Photogrammetry vs LiDAR vs Structured Light vs Radar: Capture Technologies
An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.
| Feature | Photogrammetry | LiDAR | Structured Light | Radar/SAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input | Photos | Laser pulses | - | - |
| Color | Native RGB | - | - | - |
| Texture | Excellent | - | - | - |
| Cost | Lower | - | - | - |
Photogrammetry
Image-Based
Photogrammetry creates 3D models from overlapping photographs.
Pros
- Low equipment cost
- Excellent color
- Scalable
Cons
- Lighting dependent
- Processing time
- Vegetation limits
Best For
LiDAR
Active Ranging
LiDAR measures distance with laser pulses for precise point clouds.
Pros
- Vegetation penetration
- Works at night
- High accuracy
Cons
- Higher cost
- Less color detail
- Heavy sensors
Best For
Structured Light
Pattern Projection
Structured light projects patterns to measure surface geometry.
Pros
- Highest detail
- Fast capture
- Small objects
Cons
- Short range
- Indoor only
- Special equipment
Best For
Radar/SAR
All-Weather
Radar penetrates clouds and works day or night for terrain mapping.
Pros
- All weather
- Day or night
- Large scale
Cons
- Lower resolution
- Specialized
- Complex processing
Best For
Our Expert Verdict
Photogrammetry for color, LiDAR for terrain, Structured Light for detail, Radar for weather.
Choose Photogrammetry if...
Choose photogrammetry for cost-effective mapping with excellent color and texture.
Choose LiDAR if...
Choose LiDAR for vegetation penetration and terrain mapping.
Choose Structured Light if...
Choose structured light for highest detail on small objects.
Choose Radar/SAR if...
Choose radar/SAR for all-weather large-scale monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is most versatile?
LiDAR is most versatile for outdoor work. Photogrammetry for budget. Structured light for detail.
Professional Services Using This Equipment
TheFuture3D offers professional services utilizing Photogrammetry and LiDAR for superior results.
3D Virtual Tours
Immersive Matterport virtual tours for properties and spaces
3D Laser Scanning
Millimeter-accurate point cloud capture with Trimble and NavVis
Scan-to-BIM
Transform scan data into intelligent Revit models
Digital Twins
Living 3D models with real-time IoT integration
As-Built Documentation
2D CAD Floor Plans and PDF Documentation from 3D scanning
Google Street View
Google Trusted Photographer services for business interiors
Industries That Benefit From This Technology
Photogrammetry and LiDAR technology drives innovation across these key industries.
Schools & Education
Virtual campus tours, facility documentation, and safety planning
Real Estate
Immersive property tours and marketing assets
Retail
Store planning and virtual store tours
Hospitality
Hotel virtual tours and event space showcases
Insurance
Property documentation and claims support
Property Management
Portfolio documentation and move-in/out inspections
Available Nationwide
TheFuture3D provides professional 3D scanning services across the United States.
Florida (Headquarters)
Northeast
West Coast
South & Midwest
Need Help Choosing?
Our experts can recommend the right equipment for your specific project requirements.