Air_Log: theory//Altitude: SURVEY_OPS

The Mapping Duel: Light vs Pixels

Sortie_Date: 2026-03-02
Pilot: MNR_AERO
Callsign: LIDAR-VS-PHOTOGRAMMETRY

SPATIAL_ACQUISITION_LOG

To build a 3D model of a target area, the Hive uses two primary methods. Choosing the right one depends on the environment and the required accuracy.

SENSOR COMPARISON

LIDAR (Active Sensing)

  • Mechanism: Fires millions of laser pulses to measure distance.
  • Strength: Can see through foliage and "strip" away trees to see the ground.
  • Accuracy: Vertical accuracy within 2-3cm.

PHOTOGRAMMETRY (Passive Sensing)

  • Mechanism: Overlaps hundreds of high-res photos to calculate 3D geometry.
  • Strength: Provides "Real Color" textures (looks like a photo-real 3D model).
  • Accuracy: Horizontal accuracy is excellent, but vertical depth can struggle in shadows.
MISSION_PROTOCOL

"Use LIDAR for forest floor mapping and infrastructure inspection. Use Photogrammetry for visual digital twins and urban modeling."