Size a LiDAR payload
Weight, power and vibration
Calculate complete mass including cables, storage, GNSS/IMU and mount. Check peak power, cooling and vibration isolation.
Range and flight altitude
Keep margin between altitude and dark-target range. Beam divergence, incidence angle and vegetation affect the number of useful returns.
Georeferencing chain
Good absolute accuracy requires boresight calibration, time synchronization and a GNSS/IMU trajectory. The sensor alone does not determine final point-cloud quality.
Comparison of drone-suitable LiDARs
| Product | Manufacturer | Range | FoV | IP | ROS 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| miniVUX-1UAV | RIEGL | 330 m | 360° × 40° | IP64 | — |
| Avia | Livox | 190 m @10% / 450 m @80% | 70.4° × 77.2° | IP67 | Livox SDK and ROS drivers |
| Mid-360 | Livox | 40 m typ. (100 m max) | 360° × 59° | IP67 | Livox SDK and ROS drivers |
| VZ-400i | RIEGL | 800 m @ 90% | 360° × 100° | IP64 | — |
| Mid-70 | Livox | 90 m @10% / 260 m @80% | 70.4° × 70.4° | — | Livox SDK |
| Helios | RoboSense | 120 m | 360° × 70° (Helios 32) | IP67 | RoboSense SDK |
Indicative specifications: confirm configuration and measurement conditions with the manufacturer.
RIEGL, YellowScan and Livox
RIEGL offers scanners built for UAV mapping; YellowScan packages complete multi-platform systems; Livox provides compact sensors popular in custom integrations. Always compare the complete system, not only the LiDAR head.
Choose for the deliverable
A lightweight model suits inspection and small drones; surveying demands higher accuracy and premium navigation. Start from the required point cloud, then work backward to the sensor and aircraft.
Compare LiDARsFAQ
FAQ
How much LiDAR weight can a drone carry?
It depends on payload capacity, required endurance and center of gravity. Always include batteries, cables and GNSS/IMU in the calculation.
What range should a UAV LiDAR have?
It must exceed flight altitude with margin for reflectivity, terrain and incidence angle.
Does LiDAR need GNSS/IMU?
Yes, for accurate georeferencing of aerial mapping. Sensor synchronization and calibration are essential.