lidar

noun

An optical sensing technology used to determine the position, velocity, or other characteristics of distant objects by analysis of pulsed laser light reflected from their surfaces.

The equipment used in such detection.

The optical analogue of radar which uses intense pulses of laser light to measure the composition and structure of the atmosphere.

A measuring system that detects and locates objects on the same principle as radar but uses light from a laser; a potential technology for detecting air turbulence that can affect aircraft.