LiDAR vs Laser Scanning: What’s the Real Difference?

The terms LiDAR, laser scanning, and laser scanners are often used interchangeably — even within the construction and engineering industry. This confusion leads to poor technology choices, inflated budgets, and mismatched deliverables.

At ScanM2, we work daily with laser scanning and LiDAR-based workflows for construction, BIM, and as-built documentation. In this article, we clarify the real difference between LiDAR vs laser, explain where confusion comes from, and help you understand which approach actually fits your project — without overselling or technical myths.

Table of Contents

Laser Scanner vs LiDAR: Clearing Up the Terminology

A laser scanner is a physical device. It emits laser pulses and measures the distance to surrounding objects.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a technology and measurement methodology. It combines:

laser emission,
distance measurement,
positioning and orientation data,
and software processing
to generate spatial datasets, typically point clouds.

In short:

A laser scanner is the tool
LiDAR is the technology and workflow behind it

That’s why comparing laser scanner vs LiDAR without context often creates confusion.

LiDAR vs Laser Scanning: Why These Terms Are Mixed Up

The reason LiDAR vs laser scanning is so often misunderstood is simple:
most modern terrestrial laser scanners use LiDAR technology internally.

As a result:

Laser scanning describes how data is captured
LiDAR describes how the measurement works

They are closely related, but not interchangeable terms.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning vs LiDAR: Are They the Same?

Terrestrial laser scanning inside building for as-built documentation

This is where the distinction becomes practical.

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is one specific application of LiDAR, optimized for ground-based, high-precision measurement of buildings and structures.

When comparing terrestrial laser scanning vs LiDAR, the correct interpretation is:

TLS is a subset of LiDAR
LiDAR also includes other platforms with very different accuracy levels

Main LiDAR system types:

Terrestrial LiDAR (TLS) — stationary, ground-based scanners
Mobile LiDAR (MLS) — vehicle-mounted systems
Aerial LiDAR (ALS) — drones or aircraft

Only TLS delivers the precision required for BIM and engineering-grade as-built documentation.

LiDAR vs Laser Scanning: Accuracy Comparison

Accuracy is the single most important factor when choosing a scanning method. This table summarizes the real-world differences and is especially useful for quick decision-making.

LiDAR Accuracy Comparison Table

Scanning Method	Typical Accuracy	Common Use Cases
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)	±2–3 mm	BIM, as-built drawings, MEP coordination, renovations
Mobile LiDAR (MLS)	±10–30 mm	Roads, corridors, infrastructure surveys
Aerial LiDAR (ALS)	±50–150 mm	Terrain mapping, urban planning, large areas

This is why asking “laser vs LiDAR” without specifying the platform almost always leads to the wrong conclusion.

LiDAR vs Laser Scanning in Construction and BIM

For construction and renovation projects, terrestrial laser scanning is the only LiDAR-based method that provides sufficient accuracy for engineering workflows.

At SсanM2, TLS data is commonly used for:

As-built documentation
Scan to BIM projects
Structural verification
MEP clash detection
Retrofit and renovation planning

Deliverables typically include:

Other LiDAR platforms are valuable for large-scale mapping, but they are not designed for building-level precision.

When Full LiDAR Is Overkill

Not every project needs the highest possible level of reality capture.

In some cases, full terrestrial laser scanning may be unnecessary when:

The project is conceptual
Existing drawings are reliable
Only approximate geometry is required
BIM integration is not planned

Choosing the right level of detail, rather than the most advanced technology, often saves both time and budget.

How ScanM2 Approaches LiDAR and Laser Scanning Projects

We don’t push technology for its own sake. Every project starts with a technical assessment to determine:

required accuracy,
intended deliverables,
BIM or non-BIM workflow,
and actual project constraints.

This approach ensures that laser scanning and LiDAR are used where they add value, not where they create unnecessary complexity.

Not sure which scanning method fits your project? Our engineers can help you choose the right level of reality capture — without overengineering.

FAQ

Is LiDAR the same as laser scanning?

No. Laser scanning is the data capture process, while LiDAR is the underlying measurement technology. Modern terrestrial laser scanning systems use LiDAR, but the terms are not identical.

What is the difference between laser scanner and LiDAR?

A laser scanner is a device. LiDAR is a technology that includes the scanner, sensors, positioning, and processing workflow.

Which LiDAR type is best for BIM?

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). It provides millimeter-level accuracy required for BIM, as-built drawings, and MEP coordination.

Is aerial LiDAR suitable for building documentation?

No. Aerial LiDAR is designed for large-area mapping and terrain modeling, not for detailed building geometry.

Do all projects need full LiDAR scanning?

No. Some projects only require partial scanning or lower-detail data. The key is matching technology to actual project needs.

Final Takeaway

The discussion around lidar vs laser often misses the real question: what accuracy and deliverables does your project require?

LiDAR is not a single solution — it’s a family of technologies. Terrestrial laser scanning is simply the most precise branch, designed specifically for buildings and engineering workflows.

Choosing the right approach starts with understanding the difference.

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