LiDAR vs Photogrammetry: When to Use Each

Both LiDAR and photogrammetry create 3D point clouds, but they work in fundamentally different ways. Choosing the wrong technology for your project wastes time and money. Choosing the right one delivers exactly the data you need. Understanding their strengths and limitations helps you make informed decisions.

How They Differ

LiDAR is an active sensor — it emits laser pulses and measures the time they take to return. It works in any lighting condition, penetrates vegetation to reach the ground, and captures thin features like wires and poles with precision. The sensor directly measures distance, producing inherently accurate elevation data.

Photogrammetry is a passive technique — it calculates 3D positions from overlapping photographs by matching features across multiple images. It needs good lighting and visible texture. It can only measure what the camera can see, which means dense vegetation blocks the view of the ground.

When to Choose LiDAR

LiDAR excels when you need bare-earth terrain under forest canopy — photogrammetry simply cannot see through trees. It's essential for mapping thin infrastructure like power lines and telecommunications towers. It works in low light, overcast conditions, and even light rain. When elevation accuracy matters most, LiDAR delivers.

When to Choose Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry shines when you need color imagery and textured 3D models. It's more affordable — a camera costs far less than a LiDAR sensor. For open terrain without vegetation, photogrammetry produces excellent results at lower cost. Orthomosaic maps (2D aerial imagery) come naturally from the same flight that generates the point cloud.

The Hybrid Approach

Many projects benefit from combining both technologies. Use LiDAR for accurate elevation and ground detection; use photogrammetry for RGB colorization and visual context. LidarVisor supports colorizing LiDAR point clouds with imagery, giving you the precision of laser measurement with the visual richness of photography.