LEARN / TECHNOLOGY
Lidar
Lidar measures distance by timing reflected laser light and can build geometric representations of surroundings.
How it works
A transmitter emits laser pulses; a receiver measures returns, and the system converts time of flight into distance samples.
Why it matters
Lidar can provide direct depth measurements for mapping, localization, inspection and obstacle detection.
Advantages
- direct range measurement
- high-resolution 3D geometry
- useful in low ambient light
Limitations
- cost and power vary by design
- weather and reflective surfaces can affect returns
- does not by itself provide semantic understanding
See it in the Observatory
Image credits
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A definition is a starting point.
Capabilities depend on implementation, operating environment, training data, hardware and safety controls. Follow the connected records and sources before generalizing.