LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.

LIDAR is used in a wide range of land management and planning efforts, including hazard assessment (including lava flows, landslides, tsunamis, and floods), forestry, agriculture, geologic mapping, and watershed and river surveys.

LIDAR can also be used in any situation where the structure and shape of Earth’s surface needs to be known, and can even measure some gases and particles in the atmosphere. Its versatility and high resolution give it applications in archaeology, climate monitoring, city planning, meteorology, mining, and much more.

LIDAR DATA can be processed into point cloud and the visualisations can be incorporated into new animated projection works.