LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is a sensing technology that’s similar to radar but uses light instead of radio waves. It applies the principles of reflected light and accurate timing to measure the distance of an object. LiDAR permits superior depth sensing due to its high levels of depth and angular resolution. In addition, it’s able to operate in all light conditions due to the active approach that uses an infrared light transmitter along with a receiver.
However, LiDAR is more sophisticated than just a distance measure. It can also be used in 3D mapping and imaging, making it very appealing in an engineering context as well as a very useful practical technology.