Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) are data collected that measure the 3D location and other properties of objects in space. LiDAR is similar in many respects to radar in that it uses electromagnetic waves to measure distance, brightness, and other properties. It is distinct from radar in that it uses laser and, thus, optical techniques, instead of microwaves or radio waves. An additional distinction is that LiDAR typically sends out a single focused pulse at any given time, awaits a return pulse, and records it. Radar, by contrast, will send out multiple pulses before receiving return pulses and, therefore, requires additional processing to determine the source of each pulse.
LiDAR data has become quite common in conjunction with both ground and airborne applications, aiding in ground surveys and enhancing and substantially automating aspects of photogrammetric engineering. As such, data sources for LiDAR data abound.