{"id":4915,"date":"2019-08-07T07:24:49","date_gmt":"2019-08-07T07:24:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bestdroneforthejob.com\/?p=4915"},"modified":"2019-09-04T02:10:35","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T02:10:35","slug":"drone-lidar-vs-drone-photogrammetry-when-to-use-each","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestdroneforthejob.com\/blog\/drone-lidar-vs-drone-photogrammetry-when-to-use-each\/","title":{"rendered":"Drone LIDAR vs. Drone Photogrammetry: When To Use Each"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drones are increasingly being utilized for tasks that were previously performed using manned aircraft such as surveying, mapping, and 3D modeling.<\/p>\n

The two main technologies used in these areas are LIDAR and photogrammetry.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although both are useful to surveyors, each has its pros and cons. To better analyze the similarities and differences of both these, it\u2019s important to understand how they work.<\/p>\n


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How LIDAR and photogrammetry work<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"LIDAR<\/a>
LIDAR imaging<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

LIDAR (light detection and ranging) is a decades-old technology which uses light in surveying.<\/strong> Once laser light illuminates a target, it\u2019s reflected, and the distance measured using sensors.<\/p>\n

Variations in wavelengths and laser return times are then used in making 3D models of the target.<\/p>\n

LIDAR has applications in diverse fields<\/a> such as seismology, forestry, geography, geology, archaeology, and self-driving cars.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Photogrammetry stitches several photos together to create a 3D model of the site.<\/p>\n

For it to work accurately, it requires at least 80% overlap on every picture.<\/p>\n

This not only allows the processing software to create an accurate orthophoto<\/a> but also provides numerous angles for 3D modeling.<\/p>\n


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When to Use Each Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"photogrammetry\"<\/a><\/p>\n

LIDAR is useful if you want a more in-depth assessment of an area.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Its sensors can penetrate dense vegetation as well as other structures, which gives surveyors a better idea of what lies beneath.<\/p>\n

This makes it more suitable for surveying rough or largely uninhabited terrain.<\/p>\n

The data gathered by LIDAR sensors create extremely useful 3D point cloud terrain models.<\/p>\n

This technology applies to land surveying, power line inspections, mining, precision agriculture<\/a>, and forestry.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In commercial agriculture, LIDAR sensors can evaluate soil erosion, map water catchment areas, and precisely tell which parts need fertilizer.<\/p>\n

Since photogrammetry stitches thousands of 2D photos together to create 3D models, it only captures surface data. It\u2019s therefore useful when you want a visual overview of a target.<\/p>\n

Applications include construction, sports, real estate, forensics and entertainment industries.<\/p>\n


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Main Similarities<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"TerraScan\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Both technologies are useful in 3d modeling and terrain mapping.<\/p>\n

LIDAR is generally more expensive, but they both survey large swathes of terrain faster and more affordably than manned aircraft.<\/p>\n

They both also depend on similar components and add-ons for improved productivity. These include RTK, GCPs, and GPS correction techniques.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although photogrammetry is more dependent on software for processing, solutions such as Terrascan<\/a> are available for LIDAR based output.<\/p>\n


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Key Differences<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Holy<\/a><\/p>\n

One major difference concerns data acquisition.<\/p>\n

Since LIDAR uses laser technology, it can conduct surveys at any time, even under cover of darkness.<\/p>\n

Photogrammetry, on the other hand, works best during the daytime when there\u2019s enough light.<\/p>\n

Other differences are:<\/strong><\/p>\n