To begin, LIDAR is an acronym for the words “light detection and ranging” – technology that uses eye-safe laser beams to create 3D representations of the environment it has surveyed – environments like your construction site. You may also hear LIDAR referred to in broader terms such as laser scanning, or 3D scanning. The first use of LIDAR technology, perhaps surprisingly, dates back several decades when it was used during the Apollo 15 moon mission in 1971! Of course, it has evolved significantly since that time and is fast becoming an increasingly relied upon tool for advancing and enhancing the worksite in a number of industries, including construction.

Here are just some of the highlights regarding the potential end uses of LIDAR technology:

Land surveys. Using LIDAR, a light sensor emits pulsed light waves from a laser into the environment. The pulses bounce off surrounding objects, returning to the sensor, which then uses the time taken to calculate distance traveled. Repeating the process millions of times results in a real time 3D map of the environment – potentially in less time than it would have taken to drive to the job site and begin the survey process! These surveys are crucial for determining worksite safety, building obstacles and land-use challenges and more. LIDAR is often best facilitated when combined with drone technology to provide the most accurate and comprehensive picture of the site to be developed.

Construction site safety. From an ongoing construction perspective, LIDAR technology use is fast becoming a critical tool in preserving and protecting worker safety by identifying hazards in real time before an accident happens. It can reduce the number of people required on the job site by enabling key personnel to view the site without ever stepping foot on it – thus reducing the potential for accidents. The resulting 3D mapping of a construction site will identify potential job hazards before construction even begins. Used throughout construction, it will continually update and identify potential pitfalls not just from a worker safety point of view but also any flaws in the building design.