A: LIDAR stands for LIght Detection And Ranging. It is sometimes known as LADAR (LAser Detection and Ranging). In essence, LIDARs are comprised of a laser, a scanner, and a specialised GPS receiver and can be used for making remote measurements of variable distances by using light pulses to generate 3-dimensional information of a target area. LIDAR is a highly accurate and powerful tool for 3D mapping or modelling of unknown or hard to reach areas.
