LiDAR vs Photogrammetry
Which Method Do You Need?

LiDAR uses laser pulses to directly measure distances to the ground, creating precise 3D point clouds. It can penetrate vegetation and works in challenging conditions. Photogrammetry uses overlapping aerial photos and software to reconstruct 3D models from image matching. It is cheaper and produces visually rich color deliverables but cannot see through vegetation and requires good lighting.

Not always. LiDAR has better vertical accuracy (1-3 cm) and excels in vegetated terrain. But photogrammetry with RTK GPS can achieve 1-2 cm horizontal accuracy, which is sufficient for most construction and engineering projects. For flat, open sites, photogrammetry can match or exceed LiDAR accuracy at a lower cost.

LiDAR surveys typically cost 2-3x more than photogrammetry for the same site. A 10-acre photogrammetry survey might cost $1,500-$3,000, while LiDAR for the same site could run $3,000-$8,000. The price difference comes from the expensive LiDAR sensors ($5K-$50K+) and more complex data processing.

Yes. Many operators fly a dual-sensor drone that captures both LiDAR and RGB photos simultaneously. This gives you a bare-earth DEM from LiDAR plus a color orthomosaic from photogrammetry. It costs more than either method alone but provides the most complete dataset. This is common for complex infrastructure and engineering projects.

Photogrammetry is almost always the better choice for construction monitoring. Construction sites are typically open (minimal vegetation), the visual orthomosaic is more useful for progress tracking than a point cloud, and the lower cost allows for more frequent surveys. Most construction managers use weekly or monthly photogrammetry flights.

For open stockpiles (no vegetation), photogrammetry is sufficient and more cost-effective. It produces accurate 3D surface models for volume calculation. If stockpiles are covered by vegetation or debris, LiDAR is better because it can penetrate the cover to measure the actual pile surface. Most aggregate and mining stockpiles are open, so photogrammetry is the standard choice.

No. Photogrammetry is widely available because it only requires a standard RGB camera (like a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise). LiDAR requires specialized sensors that cost $5,000 to $50,000+, so fewer operators offer it. When requesting quotes through AeriusView, you can specify your preferred method and we will match you with operators who have the right equipment.