Drone-based LiDAR: Applications, Use Cases, and How to Choose the Right System

Drone-based LiDAR has become a critical tool for surveying, mapping, and inspection workflows. However, choosing the right LiDAR system for a drone platform can be challenging. Sensor specs, accuracy, payload compatibility, and application requirements all vary significantly.

In this guide, we break down the most common drone LiDAR applications and what to consider when selecting the right LiDAR solution for your mission

What is LiDAR

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that measures distances by emitting laser pulses and recording their return time. Combined with precise positioning data, it creates highly accurate 3D point clouds of terrain, vegetation, structures, and infrastructure.

When mounted on drones, LiDAR enables rapid, high-resolution mapping over large areas. Each laser pulse can generate multiple returns, allowing the system to record both surface features and ground elevation, making it ideal for surveying, mapping, inspection, and environmental analysis, even in complex or vegetated environments.

Why Use Drones for LiDAR?

Drones have quickly become the preferred platform for LiDAR due to their flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness compared to manned aircraft or ground-based systems.

• Access Challenging Environments

  Drones reach areas that are hazardous or difficult to access, such as dense forests, steep terrain, mines, powerline corridors, and flood zones, improving safety while maintaining data quality.

  
  

• High Accuracy & Low-Altitude Flights

  Modern drones maintain precise GPS-guided flight paths and can operate close to the ground, producing higher-resolution, consistent flight paths, and thus more accurate data.

  
  

• Cost-Effective

  Drone eliminates the high costs of aircraft, specialized crews, and complex logistics, making LiDAR accessible for utilities, construction, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure projects.

  
  

Common Drone LiDAR Applications

By capturing high-density point clouds and generating precise 3D models, UAV-based LiDAR systems provide actionable data quickly and efficiently. Here are the most common applications:

• Topographic Surveying & Mapping

  Generates accurate digital elevation models (DEMs), digital terrain models (DTMs), and contour maps, even in forested or uneven terrain. Ideal for land development, civil engineering, and large-area surveying with drones.

  

  Topographic surveying using the Inertial Labs RESEPI Hesai XT32.

  
  

• Forestry & Vegetation Analysis

  Captures canopy height, vegetation structure, and biomass, distinguishing between tree canopy, understory, and ground. Supports forest inventories, habitat analysis, and sustainable forestry management, especially in dense forests.
  

• Powerline & Utility Corridor Mapping

  Enables high-resolution corridor mapping for transmission lines and pipelines, providing data for clearance analysis, vegetation encroachment detection, and infrastructure planning safely and efficiently.

  

  Sample data from corridor mapping using the Phoenix LiDAR Ranger-U120

  
  

• Mining, Stockpile, & Volume Calculations

  Produces precise stockpile volumes, cut-and-fill analysis, and site progress tracking, even in dusty or low-contrast environments. Reliable for operational decision-making and construction planning.

  

  YellowScan VX15 in action at a mining site in Indonesia

  
  

• Transportation & Infrastructure Mapping

  Maps roads, railways, bridges, and urban assets, allowing engineers to model existing conditions, assess geometry, and plan maintenance or expansion, especially where ground access is limited.

  
  

• Environmental & Coastal Monitoring

  

  YellowScan Navigator used in coastal monitoring projects.

  Supports floodplain mapping, wetland monitoring, shoreline assessment, and erosion studies. Repeatable high-resolution data enables change detection, flood modeling, and climate impact analysis.

Key Factors When Choosing a LiDAR System

• Application Requirements

  First, you need to define your use case (surveying, forestry, utilities, mining); the application will determine the accuracy, range, and deliverable needs. For example, some surveying projects require survey-grade deliverables (less than 1 or 2 cm of horizontal and vertical accuracy), whereas fast surveys or mapping grade deliverables may only need 10 cm to over 1 m of accuracy.
  

• Accuracy, Precision & Point Density

  Determines how detailed and reliable your elevation and feature measurements will be. Higher point density and accuracy are critical for applications like topographic surveying, corridor mapping, and volume calculations. Point density can also play hand in hand with flight speed and efficiency of the mission. For a given LiDAR system, flying slower can achieve a higher point density. On the other hand, a LiDAR system with a very high point density capability allows flights at higher speeds, which allows you to complete missions faster.
  

• Range, Scan Rate & Field of View (FOV)

  These specifications affect coverage efficiency and flight altitude. Longer range and higher scan rates enable faster data collection over larger areas, while a suitable FOV ensures consistent point distribution.
  

• Return Capability & Wavelength

  Single vs. multiple returns and laser wavelength influence vegetation penetration and surface detection. Multi-return systems are essential for forestry and environmental mapping.

  
  

• Weight, Power & Integration Requirements

  Sensor weight and power consumption must align with the drone platform to maintain flight time, stability, and safe operation.
  

• Data Format, Software Compatibility & Workflow

  Consider how easily LiDAR data integrates into your existing processing tools, GIS/CAD software, and reporting workflows. Efficient processing saves time and reduces project turnaround. Different LiDAR manufacturers have different processing outputs, so it's best to confirm this before settling on a particular sensor.

  

  As a final note on this, the LiDAR manufacturer is typically the best reference for diving deep into the exact specifications that make sense for your particular application.

Matching LiDAR Applications with the Right Drone Platform

Choosing the right combination of LiDAR sensor and drone platform ensures maximum data quality and operational efficiency for all these applications. Here are some of the key considerations when choosing a drone platform:

• Endurance Requirements

  For extensive surveys or long corridor mapping, flight time is critical. This ensures you can cover larger areas efficiently, reducing downtime and operational costs. Evaluate the flight time of the drone platform when carrying the full weight of the sensor you intend to use.

  
  

• Payload Compatibility

  Different LiDAR sensors vary in weight and size. Make sure to pick a platform that can support the weight of the payload without compromising the flight time significantly. The X55 supports LiDAR sensors up to 17 pounds, and supports sensors from all major brands including YellowScan, Phoenix LiDAR, Inertial Labs, and more. Also, consider the power requirement of the LiDAR system, making sure the drone platform is supplying the right voltage and power to your LiDAR payload.

  
  

• Redundancy and Reliability

  For critical missions or operations in remote locations, reliability is essential. Built-in redundancies and a robust platform help reduce risk and keep missions running smoothly.

  
  

• Stability for LiDAR Operations

  LiDAR sensors require steady flight to capture accurate point clouds. Stable flight is key to capturing clean, accurate LiDAR data. This stability is essential for achieving high-accuracy elevation models and detailed mapping results.

Why Choose the X55 Drone for your LiDAR Projects?

The Arcsky X55 offers both high-capacity batteries and Hybrid Module options, enabling longer missions without frequent recharging. The chart below gives you a high-level overview of the expected flight time with different LiDAR payloads when used with a battery solution on the X55.

The X55 supports up to 17lbs (8kg) providing versatile payload support, allowing operators to integrate a wide range of LiDAR units, cameras, and other sensors. This flexibility makes it suitable for forestry, surveying, infrastructure inspection, and more, all from a single platform.

Reliable LiDAR data requires deliberate flight planning and technology choices that support positioning accuracy and repeatable results.

With thousands of proven hours in operation, the X55 is a great tool for the job. Built with redundant systems such as dual GNSS modules, redundant internal power modules and fail-safes, the X55 ensures mission continuity and protects your equipment investment even if unexpected issues arise mid-flight.

The X55 also features state of the art flight stabilization, maintaining precise sensor orientation even in moderately challenging wind conditions. The X55 is compatible with most industry-standard mission planning tools such as QGroundControl, UgCS, Mission Planner, and more, allowing for different mission types and planning workflows.

The success of any drone LiDAR project starts with identifying the right sensor for your application. From forestry and topographic mapping to infrastructure inspections, your LiDAR application drives the choice of sensor, while the drone platform ensures stability, endurance, and payload compatibility.

When the sensor and drone are properly paired, you achieve higher accuracy, faster data collection, and more efficient aerial mapping, ultimately maximizing your return on investment. Have more questions? Reach out to info@arcskytech.com and our team will be happy to assist you.