LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges to the Earth. LiDAR technology uses eye-safe laser beams to create a 3D representation of the surveyed environment. It is used in many industries, including automotive, infrastructure, robotics, trucking, UAV/drones, industrial, mapping, and many more.

A typical LiDAR sensor emits pulsed light waves from a laser into the environment. These pulses bounce off surrounding objects and return to the sensor. The sensor uses the time it took for each pulse to return to the sensor to calculate the distance it traveled. Repeating this process millions of times per second creates a real-time 3D map of the environment. An onboard computer can utilize this 3D map of the surrounding environment for navigation.

LiDAR is commonly used to make high-resolution maps, with applications in surveying, geodesy, geomatics, archaeology, geography, geology, geomorphology, seismology, forestry, atmospheric physics, laser guidance, airborne laser swathe mapping (ALSM), and laser altimetry. It is used to make digital 3-D representations of areas on the Earths surface and ocean bottom of the intertidal and near coastal zone by varying the wavelength of light. LiDAR systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.

LiDAR technology is being used in robotics for the perception of the environment as well as object classification. The ability of LiDAR technology to provide three-dimensional elevation maps of the terrain, high precision distance to the ground, and approach velocity can enable safe landing of robotic and crewed vehicles with a high degree of precision. LiDAR is also widely used in robotics for simultaneous localization and mapping and well integrated into autonomous or highly automated systems for safe navigation.