LiDAR

This guide provides insights and recommendations for choosing cost-effective 3D LiDAR systems for various applications.

This guide is incomplete and a work in progress; you can help by expanding it!

Unitree L1

This model is one of the most affordable 3D LiDAR systems that might fit the budget constraints of students and hobbyists. While not perfect, it offers basic functionality needed for entry-level 3D scanning tasks.

Stereoscopic Cameras

An alternative to traditional LiDAR systems, stereoscopic cameras use dual lenses to capture spatial data, providing a 3D perception at a potentially lower cost. This technology can be a viable option for those unable to afford dedicated 3D LiDAR systems.

Understanding LiDAR Technologies

Regular 2D LiDAR

These devices create a 2D plane of points by rotating around a vertical axis. They are generally more affordable and can offer a high sample rate, making them suitable for applications requiring planar data.

Stacked 2D LiDARs (Multi-layer 3D LiDAR)

Often marketed as 3D LiDAR, these are essentially multiple 2D LiDARs arranged vertically at different angles, rotating around the same axis. They tend to be expensive and do not produce a dense 3D point cloud unless moved in space, making them less ideal for static applications.

3D Scanners

These systems use a 2D LiDAR tilted 90 degrees, combined with a secondary mechanism that rotates the device around its longitudinal axis. While they generate detailed 3D point clouds, they do so slowly and are not suited for real-time applications.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives and DIY Solutions

Smartphone Depth Sensors

For those with access to newer smartphones, utilizing built-in depth sensors can be a cost-effective way to gather 3D data. These devices, like the iPhone's TrueDepth camera, can generate usable 2D depth maps or 3D point clouds.

DIY 3D Scanners

Constructing a 3D scanner from components such as a 2D LiDAR, a Raspberry Pi, and a camera can be an educational and affordable project. This approach requires more technical expertise but allows for customization and potentially lower costs.

Choosing the right LiDAR system depends on the specific needs of the project and the available budget. For projects where real-time data is not critical, alternatives like stereoscopic cameras or DIY solutions might be adequate. However, for more demanding applications, investing in a higher-quality 3D LiDAR may be necessary.