Utilising LIDAR DATA for Time and Cost Efficiency

May 17, 2023
5 min read

LIDAR data has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizsng various industries such as surveying, development, agriculture, and urban planning. This advanced technology offers significant benefits that streamline operations, providing expedited and precise data acquisition. By employing LIDAR, professionals can achieve remarkable cost savings, enhanced safety measures, and accurate insights into topography, vegetation, and soil moisture content - all crucial components for successful project execution.

Efficient Reduction of Ground Surveys


LIDAR presents a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective data gathering method. Its non-destructive nature ensures no alteration or disturbance to the environment or land. By utilizing laser pulses instead of sound waves, LIDAR provides comprehensive information about the Earth's surface, offering a comprehensive solution for project requirements.

Cost-effective Approach to Access Permits


Since LIDAR data collection relies on lasers, there is no need for access permits to obtain information from private properties. This eliminates the time-consuming process of seeking permission from individual landowners when mapping large areas. Consequently, substantial time and financial resources can be saved in projects involving private land.

Remote Sensing's Role in Mapping and Surveying


The quantity of data collected through remote sensing techniques varies based on the area's size and elevation. The capacity to collect data within a specific timeframe depends on these factors as well. Various methods, such as drone, mobile and aerial imagery, along with LIDAR, enable data acquisition, catering to the specific needs of each project.

LIDAR Data Translates to Cost Savings, Time Efficiency, and Risk Reduction


LIDAR data serves as a catalyst for significant cost reductions, time savings, and enhanced occupational health and safety (OHS) measures. Compared to traditional survey methods, LIDAR technology has demonstrated the potential to reduce project costs by up to 50 percent. Furthermore, LIDAR excels in gathering data from challenging terrains, including dense forests, steep hillsides, and cliffs where ground surveyors face limited accessibility.

Minimise Manual Surveying Efforts for Volumes and Grades


LIDAR data offers the capability to measure volumes and grades accurately. Instead of deploying survey crews to conduct manual measurements, which can be time-consuming and expensive, the adoption of LIDAR enables the creation of precise models of the surveyed site. The resulting scans provide highly accurate information, facilitating prompt decision-making regarding optimal land utilization.

Leverage LIDAR for Enhanced Profitability, Efficiency, and Planning


LIDAR, an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, employs pulsed laser light to measure distances between objects and scanners. Initially developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the 1960s, this technology now finds applications across diverse sectors such as surveying, construction, mining, environmental monitoring, atmospheric studies, and meteorology. Mounted on aircraft or vehicles, LIDAR systems enable simultaneous data gathering from multiple vantage points, leading to the creation of precise maps and 3D models of buildings and terrain.

Attain More Accurate Data, Wider Coverage, and Time Efficiency


LIDAR data surpasses alternative methods in accuracy due to its ability to capture numerous measurements within a given area. With the capability to collect millions of points per second, LIDAR facilitates a comprehensive understanding of field or forest conditions. Unlike traditional surveying approaches that necessitate manual measurements, LIDAR automatically generates detailed maps, streamlining the entire process.

Accelerated Surveying Capabilities

By employing LIDAR data, professionals no longer need to wait months for survey results. This technology enables swift retrieval of data without impeding ongoing operations or posing risks to personnel who would otherwise be required to navigate challenging and inaccessible environments. For instance, in geological surveys of mountainous regions, LIDAR allows for efficient data collection without subjecting surveyors to hazardous terrains and extreme weather conditions. Similarly, in forestry management, LIDAR eliminates the need for manual fieldwork in dense forests, reducing the time and effort required to gather vital information about tree density, canopy height, and forest health.

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