According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global LiDAR drone industry size was valued at USD 129.0 million in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 143.0 million in 2021 to USD 455.0 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 17.98% during the forecast period.
North America led the global market in 2020 with a 39.74% share, supported by widespread adoption across infrastructure, forestry, and defense applications. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations, causing a decline of -5.6% in 2020 compared to the average annual growth recorded between 2017–2019.
LiDAR drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors, are revolutionizing 3D mapping, terrain modeling, structural inspections, and object detection. Compared to traditional surveying methods, these drones deliver faster data collection, higher accuracy, and lower costs, making them vital for industries such as construction, precision agriculture, archaeology, and forestry.
The demand for UAV LiDAR systems is largely fueled by their enhanced image resolution, rapid automated data processing, and ability to produce high-quality 3D images. A surge in the use of 3D imaging technology and the rising deployment of drones for terrain exploration, environmental monitoring, and heritage studies are accelerating market growth.
Rising Adoption of Cost-Effective 3D Mapping Solutions
Advances in laser sensors and UAV platforms are expanding applications in vegetation monitoring, precision farming, archaeology, and large-scale infrastructure surveys. LiDAR-based mapping provides highly accurate georeferenced data for urban development and forestry management.
Increased Deployment in Corridor Mapping
LiDAR drones are increasingly utilized for surveying highways, railways, bridges, and shoreline infrastructure, especially in mountainous or dense landscapes. Their ability to generate high-resolution point clouds at lower operational costs makes them indispensable in modern infrastructure projects.
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/lidar-drone-market-102602
Next-Generation UAV LiDAR Sensors
Manufacturers are developing compact, lightweight, and high-resolution sensors integrated with navigation and positioning systems. Key innovations include optical altimeter-based systems and MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) laser scanners, enhancing resolution, density, and mapping precision for government, industrial, and environmental projects.