Difference between Lidar and Radar

Have you ever wondered how light is detected by computers? Ever thought of the advanced technology that made computer devices capable of measuring ranges and detecting the light in those specific areas? Well, the answer to all your questions is light detection and ranging mechanism, also called LIDAR. 

 

Introduction to Lidar

 

Often termed laser scanning, lidar mapping is a ranging mechanism that was first launched in the 1960s. A remote sensing method used for measuring the exact distances of an object located on Earth, lidar produces exact results by using light in the form of lasers. 

 

Combining a laser, scanner, and a GPS receiver, a typical lidar instrument is generally used for detecting object locations in broad areas. As the GPS (Global Positioning System) came into popularity only in the 1980s, the applications of Lidar also became known to the masses. 

 

By converting light into laser pulses, any lidar mechanism works to generate 3D mapping for any object. For instance, you require the exact location of your automobile that is installed with a GPS chip. 

 

With the help of a lidar machine or application, you can simply spot the exact location along with a 3D model that helps you identify the specifics of your car. Broadly, there are 3 main components of a lidar system that you should be aware of. The very first component of lidar is the scanner. 

 

The scanner is responsible for scanning the GPS particulars of the object that you are trying to locate. This involves connecting to the chip and scanning the extent of the measures. 

 

The second layer of the lidar mechanism is the laser light. As the light turns into the laser pulses, it illuminates the location that helps to locate and identify the whereabouts of the desired object. 

 

The third layer of the lidar mechanism is the GPS receiver which transmits signals across the lidar wavelength to the GPS chip and fetches a response from the receiver about the location. 

 

A culmination of all these steps is what leads to the proper functioning of the lidar system that is much more accurate when it comes to measuring distances and locating objects on Earth. 

 

There are generally two types of lidar namely, topographic and bathymetric. Topographic lidar typically makes use of a near-infrared laser for mapping the land. Bathymetric lidar, on the other hand, makes use of water-penetrating green light in order to also calculate the seafloor and riverbed elevations.

 

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Introduction to Radar

 

On the contrary, radar is another mechanism that exists parallel to the concept of lidar. Known as radio detection and ranging, the radar mechanism is renowned for its widespread use and applications. 

 

With the help of radio technology, radar systems are capable of traversing through geopolitical boundaries to identify object locations and detect other phenomena. As compared to lidar, radar systems use bigger wavelengths and are capable of seeing through any type of weather disturbances and such conditions. 

 

Herein, an electromagnetic sensor is used for detecting, locating, and tracking the location of a particular object. In a radio detection and ranging device, electromagnetic energy is transmitted toward the target object in order to detect its location. The accurate results are obtained on the basis of the response echoes received by the objects towards the electromagnet. 

 

One of the finest examples of radar applications can be found in the aviation industry. Ever since airplanes started flying, radars are used at aviation stations to keep a track of air activity using radio wave detection. 

 

This includes other pilots detecting other active airplanes in the air space. That said, radars also help airplanes to predict weather conditions in their journey ahead, take the best route possible, and report back to the station in order to let the aviation officers know about the current activity. 

 

All this could not have certainly been possible had it not been for radars. Apart from pinpointing the presence, location, and velocity of these objects, at times radar can also ascertain their shape and size too.

 

In that sense, radar is way more capable of extracting information as compared to lidar. When it comes to illumination, radar uses a transmitter that emits light to help it detect the location of an object. 

 

Originally applied by the military to help it detect the location of its bunkers, enemy camps, etc. radar has come a long way in terms of its evolution. 

 

Even though radars are capable of seeing through almost any type of weather condition, there are specialized radars that are specifically suited for irregular weather conditions such as rain, hailstorm, or snowfall. These types of radars are called weather radars. 

 

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Lidar v/s Radar

 

As we have discussed the way lidar and radar mechanisms work, we will now be discussing the major differences between the way these mechanisms work, operate and benefit us. Here are the top 5 differences between lidar and radar. 

 

1. 3-D Imagery

 

The biggest difference between radar and lidar in remote sensing mechanisms is that while lidar is capable of reproducing 3-D imagery as a part of its sensory skill, radar technology can only reproduce 2-D imagery of the object that you are trying to locate. 

 

Other than this, there is a major difference between the way the 2 systems operate. The lidar sensors deploy light detectors to convert into laser pulses to measure the distance of an object or detect a ranging location. 

 

However, the radar sensors take help of the radio sensors and electromagnetic signals to reach the target and accomplish their aim. Thus, there is a drastic difference between the operative protocols of these 2 mechanisms. 

 

2. Vulnerability to Weather Disturbance

 

Another major difference between lidar and radar can be formulated on the basis of vulnerability to weather disturbance. Imagine you have a pair of spectacles that help you see clearly as compared to your natural eyesight. 

 

Now, suppose you two have options - ones who can see through haze, rain, or fog, and ones who can only work well in clear weather. 

 

While the former spectacles can be compared to radar technology, the latter resembles lidar technology. Radar sensors are built well enough to see through any weather disturbances. 

 

While they certainly have some shortcomings, radar sensors are still considered to be more advantageous as compared to lidar sensors. 

 

This is the reason why airplanes and aviation professionals use radar technology to help them detect active airplanes in the air space despite numerous weather disturbances. 

 

What’s more, lidar is only an advanced version of radar technology and thus, it is safe to affirm that both of their pros and cons originally belong to the same technology. 

 

3. Cost-Efficient Setup

 

The third difference between lidar and radar relies on the cost of the two distinct technologies. Introduced in the 1930s and 40s, radar technology was deemed to be an inexpensive technology that could open the doorways for advanced technology. 

 

As soon as lidar technology emerged on the surface, the concern for cost came about. The cost-efficient setup in the radar technology is one of the biggest advantages why it is used so much. 

 

On the contrary, lidar technology is much more advanced and expensive compared to radar technology. Thus, it is certainly not efficient in terms of cost. That said, a major difference between the two technologies lies in the cost required to use them and implement their software. 
 

4. Accuracy

 

The next difference lies in the whereabouts of accuracy that both lidars and radars can present to their users. Let us go back to the introductions of lidars and radars respectively. 

 

As mentioned above, a culmination of all these steps is what leads to the proper functioning of the lidar system that is much more accurate when it comes to measuring distances and locating objects on Earth. 

 

To obtain accurate measures and ranging extents, it is best to employ lidar sensors that work better than any radar mechanism does. However, the most distinguishing feature between the two lies in the extent of the wavelength that they can work around. 

 

On one hand, where lidar sensors can only work with lower wavelengths, radar technology extends its capabilities to greater wavelengths. This is why radar sensors are still unbeatable despite more advanced technologies like lidar reaching the top. 

 

5. Reliability

 

The last notable difference between lidar and radar is that the latter technology is undoubtedly the most reliable one in the industry. Currently, reliability and affordability are two factors that make any technology the most preferable. 

 

Hence, radar technology is also the most reliable and affordable one when it comes to either of the two. 

 

Being an industry standard, radar technology is widely used across all sectors to keep pace with whatever developments are going on in the industry. Therefore, there are many advantages of radar over lidar. 

 

If lidar becomes as reliable as radar, then chances are that lidar will likely take over radar and become the most preferred technology available. Yet, there are a lot of obstructions that the technology will have to get through in order to grab that position. 

 

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Conclusion

 

To conclude, lidar and radar are born from the same roots of sensory mechanisms. Yet, they appear so distinct given that one of them accommodates light detection sensors while the other one uses radio signals for the same purpose. 

 

In the end, it is important to understand that both of these concepts have different applications when it comes to their practical use. As far as radar technology is concerned, it still is unbeatable in terms of its affordability, reliability, and accuracy. 

 

It is also important to note that the world of technology has trespassed our expectations as it has grown so much. With the emergence of radar, it seemed as if the world had reached the apex of advancement. 

 

But, it was clearly the beginning of a new era wherein more technologies like lidar came around. The future of radar technology seems bright as more versions and possibly more features of the technology are likely to be introduced.