lidar

or LI·DAR

[ lahy-dahr ]

noun

, Electronics, Optics.

1. a device similar to radar in principle and operation but using infrared laser light instead of radio waves and capable of detecting particles, distant objects, and varying physical conditions in the atmosphere.

lidar

/ lī′där /

1. A method of detecting distant objects and determining their position, velocity, or other characteristics by analysis of pulsed laser light reflected from their surfaces. Lidar operates on the same principles as radar and sonar .
2. The equipment used in such detection.
3. See also Doppler effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of lidar¹

1960–65; li(ght ¹ ) + (ra)dar

Example Sentences

In the long run, the photonic processor could lead to faster and more energy-efficient deep learning for computationally demanding applications like lidar, scientific research in astronomy and particle physics, or high-speed telecommunications.

From Science Daily

Scientists still debate whether lidar stands for “laser imaging, detection and ranging” or “light detection and ranging.”

From Salon

In the last 10 years or so, archeologists have begun to use a technology called lidar, which stands for “Light Detection and Ranging”.

From NewsForKids.net

In 2022, the team returned with a drone equipped with a lidar sensor, which helped peel back the surfaces to unveil walls, guard towers, intricate architectural features and other fortifications in Tugunbulak.

From BBC

By calculating how long it takes light to bounce twice and then return to the lidar sensor, PlatoNeRF captures additional information about the scene, including depth.

From Science Daily