Terrestrial vs Airborne LiDAR: Ground-Based vs Drone/Aircraft Scanning
An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.
| Feature | Terrestrial LiDAR | Airborne LiDAR |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Tripod/vehicle | Drone/aircraft |
| Accuracy | 1-3mm | 20-50mm |
| Range | 1km typical | Large areas |
| Point Density | Very high | Medium |
| Service Pricing | $50,000-$200,000 | $30,000-$500,000 |
Terrestrial LiDAR
Ground-based scanning for maximum accuracy and detail
Terrestrial LiDAR uses tripod or vehicle-mounted scanners for high-accuracy ground-level capture with exceptional point density.
Pros
- Maximum accuracy
- High point density
- Detail capture
- Proven technology
Cons
- Limited to ground level
- More setups needed
- Line-of-sight only
- Slower coverage
Best For
Airborne LiDAR
Aerial scanning for large-scale terrain and site coverage
Airborne LiDAR uses drones or aircraft for large-area coverage, terrain modeling, and vegetation penetration capabilities.
Pros
- Large area coverage
- Top-down view
- Terrain modeling
- Vegetation penetration
Cons
- Lower accuracy
- Less detail
- Flight regulations
- Weather dependent
Best For
Our Expert Verdict
Terrestrial for detail, Airborne for coverage.
Choose Terrestrial LiDAR if...
Choose terrestrial LiDAR for detailed building and infrastructure capture.
Choose Airborne LiDAR if...
Choose airborne LiDAR for large-scale terrain and site mapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine both methods?
Yes, combining terrestrial and airborne data is common for complete site documentation.
Professional Services Using This Equipment
TheFuture3D offers professional services utilizing Terrestrial LiDAR and Airborne 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
Terrestrial LiDAR and Airborne 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.