How To Keep Your LiDAR Equipment Safe
If you haven’t heard the news, we’ll break it down for you - we’re living in the age of LiDAR technology!
If you’re unfamiliar with this term, the chances you’d stumble upon it soon are very high.
This method has gained significant popularity in many scientific fields, and the craze over getting the best LiDAR equipment seems to be just getting started. With institutions investing in LiDAR and beginning to mount the sensitive tech on all kinds of vehicles, there comes a new burning question - how do I keep my LiDAR equipment safe? Before we dive into this topic, it’s important to understand what LiDAR stands for.
Well, buckle up as we go through the basics of LiDAR equipment and how to best keep it safe and yourself from financial destitution with it.
What’s LiDAR?
LiDAR, which is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, is a method that determines ranges through the help of laser targeting. LiDAR manages this by measuring the time for the reflected light to return to its receiver.
The methodology was first introduced back in 1961, after the invention of the laser. Since then, it has developed and become part of our everyday lives, maybe even without us being fully aware of it.
Today, LiDAR is used for examining the surface of Earth and developing high-resolution maps, as well as breathtaking videos of ancient ruins hidden by the jungle. But as this is a relatively new technology, we cannot yet fully grasp all its applications, and new uses for LiDAR are found every year.
Let’s take a look into what lies behind LiDAR technology.
LiDAR Technology
Modern LiDAR systems use the method’s data to create 3D models and digital evaluations of objects or surfaces. Objects such as road networks, street furniture, and bridges can all be classified through the model’s work. These technologies have the ability to map out entire cities with refined accuracy, so they’re rapidly being integrated into many different industries. The technology goes as far as recognizing and highlighting surface degradations, vegetation growth, and even slope changes.
So, this brings us to the next question - what can LiDAR technology be used for?
How Are We Using LiDAR Technology?
As a result of its proven efficiency over the years, LiDAR technology is growing its branches amongst various different industries.
In architecture, LiDAR has replaced the traditional methods of measuring and data collecting. Nowadays, using these technologies to scan and document buildings, constructions, and interiors are far more common and efficient.
LiDAR technologies gather a lot of attention for their use in monitoring environmental changes. Floods, sea levels, and forests can all be scanned with the help of this method. Not only that, but self-driving cars are about to get LiDAR in order to help with live mapping while driving.
The mining industry has benefited significantly from LiDAR technologies, and what were once lethal working conditions, are now being minimized by the power of this method.
Additionally, the method has its applications in archaeology, geodesy, geomatics, geology, engineering, seismology, laser altimetry, and other similar scientific fields.
Lately, people have been talking more and more about LiDAR. What else can we use it for? Mapping the surface of the Moon to the inch, or Mars, or the ocean floor with some minor adaptations? People are voyaging out into the unknown, and whatever we find, we’ll need to know how to keep our LiDAR equipment safe.
Safety is Paramount with LiDAR Equipment
Because of its many uses, LiDAR technology is expensive. Once you invest in this type of technology, it’s important to maintain and make sure it serves you for a longer period of time, or the investment becomes untenable.
However, your LiDAR technology might be off the ground, underwater, or in other damaging surroundings most of the time. All of this begs the question - how do you keep your equipment safe from any harm?
Watch Your Humidity
Even though LiDAR equipment is crafted with advanced technologies, it’s crucial to pay attention to humidity control. The dehumidification process consists of removing water molecules from the equipment that might cause major problems in the long run. There are plenty of dehumidification technologies and services you can look into, but generally, be aware that rain, snow, sleet, fog, and so on - are a hazard to your LiDAR equipment.
Dust Protection and Proper Maintenance
Proper cleaning is a big part of maintaining this technology as well. In some environments, LiDAR sensors can be damaged by dust or other particles that circulate in the air. Whether you choose a professional to do it for you, or you get tech that can do the same thing - appropriate dust protection and regular cleaning are musts!
LiDAR Equipment Insurance
Today, the best thing you can do is underwrite your LiDAR equipment. Traditional insurance policies won’t cover your technology that goes in the air or underwater. That’s why making sure you have the proper insurance is vital. When it comes to advanced technologies, such as LiDAR, you can’t do much in order to keep it safe if it decides to break down on you.
Am I Risking It All By Ignoring This?
The risk of financial ruin via equipment is possible, especially in tech-specific industries such as LiDAR, and knowing that you should think ahead and make sure your insurance can cover those damages before they even happen!