According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global LiDAR drone market 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, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.98% during the forecast period.
North America dominated the market in 2020 with a 39.74% share, driven by strong adoption in infrastructure, forestry, and defense sectors. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a negative growth rate of -5.6% in 2020 compared to the average annual growth from 2017–2019, resulting in medium-scale disruption across key regions.
LiDAR drones—unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors—are increasingly preferred for 3D mapping, terrain modeling, object detection, and structural inspections. These systems offer faster data collection, higher accuracy, and lower operational costs compared to traditional surveying methods, making them a critical tool across industries including construction, forestry, archaeology, and precision agriculture.
Leading companies are investing in R&D, product innovation, and strategic collaborations to expand their global footprint. Major players include: