LiDAR Scanning Vs Drone Imaging:
Key Differences

LiDAR scanning and drone imaging are both valuable tools for spatial documentation, but they serve different purposes and offer unique advantages.

Here’s how they differ:

• Data accuracy – LiDAR provides dense, measurable point clouds; drone imaging captures high-res visuals without depth measurement.
• Indoor vs outdoor – LiDAR is effective indoors and outdoors, while drones are typically limited to exterior imaging.
• Environmental limitations – LiDAR works in low light and even through vegetation; drones need good lighting and clear skies.
• Output formats – LiDAR supports engineering-grade deliverables like DWG or RVT; drones mostly generate media-based assets.
• Use cases – LiDAR is ideal for architectural planning, insurance documentation, and space analysis; drones excel in marketing and visual overviews.

For projects in Margate requiring detailed measurements and accurate mapping, LiDAR scanning is often the better fit.

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