How Things Work: LIDAR

LIDAR is a form of 3D laser scanning that works similarly to underwater sonar mapping. A LIDAR system will consist of a laser and laser detector, precision timing measurement system, GPS system, and an IMU. The GPS and IMU work in conjunction to record x, y, z location and roll, pitch, yaw of the LIDAR system as well as other forces and velocity. Laser pulses are released, reflected off of an object, and then received by the laser detector. The difference in time is used to determine distance between the object and the LIDAR system. A map of an area can be created with higher point density.