Aerial Drone Images vs LiDAR : What’s the Difference?
If you’re researching the best mapping method for your next project, you’ve probably come across both aerial done imaging and LiDAR imaging. While they sound similar, they serve different purposes— knowing the difference can help you choose the right tool for your site, timeline, and budget.
Let’s break down the basics of drone imaging vs LiDAR imaging, and when to use each.
What Is AERIAL Drone Imaging?
Drone imaging typically refers to using drones to capture high-resolution photos and videos from above. These can be stand alone assets or they can also be later stitched together using specialized photogrammetry software to create maps, 3D models, and elevation data if the data capture is completed with that objective in mind and flights are completed in a sequence that preserves this option,
Ideal for:
Lightly vegetated areas to view terrain and structures
Construction progress tracking
Real estate marketing visuals
Insurance claims
Volumetric measurements
Benefits:
Cost-effective for smaller projects
Quick turnaround
Great visuals and can be used to provide general measurements
Photogrammetry relies on clear visuals and using the right image capture tools. This process may not work with heavy tree canopy
What Is LiDAR?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to measure distance. An aerial drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor can penetrate vegetation and capture accurate 3D data of ground surfaces and structures—even in dense forest and rugged terrain. Terrestrial based tripod mounted and mobile scanners can be used to document interior of structures or outdoor spaces.
Ideal for:
Heavily forested uneven terrain
Interior structural documentation
Surveying inaccessible and complex sites
Generating bare earth models
Generating detailed site plans and topographic maps
Benefits:
Survey accuracy, even under tree canopy
Great for engineering, forestry, and environmental work
Produces multiple data layers (canopy, ground, structures)
GroUND BASED LiDAR vs AERIAL Drone: Which Is Best?
It really depends on your project goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Visual site overviews: Aerial drone imaging is ideal. Capture crisp, high-resolution imagery that provides a clear overview.
Mapping bare earth under trees: Aerial drone LiDAR equipped - a better option more capable of penetrating dense vegetation and delivering terrain data..
Cost-sensitive, small areas: Mini aerial drones for overhead imaging or ground based LiDAR using tripod mounted sensor and a 360 camera for panoramic image capture is typically most affordable and faster for smaller-scale projects.
Engineering, architecture and terrain modelling: Survey instruments coupled with tripod or mobile LiDAR imaging solutions offer precision and detail needed for technical applications where blue prints and elevation modelling is required.
Real estate visuals: Drone images coupled with ground based LiDAR images can result in great visuals and interactive tools.
Forestry, Utilities, Complex as built infrastructure projects: LiDAR excels in capturing data in complex environments. The Choosing the right imaging tools is important in order to ensure you acquire the multi-layered data required with accuracy that is acceptable to all project users.
Talk to A ReKOL 5D Imaging Expert
Whether you need the precision of LiDAR or high quality visuals from an Aerial Drone, we are here to guide you toward the best fit for your goals and budget.
