What is Lidar? Learn How Lidar Works

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Lidar 101

What is Lidar?

Lidar is an acronym for “light detection and ranging.” It is sometimes called “laser scanning” or “3D scanning.” The technology uses eye-safe laser beams to create a 3D representation of the surveyed environment.

How Does Lidar Work?

A typical lidar sensor emits pulsed light waves into the surrounding environment.
These pulses bounce off surrounding objects and return to the sensor.
The sensor uses the time it took for each pulse to return to the sensor to calculate the distance it traveled.

Repeating this process millions of times per second creates a precise, real-time 3D map of the environment. An onboard computer can utilize this map for safe navigation.

How Does Lidar keep Us Safe?

Watch this video to learn all about the technology and how it can advance roadway safety, prevent crashes and save lives.

Gain Further Insight About Velodyne’s Lidar Technology

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Roadside Lidar is Key to Building Smart, Safe Transportation Infrastructure

Velodyne Lidar white paper looks at how roadside lidar is key to building smart, safe transportation infrastructure.

Measure with Confidence with OxTS

Learn how Velodyne’s lidar combined with OxTS Inertial Navigation Systems/GNSS technology can help systems location and orientation.

Velodyne Lidar Shares Vision on Future of Transportation

In a C_TEC white paper, Velodyne discusses how lidar can deliver on the promise of safer mobility in drones and autonomous vehicles.

SAE Podcast Interviews Anand Gopalan on Velodyne’s Mission to Democratize Lidar

Episode 30 of the SAE podcast interviews Anand Gopalan, CEO of Velodyne Lidar. The episode discusses lidar, how Velodyne became the leader, and more.

PARIFEX Uses Velodyne’s Lidar to Help Improve Roadway Safety

PARIFEX discusses how their traffic monitoring solutions, using Velodyne’s lidar sensors, enable highly accurate, reliable speed enforcement measurement.

Smart, Powerful Lidar Solutions

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