In the evolving world of drone-based geospatial mapping, two technologies dominate the conversation: photogrammetry and LiDAR. While both offer high-accuracy 3D data, their strengths and ideal use cases differ significantly. We came across a great article and here we share some points from the article with our readers.
Photogrammetry uses passive sensors to capture reflected light from surfaces, generating detailed point clouds and rich visual outputs. It’s cost-effective, scalable, and ideal for large-scale projects like urban planning or agricultural monitoring. However, it relies on good lighting and struggles with dense vegetation.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), on the other hand, is an active sensor that emits laser pulses to capture precise 3D geometry—even through forest canopies or in low-light conditions. It excels in terrain mapping and complex environments but comes with higher equipment costs and more complex workflows.
Dr. Philippe Simard, CEO of SimActive, emphasizes that the choice depends on project needs: “Use LiDAR for ground-focused precision in vegetated or low-light areas. Opt for photogrammetry when visual detail and cost-efficiency are key.” SimActive’s Correlator3D™ software integrates both technologies, allowing users to fuse LiDAR’s geometric accuracy with photogrammetry’s visual richness for superior results.
As drone mapping advances, the future lies not in choosing one over the other, but in combining both for comprehensive, high-fidelity geospatial data.
Please read the full article here: https://dronelife.com/2025/06/24/photogrammetry-vs-lidar-simactive/
