​LIDAR  (Light Imaging, Detection and Ranging) is a method of surveying that measures distance to a target using illumination along with a pulsed laser light, and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor. The differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to make digital 3D-representations of the target. LIDAR is commonly used to make high-resolution maps. The narrow laser beam makes it possible to map objects with a high degree of resolution.
 
LIDAR is used in Surveying and Civil Engineering mainly for aerial and terrestrial scanning. As a result of the accuracy of the data natural interpretation becomes less ambiguous and therefore costs are reduced when compared to a traditional survey type.
 

• Terrestrial Scanning creates 3D models of complex objects: piping networks, roadways, archeological sites, buildings, bridges, etc., making it safe for objects to be measured remotely in operations such as measuring roadways under traffic. Therefore it is possible to rapidly map complex sites in much more detail with Lidar than is possible with conventional means allowing for a better base sheet for design, covering large area quickly.
• Aerial Scanning has a variety of uses, including providing data for topographic maps, measuring tree canopy heights, and determining forest biomass values.

It is easier and quicker to survey rural and remote areas with LIDAR. For example, imagine a building filled with piping and having to maneuver around that piping using direct measurement. By using LIDAR, time and cost savings can be monumental.
 
For larger areas aerial LIDAR provides base sheets for all types of project specific
civil engineering design such as master planning, grading, utilities, drainage analysis, stormwater treatment and erosion control, as well as roadway design.
 
Some of the benefits of a Lidar survey are:

• Acquisition of data in a short time
• High Data Quality
• Safety as a result of less field time in a potential hazardous location
• Reduced labor, time, elimination of frequent, time-consuming site revisits and provides quality control
• Remote acquisition and measurement
• Imagery and 3D visualization assures that mapped objects correspond to actual existing conditions

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A land surveyor uses various techniques to measures properties and pieces of land to determine boundaries. This information is used to establish maps and survey plots, boundaries for ownership of land, locations or for other purposes required by government or civil law.
 
Information about boundaries helps determine where roads or buildings will be constructed, settles property line disputes, and leads to the creation of maps.
 
Maps and land descriptions created by a land surveyor are usually considered legally binding, therefore because of the legal and precise nature of the work, it is necessary that an individual be licensed before they can work as a land surveyor.
 
A land surveyor is a professional with academic qualifications, technical expertise, interpretative ability and management skills. Land surveyors work with elements of geometry, trigonometry, regression analysis, physics, engineering, metrology, programming languages, and the law. A land surveyor needs to understand mathematical concepts and be able to use them for plotting and measuring. The various types of specialized equipment used requires good computer skills.
 
Surveying is an element in the development of the human environment and is a requirement for the planning and execution of most forms of construction and land surveyors are a crucial link in the development process.
 
Land surveying can be a very physical job as many surveys take place in all types of locations and climates, some of which are accessible only by walking or climbing. The equipment need to carry out the survey can also be heavy or cumbersome.

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