LiDAR: How The Next Generation Of Radar Mapping Works

Any content pertaining to aspects of radar or radar-related devices are relatively far and between on this website. In a recent article, I cited the distinctions between radar and LiDAR, which generally perform the same job but go about doing so differently. Radar (like all other aspects and components of the wireless industry) is constantly evolving to meet modernizing standards and needs. While radar utilizes radio waves to map out its surrounding environment, LiDAR goes about this differently by using lasers to create a thorough layout of its surroundings.

This is just one of many differences between radar and LiDAR, which is poised to succeed radar as the mainstream means of visualizing an area’s surroundings without needing to see anything directly. Since LiDAR is a topic I haven’t covered to a great extent since I began writing for Wireless Design & Development, it’s definitely worth delving.

Take a look at the infographic below, which provides a thorough breakdown of what LiDAR is, how it works, and its distinct differences from conventional radar.

(Image Credit: Seattle Times)