Which aspect can directly affect the quality of LIDAR measurements?

The quality of LIDAR measurements is significantly influenced by the reflectivity and texture of the scanned surface. LIDAR systems rely on the reflection of laser light to measure distances and create detailed maps of the environment. If the surface being scanned has low reflectivity or is textured in a way that scatters the laser light, it can result in weaker signals returned to the sensor. For example, surfaces like water or dark materials can absorb more light, leading to fewer reflected signals, while complex textures can cause diffused reflections that make it difficult to accurately gauge distances.

In contrast, highly reflective surfaces will provide stronger and clearer signals, enhancing the precision and quality of the measurements. Therefore, the characteristics of the surface are crucial in determining how well the LIDAR system can perform and how reliable the data will be.