Lidar Laser (LiDAR): Definition and Common Applications – Inphenix Inc.

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a technology that utilizes laser devices to accurately measure the distance to a target and its speed by illuminating the target with a laser beam and processing information from the reflected light. This reflective data can be utilized for a variety of applications such as scanning objects, measuring speed, mapping large expanses of terrain, and providing information on a vehicle's surroundings for autonomous navigation (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS), among others.

By repeating this process millions of times per second, a precise, real-time 3D map of the environment can be created. Lidar sensors are a critical component in autonomous vehicles, providing a high-resolution 3D view of their surroundings. By generating and measuring millions of data points in real time, Lidar allows autonomous vehicles to "see," creating a precise map of their ever-changing surroundings for safe navigation.