The LiDAR effect: Smart city edition

LiDAR for Smart Cities

LiDAR is a vital tool for smart city. It plays an important in several phases of urban planning. So what does LiDAR stand for? How does it work? Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), first developed in 1970s, is very much a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analyzing the reflected light.

While traditional GIS topographical mapping involves single data point recording, LiDAR uses cloud of data points, thereby increasing the accuracy of the data being collected. LiDAR’s uniqueness is that it captures a continuous stream of data, which results in faster collection of data. This gives LiDAR a major advantage over standard mapping techniques.

It has been established that ‘Smart city’ is defined as the use of information and communication technology to analyze and integrate the key information of core systems in running cities. LiDAR is an extremely important technology for urban planning in smart cities. Smart city can cater to different kinds of needs, including daily livelihood, environmental protection, public safety and city services, industrial and commercial activities.

• With the help of LiDAR, an accurate topography of land can be mapped and proper designing and planning for city can be executed.
• It is crucial for urban planning tools like Building Information Modeling, Auto Building Plan Approval etc. where land infrastructure and utility mapping is vital for implementation.
• In the presence of LiDAR, the city can have information like how profound a walkway split is down to the centimetre.
• It can distinguish prohibited building changes and congestion, and also evaluate damage after a fiasco.
• LiDAR encourages urban cities to cut expenses, recuperate lost income, lessen corruption, build responsibility and convey benefits proactively by increase accountability and deliver services proactively by bringing accuracy, efficiency and transparency in the systems.