What type of data does LIDAR primarily collect?

LIDAR primarily collects three-dimensional spatial data, which includes information about the distance to a target by measuring the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel to the target and back. This time-of-flight measurement allows LIDAR systems to create high-resolution maps of the Earth's surface and other objects, enabling applications such as topographic mapping, vegetation analysis, and urban planning.

By emitting laser beams and capturing the reflected signals, LIDAR can accurately determine the elevation and shape of the terrain, as well as the height and structure of vegetation and man-made objects. This rich three-dimensional data set is valuable for various disciplines including geography, forestry, environmental science, and civil engineering, making it a powerful tool for both scientific research and practical applications.