1. The direct answer
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) fires laser pulses and measures the return time to compute distance. It records geometry directly, works in darkness, and is the right choice for building interiors, industrial plant, structural detail, and any job where measured accuracy is the priority. Photogrammetry derives 3D geometry from many overlapping photographs using software that matches common points across images. It depends on lighting, surface texture, and image overlap, but produces dense colour and high visual detail, which suits aerial mapping, terrain, stockpiles, roofs, and facades.
Brisbane Point Cloud runs both. We select the method by deliverable, site access, lighting, and budget, and we frequently merge terrestrial LiDAR with drone photogrammetry so a single model carries both accurate geometry and rich texture.
2. How each method works
A terrestrial LiDAR scanner such as the Trimble X7 sits on a tripod and sweeps a laser across the scene, recording millions of points per scan station with each point carrying an X, Y, Z coordinate plus intensity. Multiple stations are registered together into one point cloud. Because the laser measures range itself, the result does not rely on ambient light or surface colour.
Photogrammetry captures the scene as a set of photographs taken from many positions, usually from a drone for aerial work or a handheld camera for objects and facades. Software identifies features that appear in several photos, solves the camera positions, and builds a dense point cloud and textured mesh. The geometry is only as good as the images: poor light, blank surfaces, water, or reflective glass break the matching process.
3. Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | LiDAR | Photogrammetry |
|---|---|---|
| How geometry is captured | Measured directly by laser range | Reconstructed from overlapping photos |
| Typical accuracy | +/-2 to 5 mm after registration | +/-10 to 30 mm, depends on control and overlap |
| Lighting needed | None, works in darkness | Even, consistent light required |
| Colour and texture | Intensity plus optional panoramic colour | High-resolution true colour |
| Best at | Interiors, plant, structure, tight detail | Open terrain, roofs, facades, large areas |
| Reflective or glass surfaces | Handles most surfaces | Struggles with glass, water, blank walls |
| Field speed | Fast per station, slower over huge areas | Very fast over large open areas by drone |
| Relative cost | Higher equipment cost | Lower for large open sites |
4. When to choose LiDAR
LiDAR is the default for measured building work. If a modeller needs to trust wall thickness, slab steps, and beam profiles, the geometry must be measured rather than inferred. Dark or cluttered spaces such as basements, risers, ceiling voids, and process plant favour LiDAR because no light is required and the laser threads through complex geometry.
- Renovation and fitout as-builts that feed a Revit model
- Structural assessment where member sizes must be measured
- Heritage documentation needing fine detail and repeatable accuracy
- Industrial plant, pipe runs, and equipment clearance checks
- Any interior with poor or uneven lighting
5. When to choose photogrammetry
Photogrammetry wins where a camera has a clear, well-lit view of the surface and the area is large or hard to reach on foot. Drone photogrammetry covers hectares quickly, produces orthomosaics and digital surface models, and the colour output reads clearly for non-technical stakeholders.
- Stockpile and earthworks volumes over open ground
- Roof condition surveys where foot access is unsafe
- Facade and elevation capture with true colour detail
- Large site or corridor mapping for planning and design
- Visual records and progress photos that double as measurable data
6. Why combine both
On many projects the strongest result comes from fusing the two. Terrestrial LiDAR anchors the accurate interior and structural geometry, while drone photogrammetry adds roof, facade, and surrounding-site context with full colour. Both clouds are registered to the same survey control so they align in one coordinate system.
A typical example is a heritage building: LiDAR records the interior and structural fabric to fine tolerance, drone photogrammetry captures the roof and upper facade that no tripod can reach, and the combined dataset supports both a measured model and a faithful visual record.
7. Cost and turnaround
For a confined, detailed interior, LiDAR is usually the most cost-effective route because fewer setups capture everything needed. For a large open site, drone photogrammetry covers the ground far faster and cheaper than walking a scanner across it. Cost follows the method that suits the site, not a fixed rule.
For indicative figures across both methods, see our scanning cost guide. To size a specific job, use the online pricing calculator and then send plans or a short walkthrough video for a fixed written quote.
8. How to brief us
- State the deliverable: point cloud, 2D plans, Revit model, orthomosaic, or volumes
- Describe the site: indoor, outdoor, area, lighting, and access constraints
- Give the accuracy you need so we match method to tolerance
- Name the target software and coordinate system or datum
- Flag reflective surfaces, water, or no-fly restrictions early