Photogrammetry vs LiDAR-Which Method Is Right for You

Photogrammetry and LiDAR are two leading technologies in 3D data capture, each with unique strengths. Photogrammetry uses images to create models, while LiDAR—often called laser radar—uses laser pulses for precise distance measurements. As industries like construction, surveying, and cultural preservation increasingly adopt 3D workflows, understanding when to use each method is essential. This guide compares both approaches to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

 

 

What is photogrammetry

"Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena.

 

There are many variants of photogrammetry. One example is the extraction of three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional data (i.e., images); for example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. Another is the extraction of accurate color ranges and values representing such quantities as albedo, specular reflection, metallicity, or ambient occlusion from photographs of materials for the purposes of physically based rendering." from Wikipedia

 

 

What is Lidar

"Lidar ( also LIDAR, an acronym of "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging, detection, and ranging") is a method for determining ranges by targeting an object or a surface with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. Lidar may operate in a fixed direction (e.g., vertical) or it may scan multiple directions, in a special combination of 3-D scanning and laser scanning.

 

Lidar has terrestrial, airborne, and mobile applications. It is commonly used to make high-resolution maps, with applications in surveying, geodesy, geomatics, archaeology, geography, geology, geomorphology, seismology, forestry, atmospheric physics, laser guidance, airborne laser swathe mapping (ALSM), and laser altimetry." from Wikipedia

 

 

Photogrammetry vs. LiDAR: A Comparison

Parameter	Photogrammetry	General LiDAR	Eagle LiDAR Scanner
Accuracy	2–5 cm under ideal conditions	1–3 cm typical; survey-grade LiDAR ≤1 cm possible	2 cm @ 10 m, 3 cm @ 20 m, 5 cm @ 40 m
Scanning Speed	Slower; depends on number of images and processing time	Fast; real-time scanning up to 1,000,000 pts/sec in high-end models	200,000 points/sec, scans 150 m × 150 m in <5 min, supports 20 km/h movement
Scanning Range	Limited by camera and drone altitude; often 50–100 m from subject	Varies widely: short-range (30–70 m), long-range (up to several hundred m)	40–70 m radius (>10–80% reflectivity), 80–140 m effective range
Scanning Angle (FOV)	Depends on camera lens; generally narrower, overlapping images required	Typically 360° horizontal, 30–70° vertical	360° horizontal, 59° vertical
Imaging Method	Uses RGB or multispectral 2D photographs to reconstruct 3D models	Uses laser pulses to measure distances directly	Uses laser light (905 nm, Class 1) plus 48MP camera for 8K HDR panoramas
Color Point Cloud Support	Yes (from image textures); usually mapped afterward	Rarely (unless paired with camera or multispectral sensors)	Yes, supports true-color point clouds + panoramic textures
Output Formats	Orthophotos, textured meshes, DEM, point cloud (e.g., OBJ, GeoTIFF, PLY)	Point cloud formats (LAS, PLY, E57); sometimes raw 3D scans	PLY, PNG+OBJ, Gaussian splash PLY, supports roaming outputs
SLAM Support	No (requires GPS/geotagged control points)	Available in many modern mobile LiDAR systems	Yes, with real-time indoor/outdoor SLAM + GPS/relative coordinates
Lighting Dependence	Needs good lighting; cannot operate in darkness	Unaffected by lighting; works in dark, night, or shadowed areas	Works in all light, supports HDR and low-light 3D capture
Weight	＜ 1.5 kg	1–10+ kg	1.5 kg
Battery & Runtime	Typically 20–30 min per drone flight	Ranges from 1–5 hours	12000mAh, 1 hour of operation, supports charging while in use

 

 

Applications of Photogrammetry 

a) Cultural Heritage and Architecture

Photogrammetry is widely used in the preservation and documentation of cultural heritage. Through high-resolution image capture, professionals can reconstruct accurate 3D models of historical buildings, monuments, and artifacts. These models support restoration work, allow for virtual exhibitions, and serve as long-term digital records in case of damage or loss. As of recent studies, more than 70% of global heritage conservation projects now incorporate some form of 3D scanning or photogrammetry, reflecting its growing importance in cultural preservation. In the field of architecture, over 60% of professionals report using photogrammetric models for renovation planning and visual analysis.

 

b) Construction and Real Estate

Photogrammetry is transforming construction workflows by enabling faster and more precise site monitoring. Drone-based image capture can reduce field data collection time by up to 80% while enabling progress tracking, material volume estimation, and compliance verification. Surveyors and engineers find that photogrammetry improves on-site productivity and reduces rework. In real estate, properties enhanced with 3D visualizations or virtual walkthroughs have shown an average increase of up to 300% in online engagement, as buyers respond more positively to immersive and detailed representations.

 

c) Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring

In agriculture, photogrammetry supports more efficient farm management by providing detailed imagery for analyzing crop health, irrigation efficiency, and field variability. Research shows that farms using aerial photogrammetry can achieve 10–25% higher yields, due to early detection of issues such as pest infestations or nutrient stress. In environmental monitoring, photogrammetry is used to track land use changes, shoreline erosion, and vegetation growth. It enables researchers to monitor and measure areas with spatial accuracy of 2–5 cm, even in remote or sensitive ecosystems.

 

d) Surveying and Mapping

Photogrammetry provides a cost-effective and scalable method for land surveying and topographic mapping, especially in areas difficult to access on foot. It enables the creation of accurate orthophotos, contour maps, and digital surface models. Compared to traditional ground-based surveying, photogrammetry can reduce project timelines by up to 70% while maintaining centimeter-level accuracy. Its integration with geographic information systems (GIS) supports applications in urban planning, infrastructure development, and natural resource management. The global demand for photogrammetric data continues to grow, driven by rapid development in construction, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

 

e) Forensics and Accident Reconstruction

Photogrammetry is increasingly used in forensics and traffic accident reconstruction due to its speed, accuracy, and ability to document scenes without physical contact. It allows investigators to create 3D models of crime scenes or crash sites within minutes, preserving details that may be altered or lost over time. Studies show that using photogrammetry can reduce on-site investigation time by 50–70% while improving the accuracy and clarity of scene documentation. These models are also helpful in court, where 3D visual evidence is more impactful and easier to understand than traditional photographs or sketches.

 

 

Applications of LiDAR

a) Urban Mapping and City Planning

LiDAR technology is essential in urban planning, enabling planners to capture the shape and structure of cities in precise detail. With the Eagle LiDAR Scanner’s 8K HDR ultra-clear panoramic imaging and 48MP 4-camera system, professionals can create visually rich, color-accurate 3D maps that are ideal for city modeling, infrastructure monitoring, and smart city development. The scanner’s 2cm accuracy at 10 meters ensures reliable geometric measurements needed for tasks like utility layout design, road surface assessment, and public space planning. The ability to cover a large area—150m x 150m in under 5 minutes—greatly improves efficiency on large-scale projects.

 

b) Transportation Infrastructure and Roadway Management

LiDAR is widely used in transportation infrastructure for mapping highways, railways, tunnels, and bridges. The Eagle scanner’s 70m scan radius and 20 km/h motion capture speed make it particularly well-suited for mobile scanning, ideal for capturing long corridors such as roads and rail lines. Engineers can use this data to assess wear and tear, calculate clearances, and plan expansions. The multi-viewpoint capture modes (first-person, overhead, and 45-degree) enable effective documentation of features from various angles, providing a complete understanding of roadside environments. This versatility ensures accurate modeling even in difficult-to-access or hazardous areas.

 

c) Forestry and Environmental Monitoring

In forestry and ecological studies, LiDAR’s ability to penetrate vegetation makes it valuable for assessing tree height, canopy density, and biomass distribution. While traditional LiDAR focuses solely on geometry, the Eagle LiDAR Scanner goes further by combining color point clouds and high-resolution imaging, offering detailed visual context alongside geometric data. Researchers can use this data to study vegetation health, erosion patterns, and land cover changes. Additionally, with SLAM-based navigation and GPS-supported absolute and relative positioning, the Eagle is capable of tracking routes and mapping environments even in dense forests or rugged terrain without the need for satellite signals at every point.

 

d) Building Modeling and Indoor Mapping

LiDAR is ideal for creating accurate Building Information Models (BIM) and detailed indoor maps of complex environments. The Eagle LiDAR Scanner excels in this area by using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to build 3D maps in real-time, even in environments with multiple floors and tight corners. Whether scanning a historical building for preservation or documenting an active construction site, the Eagle’s compact size (1.5 kg) and handheld portability make it easy to maneuver through indoor spaces. The scanner’s color texture output, combined with support for multiple file formats (such as OBJ and PLY), ensures compatibility with architectural and engineering software.

 

e) Mining, Geology, and Terrain Analysis

In mining and geological surveying, LiDAR enables professionals to calculate volumes, map terrain, and monitor slope stability. The Eagle scanner, with its 200,000 points per second point cloud frequency and support for Gaussian splash formats, provides dense, detailed data even across irregular terrain. The Class 1 eye-safe laser ensures safe operation in both above-ground and subterranean environments. Geologists can quickly scan large mine pits or rock formations with the assurance that the resulting models reflect both color and geometric precision, aiding in geological assessments and safety planning.

 

f) Cultural Heritage and Site Preservation

For the documentation and preservation of historical landmarks and archaeological sites, LiDAR offers non-intrusive, high-accuracy scanning. The Eagle LiDAR Scanner enhances this with vivid 8K HDR imagery, ensuring that scanned models retain their true color and texture, which is crucial for archival, restoration, and virtual presentation purposes. Its ability to operate without a GPS lock (thanks to SLAM) makes it suitable for indoor ruins, caves, or narrow alleys, while the fast scanning process ensures that sensitive areas are disturbed as little as possible. Combined with multi-format output options, the data is ready for visualization, analysis, or 3D printing.

 

 

Conclusion

While photogrammetry offers strong visual detail, LiDAR stands out for its speed, accuracy, and performance in complex or low-light environments. Advanced tools like the Eagle LiDAR Scanner provide high-resolution imaging, real-time SLAM mapping, and reliable results even without GPS. For professionals who need fast, detailed, and dependable data, LiDAR is often the smarter choice.