LiDAR Scanning vs. Traditional Surveying: What Are the Major Differences?

Land surveying methods have risen to such a level that today we have more of them to choose from with every one of them coming with its own strengths and weaknesses. While most are still inclined to the traditional way of land surveying, the rising new surveying method is through LiDAR scanning. While innovative and easier to use in some instances, we can’t really say that it is the right choice for each surveying situation. But at the same time, it holds a lot of advantages if used properly and for the right purpose.

Today we want to explore the opportunities that LiDAR scanning provides to surveyors and see how it compares to the traditional surveying method. That way, by comparing LiDAR scanning vs. traditional surveying, you will be able to determine which one is more suitable for your surveying needs.

What is LiDAR Scanning?

LiDAR scanning is an innovative surveying method that uses laser beams to measure distances and provide much more accurate results. The acronym LiDAR actually stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It works by sending out a laser pulse in order to measure the time it takes for it to bounce back after hitting the surveyed object. 

The acquired measurements can be taken to create very accurate 3D maps and models. These models can be very detailed, allowing you to create very precise models, which is where the greatest advantage of LiDAR scanning lies.

LiDAR Scanning vs Traditional Surveying

When comparing LiDAR scanning vs. Traditional surveying, there are a few very clear advantages that it holds over the familiar and traditional methods. Speed and improved accuracy are the most obvious advantages, but it also help in providing much more data-rich results and can even help reduce costs.

Speed and Efficiency

LiDAR scanning is recognized mainly for its incredible speed and efficiency during surveys. It is able to collect data much faster, capturing even thousands of measurements within a second. The appliance of LiDAR scanning has an enormous advantage during large-scale surveys, where it is essential to collect crucial data on time.

On the other hand, traditional surveying usually relies on manual data collection. Compared to LiDAR scanning, traditional surveys require tools like theodolites, total stations, and tape measures. The time you need to set up these tools and collect any data with them takes a lot longer since you will be doing everything by hand. Nevertheless, traditional surveys are much more suitable for smaller-scale surveys where time is not of the essence.

Accuracy Levels

When it comes to accuracy LiDAR scanning can perform with exceptional precision even in challenging environments and terrains. They are especially useful when it comes to topographic mappings and monitoring changes in landscapes over time. The data collected this way allows surveyors to make critical decisions on time in a variety of applications.

The data collected via traditional methods can vary and sometimes even be influenced by human errors. This happens due to the manual nature of these methods. For that reason, it is better to use traditional methods in situations where high levels of precision are not really required. 

Human Error Risk

With the help of automatic data collection processes, the human error risk is brought to a minimum when using LiDAR scanning. The human factor is omitted from the equation as there is no need to record anything manually, making the automated approach much more secure for surveys.

With traditional surveys, humans often need to manually use and set up the equipment as well as interpret the results, giving a lot of room for errors to arise. Surveying professionals have to be very vigilant when conducting surveys this way as it is the only way to minimize potential errors. 

Safety and Accessibility

LiDAR scanning can help you reach some hard-to-get places in order to conduct surveys. Since this technology allows for better accessibility it improves safety during surveys. With the help of this technology, you can perform surveys in dense forests or construction sites, without having to put yourself at risk.

Traditional survey methods are limited when it comes to accessibility. They are not very suitable for challenging environments and hazardous terrains. For that reason, surveyors need to employ various safety practices during surveys in order to keep things as safe as it gets. 

Cost-Effectiveness

Purchasing LiDAR scanning equipment initially requires higher costs to purchase all the necessary equipment. Not to mention that the maintenance of advanced equipment is also a bit costly. However, in the long run, it can save you money during large-scale surveys as everything is done faster and with more efficiency. 

The upfront cost of traditional equipment is much more affordable. Especially if you are doing projects that don’t require a lot of time and effort, traditional surveying equipment is not going to make you break the bank if you don’t really need to.

Simplicity and Portability

Advanced technology like the usage of LiDAR scanning requires more time to learn how to use and to set up. Oftentimes, you are going to have to align the laser scanners and GPS equipment together, which is not so easy to do if you are not familiar with everything. While being challenging to set up, it can also be a nuisance to carry throughout the survey field. 

Traditional equipment is much easier to set up and particularly lighter to carry around the survey field. Traditional tools like total stations and theodolites are very straightforward when it comes to using and setting up. So if you want to do things quickly and want to be much quicker on your feet on a job site, traditional tools have a much greater advantage. 

Weather Dependence

LiDAR scanning does not perform well during adverse weather conditions. Things like heavy rain, fog, or snow can obstruct or scatter laser beams making things very difficult and even inefficient. Of course, various weather factors can affect the results and the accuracy of a survey, making you change your plans and make adjustments during a survey because of the coming weather problems.

On the other hand, traditional survey methods are a lot less susceptible to weather disruptions. Since surveyors can continue their work with traditional equipment even during adverse weather events, the advantage comes with the projects being able to go through on time even when the weather is not suitable.

FAQ

For a few more questions about these new and traditional technologies, check out the answers below.

What is the difference between surveying and LiDAR?

LiDAR utilizes laser beams to gauge distances to the Earth's surface, providing fast and exceptionally precise 3D mapping capabilities. In contrast, conventional surveying methods typically depend on manual tools like total stations or GPS, which tend to be slower and less accurate for extensive mapping projects.

How accurate is LiDAR topography?

LiDAR sensors can attain range accuracy between 0.5 and 10 mm relative to the sensor, with mapping accuracy reaching up to 1 cm horizontally (x, y) and 2 cm vertically (z).

What is the difference between LiDAR and scanning?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is designed for large-scale mapping and environmental sensing, using pulsed laser beams to measure distances and create high-resolution point clouds over extensive areas. 3D laser scanning, on the other hand, focuses on detailed geometric modeling of smaller objects or specific scenes. It employs continuous laser beams to generate dense point clouds, providing high precision for applications such as construction and reverse engineering.

What are the advantages of using LiDAR scanning techniques for ground-based surveys?

LiDAR scanning techniques offer numerous advantages for ground-based surveys, including high accuracy and precision with centimeter-level detail, rapid data collection over large areas, and the ability to penetrate vegetation to capture underlying terrain.

This technology generates rich 3D point clouds, enabling detailed modeling and analysis while reducing costs by serving multiple applications. Additionally, LiDAR enhances safety by allowing surveys in hazardous environments, making it a highly effective choice for modern surveying needs.