What is a LiDAR Survey?

What is a LiDAR survey? As a geophysical survey specialist, we get asked this question a lot.

LiDAR is an acronym for ‘Light Detection and Ranging’ or ‘Laser Imaging, Detection, and Ranging’. It is a technique used in many industries and applications for measuring ranges (distance). An object or surface is targeted with a laser, the distance in measured by monitoring the time taken for the reflected light to return to the receiver. In geophysics, LiDAR surveys are used to create digital 3D models of areas on the Earth’s surface.

To find out more about our LiDAR surveys or to discuss your application, contact our team today.

What is LiDAR data used for?

Airborne LiDAR Surveys provide an engineering-grade measurement of the 3D ground surface. This is essential in providing a highly accurate terrain correction for our airborne geophysical datasets. Digital terrain models of the bare Earth and vegetation cover are used to derive the final gradiometry products. They also have value beyond airborne surveys for seismic planning, infrastructure mapping, and environmental assessment.

What is a LiDAR survey used for? Application Examples

LiDAR surveys are used for many applications in a whole range of industries. we have brought together some examples below, but if you would like more information, please make sure you contact us.

The resultant models taken from airborne LiDAR surveys have many uses, including:

Accurate terrain corrections for gravity and gravity gradiometry surveys: High-resolution gravity and gravity gradiometry surveys require accurate corrections to remove the effects of the topography and, therefore, reveal the signal from the sub-surface geology. Ground elevation models derived from LiDAR surveys are ideal to achieve this and, therefore, maximise the value of the survey data.

Geology and Soil Studies: Detection of subtle topographic features such as surface fault expressions, river terraces and channel banks, glacial landforms and the measurements of elevation changes between repeat surveys allow the study of the physical and chemical processes that shape landscapes. LiDAR surveys have also been widely used for rock mass characterisation and slope change detection in rock mechanics.

Mining: The calculation of ore volumes is accomplished by periodic (monthly) LiDAR scanning in areas of ore removal, then comparing surface data to the previous scan.

Biology and conservation: Applications include vegetation coverage estimates, forest canopy height mapping, biomass measurements, and leaf area determination. LiDAR survey data can also be used to differentiate between tree types.

Renewables: Results from LiDAR surveys can also be used to assist city planners and developers in optimising solar photovoltaic systems by defining appropriate rooftop locations and determining shading losses.

Access and Infrastructure Planning: The accuracy of LiDAR survey data allows the rugosity (roughness) of the ground surface to be mapped over large areas. This has played an important role in the planning of ground surveys (seismic, for example) and in the siting of ground-based infrastructure.

LiDAR Surveys from Metatek

At Metatek, we specialise in geophysical surveys and acquire LiDAR on all our airborne surveys over land and shallow transition zone. LiDAR surveys are a versatile survey which we have used within many industries word wide.  

If you are looking for a geophysical exploration partner, then contact the team at Metatek today. 

Contact Metatek for more information

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