LiDAR Distance Calculator | Time of Flight Formula & Tool

This document explains how to calculate the distance to a target using LiDAR technology based on the time of flight of the emitted laser pulse. It provides the relevant equation and a calculator for determining distance.

Use the calculator to determine LiDAR distance based on time of flight formula.

Example:

Input:

• Round Trip Time (ns): 20

Output:

• Distance of Target from LiDAR in meters: 3

Constant:

• Speed of Light (c): 3 x 10^8 m/s

LiDAR Time of Flight Distance Formula

Applications/Benefits of LiDAR Distance Calculation

• Autonomous Vehicles: LiDAR distance calculations are crucial for obstacle detection and navigation in self driving cars.
• Topographic Mapping: LiDAR is used to create high resolution maps of terrain and vegetation by calculating distances to the ground and objects.
• Robotics: LiDAR helps robots understand their environment and navigate by calculating distances to nearby objects.
• Drones: LiDAR distance calculations enable drones to perform tasks like surveying, agriculture monitoring and infrastructure inspection.
• Augmented Reality: LiDAR enhances AR experiences by accurately measuring distances to real world objects, allowing for better virtual object placement.

References for further study

• “LiDAR Technology and Applications” - A comprehensive overview of LiDAR technology, including distance calculation methods and applications.
• “Time of Flight (ToF) Sensors in LiDAR Systems” - An in-depth article explaining how ToF sensors work in LiDAR systems and how they calculate distance.