LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging, is a cutting-edge remote sensing technique that can generate accurate 3D models of environments or objects. Thanks to its ability to collect three-dimensional data with great precision, it can accurately map the world around us. Used in a variety of fields such as archaeology, construction, and engineering, LiDAR is also invaluable when combined with 3D printing solutions. Its speed and reliability also make it a key tool in the development of autonomous vehicles.
Developed in the 1960s to map large areas of land, this technology has undergone significant evolution, particularly thanks to the integration of GPS and INS (Inertial Navigation System) systems. Today, it can be embedded in both 3D scanners and 3D printers to improve their performance.
A 3D model generated from LiDAR data (Photo credits: ResearchGate – Kenji Omasa)
What Is LiDAR and How Does It Work?
LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure the distance between different objects and surfaces in order to reconstruct 3D models. This system mainly consists of a laser scanner, a LiDAR sensor, and a processor responsible for interpreting the data. Operating using a laser beam emitted at a specific wavelength, LiDAR sends millions of light pulses every second to the surfaces to be analyzed. These pulses, once reflected, are captured and converted into points by the sensor. All of these points form what is known as a point cloud, representing all of the information collected during the scan. The processor then processes this data by measuring the time of flight (ToF), i.e., the time it takes for each pulse to reach an object and return to the sensor. Using this time data and the horizontal and vertical emission angles of the laser, the system calculates the three-dimensional coordinates (XYZ) of each point. Thanks to the density and precision of these points, it is possible to obtain a highly detailed 3D representation of the environment or object being scanned.
The Differences Between LiDAR and Photogrammetry
LiDAR and photogrammetry share the same objective, namely the detection and three-dimensional mapping of objects or places, but they operate according to different principles. Photogrammetry is a technique that allows 3D models to be created using two-dimensional photographs taken from different angles. It extracts 2D data from images and converts it into a 3D digital model. LiDAR, on the other hand, uses a laser beam to map an environment or object, generating a point cloud that is then used to build a 3D model. In this sense, LiDAR is more similar to a structured light 3D scanner than to photogrammetry.
Photogrammetry uses cameras and natural light to perform its surveys. Although it can provide very detailed results, the accuracy of the data obtained depends heavily on the lighting conditions at the time of shooting. For example, reflective or transparent surfaces can be problematic. In addition, the quality of the 3D model created by photogrammetry can vary depending on the resolution of the images and the number of viewpoints used when taking photographs.
Image showing how photogrammetry works. (Photo credit: Microgeo)
LiDAR stands out for its high accuracy, particularly when measuring complex surfaces, even in low light and visibility conditions. Conversely, photogrammetry is better suited to detecting well-lit objects or environments, while LiDAR excels when it comes to creating detailed maps of territories.
In terms of cost, photogrammetry is less expensive than LiDAR because it uses standard cameras. However, this cost-effectiveness comes with 3D models that often require additional post-processing, as they are not always highly accurate. The more accurate 3D model generated by LiDAR requires little or no post-processing adjustment.
In summary, photogrammetry is a simpler and more economical method, but it lacks precision, while LiDAR offers high precision, but at a higher cost and without visual input. An alternative to LiDAR could be traditional 3D scanning, which is more affordable and allows for fine detail, although these systems are generally slower and less suitable for covering large areas compared to LiDAR technologies.
Types of LiDAR Scanners and Possible Applications
LiDAR scanners fall into two main categories: terrestrial laser scanners (TLS), which are used on the ground, and airborne laser scanners (ALS), which are installed on aircraft. TLS can be either static or mobile. Static scanners are mounted on immobile supports, such as tripods or fixed structures, and can be used to produce high-precision surveys of buildings, monuments, or sites. Mobile scanners, known as MLS, are mounted on vehicles, such as machines, and are particularly suitable for large-scale, dynamic scans, such as those of city streets. In some autonomous devices, such as robot vacuum cleaners, the LiDAR system is mounted on a rotating disc, allowing the laser to scan 360°. Airborne LiDAR scanners (ALS) are installed on aerial vehicles, such as airplanes, and measure the flight time of laser pulses sent from the aircraft, thereby calculating the distance traveled between the ground and the sensor. These scanners can also be mounted on drones equipped with mapping and navigation systems.
LiDAR is used in various types of scanners and has applications in many fields. It is frequently used in robot vacuum cleaners to map rooms in the home, detect which ones have already been cleaned and which ones still need to be cleaned. In self-driving vehicles, it ensures driving precision and safety. On iPhones, LiDAR improves camera focus and makes augmented reality applications more realistic. It is also used in Google vehicles to map large areas of terrain, providing data used in Google Earth. Thanks to the integration of LiDAR sensors in iPhones and iPads, software such as Polycam allows users to quickly and accurately capture environments, rooms, and floors with a high level of detail.
Detection differences between ALS, TLS and MLS. (Photo credits: MDPI)
3D Printers and Scanners Equipped with the LiDAR system
Currently, most 3D printers do not come with a built-in LiDAR sensor as standard, but several solutions and experimental projects are seeking to integrate it into the printing process. For example, Chinese manufacturer Creality recently launched the K1 MAX, a 3D printer equipped with LiDAR scanners to detect anomalies on the printing plate. This system allows not only the first layer of printing to be monitored, but also subsequent layers, ensuring optimal quality for model creation. For its part, Bambu Lab uses the LiDAR system in its Bambu Lab X1 series to adjust the pressure and flow rate in its printers. However, if existing solutions do not meet specific needs, LiDAR sensors can be integrated into custom projects or hybrid solutions, particularly in the industrial sector. In terms of price, these solutions start at €700, as with the Creality printer, and can exceed €1,000, as is the case with the Bambu Lab X1.
When it comes to scanners, there are several devices using LiDAR technology available on the market. For example, the LiDAR 3D FJD Trion P1, which can be used for indoor and outdoor mapping, or the Artec Ray II, capable of scanning large areas and objects up to 130 meters away. These scanners can be purchased on retail platforms such as Amazon or directly from the manufacturers’ websites. Prices vary considerably depending on the application: basic sensors cost around $45, while professional solutions such as the Artec Ray II can cost more than $100,000.
The Advantages and Challenges of Integrating LiDAR in 3D Printing
One of the main advantages of LiDAR is the precision it can achieve. Additionally, the feedback provided by LiDAR during data collection is in real time, which allows production to be adjusted and workflow to be streamlined, thereby helping to improve the final print quality.
However, the main disadvantages of this technology are related to its cost, which can be high, especially for professional solutions. Furthermore, due to the density of the data contained in the point cloud, integrating it into CAD software for 3D printing can require significant processing. Although LiDAR sensors are integrated into mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads, their performance is often inferior to that of dedicated systems such as TLS or mobile LiDAR.
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*Cover Photo Credtit: American Oceans