What technology operates by measuring the time delay of a light pulse?

LIDAR operates by measuring the time delay of a light pulse. In this technology, a laser emits pulses of light towards a target, and the time it takes for the light to travel to the target and back is measured. This time delay allows for precise distance calculations based on the speed of light. By analyzing these time delays, LIDAR can create highly accurate three-dimensional representations of the environment, which is particularly useful in applications such as topographic mapping, autonomous vehicles, and environmental monitoring.

While RADAR also measures time delays, it utilizes radio waves rather than light pulses. Consequently, RADAR is more suitable for detecting objects at longer distances and under various weather conditions. Sonar, on the other hand, employs sound waves rather than light or radio waves, making it effective for underwater applications but not applicable in the context of measuring light pulses.

Thus, LIDAR is distinctly characterized by its use of light and the time delay measurement associated with that light pulse, which is what makes it the correct answer in this context.