LiDAR vs Photogrammetry: Choosing the Right Technology for Your Mapping Needs
When it comes to remote sensing technologies, two of the most commonly used are LiDAR and photogrammetry. Both technologies are capable of generating high-resolution, three-dimensional models of the environment, but they differ in how they collect and process data. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between LiDAR and photogrammetry to help you choose the right technology for your mapping needs.
LiDAR
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a laser-based technology that uses pulses of light to measure the distance between the sensor and the environment. These measurements are then used to generate a point cloud, which can be used to create a three-dimensional model of the environment.
LiDAR is known for its ability to produce highly accurate and detailed data, even in challenging environments like forests or urban areas. It’s also capable of penetrating vegetation to provide detailed information about the ground surface, making it a popular choice for applications like forestry and terrain mapping.
However, LiDAR can be expensive and time-consuming to collect and process, making it less practical for smaller-scale projects or those with limited budgets.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry, on the other hand, uses photographs taken from different angles to create a three-dimensional model of the environment. The photographs are processed using specialized software like VisionLidar that matches features in the images to create a point cloud.
Photogrammetry is often more affordable and faster than LiDAR, making it a popular choice for smaller-scale projects or those with limited budgets. It’s also capable of generating highly detailed and accurate data, though its accuracy can be affected by factors like camera resolution and image quality.
However, photogrammetry may struggle to penetrate dense vegetation or capture detailed information about the ground surface, making it less suitable for applications like forestry or terrain mapping.
Choosing the Right Technology
When it comes to choosing between LiDAR and photogrammetry, there are a few factors to consider. These include:
Budget: LiDAR is typically more expensive than photogrammetry, so if you have a limited budget, photogrammetry may be a better option.
Accuracy: LiDAR is known for its high accuracy, so if you need precise measurements or detailed information about the ground surface, LiDAR may be the better choice.
Environment: If you’re working in a dense forest or urban environment, LiDAR may be the better choice since it can penetrate vegetation and generate accurate data in challenging environments.
Project Size: For smaller-scale projects, photogrammetry may be faster and more affordable, while for larger-scale projects, LiDAR may be more practical.
In conclusion, both LiDAR and photogrammetry are powerful remote sensing technologies that can generate highly accurate and detailed three-dimensional models of the environment. By considering factors like budget, accuracy, environment, and project size, you can choose the technology that’s best suited for your mapping needs.
VisionLidar offers the ability to generate a point cloud from a photo, whether captured on an iPhone or a drone. To generate the point cloud, only two steps are required. A third step can be taken to assist with georeferencing.
The following steps must be completed in the specified order:
File: This will allow you to create a project for your point cloud creation from your images.
Control Points: This will allow you to edit your control points.
Point Cloud: This will allow you to generate your point cloud.
Once you have completed these processes, you will have generated a 3D cloud point in RGB. This will allow you to run the processes of VisionLidar, from classification to extraction.