self-driving taxis and buying self-driving cars within the next decade.
Archaeology
Archaeologists are increasingly relying on LiDAR suppliers and advanced technologies to build maps of historic sites, giving them and the general public insights into how ruined and partially buried cities would have looked in their prime. It’s an essential research tool, but it’s also something that could make its way into the gaming and education space. Imagine writing an essay on ancient Greece or Rome and then being able to slip on a VR headset and step into an accurate recreation of ancient Athens, Rome, or Pompeii in their prime.
Agriculture and Mining
Mining companies are using LiDAR to map quarries, giving them insights into the best places to mine and helping them plot digs around the sites. The technology is being used in the agricultural sector for much the same reason, with farmers planning new fields, recording the size of existing ones, and saving them time over traditional measuring and mapping techniques.
Environmental Mapping
Major floods are becoming more common as we deal with the impact of climate change, and LiDAR could play a role in managing these issues. It is being used to create maps of areas prone to flooding, allowing authorities and emergency services to plan accordingly. LiDAR is also a major mapping and surveying tool that engineers use to prepare construction projects. It’s an important tool in the forestry industry as well. When researchers and planners literally can’t see the forest for the trees, they use LiDAR to accurately map entire areas, allowing them to focus on the ones that need the most attention. As with flood planning and preparation, it helps in the fight against climate change by making it easier to learn which areas need to be felled and where new trees should be planted.
Summary: The Benefits of LiDAR Technology
In addition to the above, LiDAR technology is also commonly used in the following industries:
- Construction
- Surveying
- Military
- Aviation
- Deep Sea Mapping
It has been estimated that LiDAR technologies will be worth over $9.5 billion in the automotive industry alone, and as the technology improves and its uses become more widespread, we’ll likely see LiDAR being used across more industries. Whether it’s the oceans, roads, mountains, or quarries, LiDAR is mapping our world, and this is just the beginning.
