How LiDAR Works
LiDAR is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging. It works similar to radar, except instead of using sound waves it uses light impulses. Data is captured with a LiDAR scanner from a camera mounted ontop of the scanner.
The scanner emits thousands of impulses (columns of light) per second. Knowing the speed of light we are able to calculate the distance each impulse travels from the scanner. Since we know the XYZ position of the scanner and the projection of the impulse we can accurately calculate the XYZ of the reflected impulse. This information is recorded in the form of a point. Because the scanner is emitting thousands of impulses per second, it is gathering thousands of points of information. When compiled in 3D, these points take the shape of an object in what is known as a "point cloud."
