LiDAR and Stereo

Vision in 3D Imaging: A
Comparative Analysis
By:
Mohamed Shaheen
Khalifa Ibrahim
Chailender Singh Bansal
Sulaf Bakrou
Overview of 3D Imaging
Technologies
• How do we define 3D imaging?
• What do we use it for?
• LiDAR and Stereo Vision
 Stereo Structured

Criteria for Technology Technology / criterion

Accuracy and
Resolution
GANS

High*
LiDARs Vision

Very High Medium

Light

High

Selection Cost Variable** High

Low to Medium to
Medium High
Medium to
Speed and Efficiency High High Medium High
• Accuracy and Resolution (LIDAR have the best Accuracy)
Medium to
• Scalability High High High Medium
Cost
Environmental Medium to Low to
• Speed and Efficiency Robustness Medium High Medium Medium
• Scalability Medium to
Ease of Integration High Medium High Medium
• Environmental Robustness Flexibility and Medium to
Versatility High High High Medium
• Ease of Integration Stereo Vision (All-rounder)
Medium to Low to
• Flexibility and Versatility Privacy and Ethics High Medium Medium Medium

• Privacy and Ethics Market Maturity and

Support Medium High High High
• Market Maturity and support Medium to Medium to
Energy Consumption High High Low Medium
• Energy Consumption
Stereo Vision Technology
• Basic Principles and Workings:
 Binocular Vision Simulation
 Disparity Calculation
 3D Reconstruction

• Multi-View Stereo
 Multiple Cameras
 Improved Accuracy and Detail
 High Algorithmic Complexity

• Applications:
 Autonomous Vehicles
 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
(ADAS)
 Robotics
 Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented
Reality (AR)
LiDAR Technology
• How LiDAR Technology Works:
 Light Emission
 Distance Measurement
 Data Processing
 3D Mapping
• Applications such as
 Autonomous Driving
 Geographic Surveys
 Integration into Future Technologies
Enhanced Object
Detection
By combining LiDAR's precise
distance measurements with
stereo vision's ability to detect 3D
shapes, autonomous vehicles can
better identify and classify
objects with improved detection
accuracy, including small and
low-reflective objects.
Improved
Environmental Mapping
LiDAR and stereo vision can be
combined to create more detailed
3D maps of the surroundings.
Merging high-resolution point
clouds, with rich visual
information leads to a more
comprehensive environmental
map for navigation and
localisation.
Real-Time Processing
Advances in embedded
processors and computer vision
algorithms enable real-time
processing of LiDAR and stereo
vision data onboard vehicles.
This integration allows for rapid
decision-making and adaptive
control in dynamic driving
scenarios
Adaptive Sensor Fusion
LiDAR and stereo vision can be
fused adaptively based on
operation conditions and sensor
availability. For example, LiDAR
may be prioritized in low-light or
adverse weather conditions, while
stereo vision may be preferred in
well-lit environments with clear
visibility.
Cost-Effective
Solutions
While LiDAR is known for its
high precision and reliability, it
can be costly to deploy in large-
scale . Stereo vision, on the other
hand, offers a more cost-effective
alternative with its low-cost
cameras and embedded
processing capabilities.
Integrating LiDAR and stereo
vision allows for a balanced
approach between performance
and costs.
Comparative Analysis
Performance in
Varied Conditions:
LIDAR: High accuracy and
resolution, effective under any
lighting condition, less impacted by
environmental factors.
Stereo Vision: Achieves high
accuracy in optimal lighting;
resolution is camera-dependent,
sensitive to environmental changes.
Cost and
Scalability and Application
Operational
Flexibility: Suitability:
Efficiency:
LIDAR: Highly recommended for
large-scale, precision-demanding
LIDAR: Higher initial costs but
LIDAR: Highly scalable and flexible, tasks. Its robustness and quick data
benefits from lower long-term
suitable for extensive geographical processing make it ideal for
operational expenses and quick data
applications. applications like urban planning,,
collection.
flood modelling, and autonomous
navigation.
Stereo Vision: Best for cost-effective,
Stereo Vision: Lower initial cost but
Stereo Vision: Best in controlled detail-oriented tasks. Common uses
higher computational demands, with
settings; faces scalability challenges include indoor robotics, gesture
slower data collection dependent on
in large, uncontrolled environments. recognition in consumer tech, and
camera setup.
virtual reality environments.
 Conclusion and
Recommendations
• High Performance: Both LiDAR and Stereo Vision offer top-tier results in
3D imaging.
• Best for Large-Scale: LiDAR excels in precision for large applications like
geographic surveys (ex. Mapping 31,614 acres of land in less than 2 Days
dated to 2007 !!!)
• Best for Small/Medium-Scale: Stereo Vision is ideal for detailed, cost-
effective projects in VR and robotics, with the exception of Multi-View
Stereo which can handle Large scale projects.
• Recommendations:
 Small to Medium Projects: Use Stereo Vision for affordability and detail.
 Large Projects: Use LiDAR for efficiency and data robustness or MVS
for affordability.
 Cost Assessment: Weigh initial vs. long-term operational costs; LiDAR
may offer long-term savings despite higher upfront costs.
 Compliance and Updates: Ensure alignment with local regulations and
stay updated with AI and machine learning advancements to optimize
costs
 Future Outlook
LIDAR Market:
• Anticipated to expand at a 7.5% CAGR from 2022 to 2030,
projected to reach approximately USD 815.4 million by 2030.

• Growth driven by diverse applications across airborne, terrestrial,

and mobile & UAV sectors

• Key market leader Leica Geosystems in surveying, Velodyne in

autonomous vehicles, and Trimble Inc. for industrial applications..

Stereo Vision Sensor Market:

• Expected to achieve a market size of approximately $5.29 billion
by 2030.

• Binocular stereo vision sensors poised for significant growth by

2031, favoured for their precision and real-time 3D mapping in
robotics, automotive, and AR/VR.

• Denso Corporation leads in automotive ADAS, Stereolabs in

AR/VR depth sensing, and FLIR Systems in robotics and
automation.
Any Questions?
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