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Are you aware that there’re several types of drone surveying? Aerial surveys can be outfitted with distinct kinds of technology. These include Lidar and Photogrammetry. These two technologies can often generate similar output, although they’re quite different in the methodology they use. For useful geomantic partitioning and land scrutinizing, comprehending the differences between the two is vital. Besides, this will help you realize when to use them and improve accuracy and efficiency.

By definition

Lidar technology

Lidar means light detection and ranging. It measures distances by dispatching fewer pulses at a feature and computes the reflected surge with a sensor. With some trigonometry ideas, you can determine the distance accurately, and with many mirroring points, you can come up with a point-based model of the topography.

How it works

In the case of large areas, an aerial Lidar system is installed to accumulate data. A powerful device stationed in an airplane releases infrared pulses as the plane flies several times across the landscape. The system then records how long it takes for the surge to travel back and forth to the earth. Additionally, Lidar has the following component that enhances its effective performance.

• Scanners and optics- essential for image capturing.
• Navigation and positioning systems.
• Lasers of about 600-1000mm wavelengths- used for measurement.
• Receiver’s electronics and photodetector- reads and records signals on entering the system.

Photogrammetry technology

It’s an art or science technology that deals with gathering and collection of data of whichever entity. Also, it involves recording, measuring, and evaluating terrestrial and airy images.

How it works

That is a technique that uses ultra-high-resolution airy photography. Through detaining many images on the landscape, a stereo version is generated with differing views of a single centerpiece. This changing perspective provides a scale used to generate a composite image with an exact measurable definition. Moreover, it collects massive amounts of data from a vast area of land.

What is the difference between Lidar and Photogrammetry based on?

• Uses
  

Like any other technology, Lidar is used in cases that are well-suited for it. For instance, when surveying a land full of vegetation, where light pulses are required to pass through between branches, Lidar is the best because it gets detailed information. It has a 90% capability of penetrating the plants.

On the contrary, Photogrammetry is only capable of producing accurate data where there is less vegetation on the site. Its penetration in the flora is about 60%.

• Price
  

A drone-based Lidar is expensive, and it’s usually estimated to cost about $70,000 or more for just the hardware alone. On the other hand, Photogrammetry is cheap and is widely available. Logically, it’s risky to put a five figured drone Lidar on the air than the four-figured Photogrammetry.

• Data capturing
  

The time expended on the drone-based Lidar and Photogrammetry is the same. None of the two systems needs a traditional ground control setup, so just a base position on the ground for the data collection. In this case, Lidar is more comfortable to process because it’s less detailed than Photogrammetry.

My final thoughts

As we continue to witness extreme changes in remote sensing development and improvement, there’re more uses and chances to create value in the new field of studies and industry. There’re many remote sensing methods available today. The most common types are Lidar and Photogrammetry, as discussed, and each comes with pros and cons.