What is LiDAR? Why is it helpful in addition to seeing things through cameras? How does LiDAR time-of-flight measure distance when light travels so fast—what tricks give picosecond precision? Why can LiDAR detect single-photon returns from angled surfaces, yet mirrors and shiny objects cause false readings? What are some surprising places LIDAR is used that most people wouldn’t expect?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: mmomtchev, lexi_bean21, already_______taken, isnomad, gurumeditationerror, sniper1rfa, 317locc, doxysqrl410.

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2025-08-15 7 min

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