LiDAR vs Photogrammetry: Choosing the Right Tool for Site Mapping

LiDAR and photogrammetry are two powerful technologies for digital mapping. Here's what you need to know:

Choosing between them depends on your project needs:

Both have their strengths. Pick based on your accuracy needs, budget, and site conditions.

Quick Comparison:

FeatureLiDARPhotogrammetryBest usePrecise mapping, vegetationVisual details, texturesAccuracy5-15cm vertical1-3m horizontalCost$90k-$280k$2k-$40kSpeedFastSlowerVegetationPenetratesLimited

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How LiDAR and Photogrammetry Work

How LiDAR Works

LiDAR is like a high-tech radar that uses light instead of radio waves. It's a mix of laser scanners, GPS receivers, and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

Here's how it works:

"LiDAR uses a pulsed laser to calculate an object's variable distances from the earth surface", says the American Geoscience Institute.

How Photogrammetry Works

Photogrammetry is different. It makes 3D models by looking at lots of overlapping photos taken from different angles. You need at least 50% overlap between photos for this to work well.

The software does the heavy lifting:

"Photogrammetry uses photos to gather measurements from which drawings, maps, and models can be created", according to GPRS.

Main Technical Differences

Let's break down how these two tech buddies are different:

FeatureLiDARPhotogrammetryData CollectionShoots lasersUses regular photosVegetation HandlingCan see through leavesCan't see through greeneryOutput Type3D coordinates with intensity2D images with color dataAccuracy LevelPretty darn accurateNot as preciseBest Use CaseMapping terrain preciselyCapturing detailed textures and colors

LiDAR has a cool superpower: it can see through trees. When mapping forests, it can capture both the treetops AND the ground underneath. Photogrammetry can't do that. This makes LiDAR a forest manager's best friend, measuring trees 100 times more accurately than old-school photogrammetry methods.

Direct Comparison

How Each Tool Collects Data

LiDAR and photogrammetry take different approaches to site mapping.

LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances. It shoots out hundreds of thousands of pulses per second to create 3D point clouds. Think of it as x-ray vision for your site - it can see through up to 90% of vegetation to map the ground underneath.

Photogrammetry works more like human eyes. It creates 3D models by looking at multiple overlapping photos from different angles. While it can't see through plants like LiDAR, it's great at capturing visual details and textures.

Let's look at some real-world examples:

The DJI L1 LiDAR sensor can map 2 km² with 5cm vertical accuracy in one flight. The Zenmuse P1 photogrammetry camera covers more ground (3 km²) but focuses on horizontal accuracy, hitting 3cm precision without ground control points.

Accuracy Comparison

Both tools shine in different areas. Here's how they stack up:

Measurement TypeLiDARPhotogrammetryVertical Accuracy5-15 cm2-5 metersHorizontal Accuracy10-30 cm1-3 metersPoint DensityUp to 500 points/m²Varies with image resolutionVegetation PenetrationUp to 90% coverLimited to 60% coverNight OperationYesNo

"LiDAR is a more accurate solution than photogrammetry for building a Digital Terrain Model (DTM); a model of the bare earth containing elevation data of the terrain", says Ben Bishop, Technical Director at Flythru Limited.

The JOUAV CW-25E VTOL UAV shows what modern LiDAR can do. It creates true-color point clouds with 50-200 points per square meter and hits 2-3cm vertical accuracy. This makes it super useful for projects that need detailed ground measurements, especially in areas with lots of plants or tricky terrain.

Where to Use Each Tool

When to Use LiDAR

LiDAR shines in tough spots where you need pinpoint accuracy. It's a champ at mapping overgrown land, cutting through up to 90% of plant cover with its laser tech. This makes it perfect for tricky jobs like checking out mines or managing forests.

Take terrain mapping. LiDAR cuts costs big time compared to old-school ground surveys. How? It bounces laser light off surfaces to build detailed 3D maps of the land. This is gold for projects that need spot-on height measurements in leafy areas.

"LiDAR is particularly effective for accurately measuring objects such as cables, which are generally too thin to be recognized by any other method", notes a technical report from Hammer Missions.

When to Use Photogrammetry

Want rich visuals and texture details? Photogrammetry's your best bet. It works wonders on clear sites with not much greenery. It's great for making lifelike 3D models and when you need to eyeball something closely.

This tech really shines in preserving old buildings and keeping an eye on infrastructure. Farmers love it too. They use photogrammetry to make detailed bird's-eye view maps that show crop health and help plan watering.

Site Conditions Guide

Stuck on whether to use LiDAR or photogrammetry? Here's a quick guide based on what your site looks like:

Site ConditionBest ToolWhy It WorksJungle-like growthLiDARSees through leaves to map the groundWide open spacesPhotogrammetryGives super sharp spatial detailsBusy city areasLiDARNails the edges of buildingsHistoric landmarksPhotogrammetryCaptures every texture and detailSeaside spotsLiDARMaps elevation changes like a proBuilding sitesPhotogrammetryShows progress with high-res picsMinesLiDARChecks if structures are stableFarmlandEitherPick based on how thick the plants are

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Cost Analysis

Equipment Costs

LiDAR and photogrammetry have a big price difference. A full LiDAR setup costs $90,000 to $280,000. Just the high-end scanners? $50,000 to $200,000. Plus, you'll need to shell out $20,000 a year for good software.

Photogrammetry is way cheaper to start. You can get going for $2,000 to $40,000, including the drone and camera. The fancy software? $3,000 to $10,000 for keeps.

"There is also a huge shortage of manpower in surveying, and this technology helps companies increase their efficiencies with the same amount of employees", notes Jack McIntosh, highlighting how both technologies can offset labor costs.

Long-term Cost Benefits

Daily costs? Big difference. LiDAR services run $6,500 to $9,000 per day, sometimes hitting $12,000 for tricky jobs. But if you're doing a lot, you might get a discount.

Let's break it down:

Cost FactorTraditional MethodsPhotogrammetryLiDARInitial Setup$3,000-4,000$9,000$30,000-40,000Daily Field Crew Cost$1,000MinimalMinimalROI Timeline-2-3 projects2-3 projects10-acre Project Duration3-4 days1 day1 day

Think about a 10-acre survey job. Old school? 3-4 people working 3-4 days, costing $3,000-$4,000. Photogrammetry? $9,000 upfront (system and software), but you'll finish in a day with barely any extra costs. LiDAR's pricey to start, but it's a beast in tough terrain. For some jobs, it's worth every penny.

Anvil Labs: Using Data in Digital Twins

Anvil Labs makes it easy to manage LiDAR and photogrammetry data in one place. Their digital twin platform handles everything from LiDAR point clouds to high-res orthomosaics, so you can work with both mapping types without switching tools.

Data Management Features

The platform comes with tools to process and visualize complex site data. Here's what you get:

This pricing works for small projects and big ones too.

What can you do with it?

The coolest part? You can combine LiDAR scans with photogrammetry models. This creates a super-detailed site view that uses the best of both worlds. It helps teams figure out which mapping method works best for different parts of a project, all while keeping everything in one spot.

For big industrial sites, Anvil Labs lets you work directly on 3D models. You can add notes and take measurements right on the model. This means you can use LiDAR or photogrammetry data, whatever fits your project best.

Plus, it works with other tools like Matterport and AI analysis software, making both mapping methods even more useful.

Conclusion

Picking between LiDAR and photogrammetry? It's all about your project's needs and limits. Both are getting big: LiDAR's market could hit $2.8 billion by 2025, while photogrammetry software might reach $5 billion by 2026.

Need super-precise measurements? LiDAR's your go-to. It can nail 1cm horizontal and 2cm vertical accuracy. It's a champ in tricky spots like dense forests, where its lasers cut through obstacles that would stump regular cameras.

"Although photogrammetry may be cheaper than LiDAR, the many benefits of LiDAR outweigh the lower price point of photogrammetry." - YellowScan

But don't count out photogrammetry. It's the budget-friendly choice for projects that need detailed visuals. Equipment costs? $2,000 to $20,000. Compare that to LiDAR's $50,000-$350,000 price tag. It's perfect for smaller jobs where you need high-res textures and colors.

Here's where it gets cool: using BOTH. Take the Skagit County, Washington project. LiDAR spotted hidden landscape patterns under trees. Photogrammetry added the detailed surface textures. This tag-team approach is catching on for complex mapping jobs.

So, how do you choose? Here's a quick breakdown:

FactorLiDARPhotogrammetryBest ForPrecise engineering, seeing through vegetationVisual docs, texture-rich modelsWhen It Works24/7, even in low lightNeeds good lightingStarting CostHigh ($50,000+)More affordable ($2,000+)SpeedFastTakes longerHow AccurateSuper precise (1-2cm)Pretty good (15-30cm)

Both tech types keep getting better and easier to use. The key? Pick the tool that fits your project's needs, budget, and accuracy goals. Simple as that.

FAQs

Is photogrammetry more accurate than LiDAR?

No, LiDAR usually beats photogrammetry in accuracy for direct distance measurements. Blue Falcon Aerial reports that LiDAR hits vertical accuracy of 5-15 cm and horizontal accuracy of 10-30 cm with its laser pulses. Photogrammetry's accuracy? It's all over the place. You might get 1-3 meters horizontally and 2-5 meters vertically, depending on the conditions.

Is LiDAR better than photogrammetry?

It's not a clear-cut answer. Both tools can do the job when used right. YellowScan points out that photogrammetry shines in perfect conditions but stumbles when faced with thick vegetation or dim light. LiDAR? It's a champ in tough spots, working day or night and cutting through leafy canopies like a hot knife through butter.

What are the advantages of LiDAR over photogrammetry?

LiDAR's got some tricks up its sleeve that photogrammetry can't match:

"LiDAR directly measures distances to objects using laser pulses, providing highly accurate and precise 3D point clouds." - Gsource Technologies

Here's what makes LiDAR stand out:

The catch? It'll cost you. But if you need spot-on measurements or you're working in tricky environments, LiDAR's superpowers often make it worth every penny.

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