Both LiDAR and drone photogrammetry produce 3D point clouds, but they behave very differently once vegetation enters the picture. This tool renders a simulated cross-section of ground points from each method under two conditions, so the difference is visible rather than just described.
Why the Canopy Scenario Looks So Different
LiDAR pulses can pass through small gaps in foliage and still return multiple reflections, some from leaves, some from branches, and critically, some from the ground itself. Photogrammetry only reconstructs what the camera can actually see in the photograph, and under a closed canopy, the camera sees leaves, not ground. This is exactly why LiDAR scan is the method of choice for corridor surveys through forested terrain, while RGB scan photogrammetry works excellently on open or lightly vegetated ground.
| Condition | LiDAR Ground Points | Photogrammetry Ground Points |
|---|---|---|
| Open ground | Excellent, full density | Excellent, full density |
| Light vegetation | Good, minor reduction | Reduced, some gaps |
| Dense forest canopy | Reduced but usable | Effectively none |
This Is Why Method Choice Isn't About Preference
It is tempting to think of LiDAR and photogrammetry as interchangeable options with a cost difference, but under canopy they are not interchangeable at all. A transmission line corridor with even partial forest cover needs LiDAR for the ground truth data that photogrammetry simply cannot capture there, regardless of budget.
LiDAR pulses reaching the ground through canopy gaps, producing usable ground returns where a camera would see only leaves.
Surveying a Site With Vegetation Cover?
We recommend the right sensor combination based on your actual canopy density, not a default assumption.
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