LiDAR: what it means.
LiDAR uses light, often laser-based ranging, to obtain distance information. Spatial measurements can be represented as points describing surrounding surfaces. Such measurements can support a robot’s mapping and localization pipeline. (RealSense: depth cameras)
LiDAR hardware and SLAM software are not synonyms. The sensor supplies observations; the algorithm uses observations to estimate a map and location. A complete navigation system also needs decisions and control. (RealSense: depth cameras)
Put the definition to work.
The LiDAR sensor supplies measurements; a SLAM algorithm uses measurements to estimate a map and location. They are related but not the same thing. (MathWorks: SLAM)
Questions to ask next.
Use these questions as a reading checklist, not as a device-selection recommendation. Exact manufacturer documentation takes priority over a general definition.
- Measurement coverage and range
- Scene and illumination conditions
- Timing and mapping integration
For the broader explanation, explore the electronics inside robots. This page defines the term; the companion guide connects it to the rest of the system.
Common LiDAR questions.
Does a LiDAR automatically identify every object it measures?
No. A geometric measurement is different from semantic recognition. Any identification behavior depends on the processing and application around the sensor. (RealSense: depth cameras)