What is LiDAR?
Typically, LiDAR sensors are equipped to manned aircraft and flown over specified locations to collect data. However, recently LiDAR technology has been taken to new heights with the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). These UAV's can be rapidly and easily deployed while also providing high quality data.
"LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses - combined with other data recorded by the airborne system - generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics". - NOAA.
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LiDAR is widely used in Archaeology to help map and document specified locations. LiDAR sensors are able to 'peel back' layers of vegetation to unveil what lies beneath. Man-made features are easily distinguishable against the natural landscape. Archaeologists can then determine where to dig based on the data collected.
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(Skip to 27:07 of the video below).