LiDAR Scanning Services
Precision 3D terrain models with advanced LiDAR technology. Airborne laser scanning penetrates vegetation, captures bare-earth surfaces, and delivers engineering-grade point clouds for the most demanding projects.
Request LiDAR ServicesCost range: $2,500 – $10,000+
Turnaround: 3–7 business days
Point density: 50–200 pts/m²
Accuracy: 1–3 cm vertical
Why LiDAR Scanning?
LiDAR captures what photogrammetry cannot — bare-earth surfaces beneath vegetation, structural details at sub-centimeter precision, and multi-layer classification in a single pass.
Vegetation Penetration
LiDAR pulses pass through canopy gaps, producing accurate bare-earth ground models that photogrammetry cannot achieve in vegetated areas.
Sub-Centimeter Precision
High-density LiDAR sensors deliver point clouds with 1-3 cm accuracy, suitable for engineering design and structural analysis.
Multiple Return Data
Each pulse generates multiple returns, capturing ground, understory, canopy, and structures in a single pass — classified and separated in post-processing.
Works in Low Light
Unlike photogrammetry, LiDAR operates in low-light conditions and can fly at higher altitudes, covering more ground per flight.
LiDAR Applications
- Forestry inventory and biomass estimation
- Transmission line corridor mapping and clearance analysis
- Bare-earth surface generation for engineering design
- Floodplain and hydrological modeling
- Mining and quarry volume calculation
- Powerline sag and vegetation encroachment detection
- Archaeological site discovery beneath canopy
- Coastal erosion and shoreline change monitoring
LiDAR FAQs
When should I choose LiDAR over photogrammetry?
LiDAR is the right choice when: (1) the site has heavy vegetation and you need bare-earth ground models, (2) you need sub-centimeter vertical accuracy, (3) the site is too large for efficient photogrammetry flights, or (4) you need to classify multiple surface layers (ground, vegetation, structures).
What point density can I expect?
Most drone-mounted LiDAR systems deliver 50-200 points per square meter at typical flying heights (50-100m AGL). Higher density (500+ pts/m²) is achievable at lower altitudes for smaller sites requiring maximum detail.
What formats are the deliverables?
Standard deliverables include classified point clouds in LAS/LAZ format, digital surface model (DSM), digital terrain model (DTM), and canopy height model (CHM). Custom formats (ASCII, XYZ, DWG) available on request.
How much does LiDAR scanning cost?
Pricing varies by site size, terrain complexity, and deliverable requirements. Typical projects range from $2,500 for small sites to $10,000+ for large-area mapping. Request a quote for site-specific pricing.
Need LiDAR Scanning?
Get matched with a local, FAA-certified LiDAR operator. No cost, no obligation.
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