Queue of people watching planes at an airport

6 Key Benefits of LiDARs for Airports

LiDAR technology and Software is shaping a new wave of operational excellence, passenger experience and safety for airports of all sizes.

The ASQ 2023 Global Traveller Survey found that passengers have never been more eager to travel and almost 60% of them favour technological approaches to enhance their travel experience.

In the globally booming aviation industry, precision and efficiency are non-negotiable. Airports, the bustling hubs of travel, are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance their operations, elevate passenger experiences, and increase revenue from commercial activities.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a cutting edge technology enabling the third generation of people flow monitoring technologies for airports.

LiDAR is a sophisticated remote sensing method that employs laser pulses to precisely measure distances to objects, providing intricate three-dimensional insights.

Understanding the basics of 3D LiDAR Technology (FB)
Light Detection and Ranging, also known as LiDAR, is a technology for remote sensing that is used to measure distances in an environment (FB)

The third generation of people counting technology

After Wireless solutions (1st Generation) and Stereovision cameras from traditional companies like Xovis (2nd Generation), LiDAR technology brings a generational leap:

The 3rd Generation of people counting and flow monitoring Spatial Intelligence technology
After Wifi (1st Generation) and Cameras (2nd Generation), LiDAR powers the 3rd Generation of People Counting and Flow Monitoring technologies
Introducing 3rd Gen People Counting Technology
Mirroring the technological evolution seen across various industries, People Tracking and Counting Technologies have already entered their third generation.

This new technology, when processed with the right LiDAR Software, provides many benefits for airports, that can be grouped in 6 categories:

1. Elevate Passenger Experiences

LiDAR technology revolutionizes airport management by providing actionable data for enhancing passenger flow management and real-time queue management.

Outsight's LiDAR-based Spatial Intelligence software can help airports to optimize passenger experiences, leading to higher airport ratings, increased time spent in retail areas, and reduced instances of missed flights.

Satisfied Passenger at an Airport due to reduced waiting time
A study conducted in 2020 provides insights on the correlation between airport service quality and the likelihood of passengers promoting those airports. Read the full study on airport service quality and passenger promotion here.

2.  Improve Operations and Forecast

LiDAR empowers airports to forecast future demands with precision. It enables airports to manage increased traffic without the need for additional resources through better allocation and optimal staffing.

Owing to real-time 3D data processing software like Outsight, airports can monitor actionable KPIs.

Airports can leverage LiDAR insights to deploy staff strategically

3.  Higher Security and Safety

Remote sensing LiDAR technology provides real-time monitoring and accurate data insights. It helps airports minimize financial losses and reputational harm resulting from emergencies and false alarms.

With such 3D Computer Vision technology, airports can accurately manage risks such as unauthorized access and overcrowding, both indoors and outdoors, thereby safeguarding passengers and infrastructure.

LiDAR insights can be leveraged to manage perimeter security, access control and ensure safety of passengers and infrastructure
LiDAR Enhances Security Solutions
LiDAR-based security systems, with the right perception software, provide smart, efficient, and automated means of preventing threats and avoiding false positive detections.

4. Increase NAR (Non-Aeronautical Revenue)

An accurate understanding of shoppers' journeys through LiDAR insights enables airports to tailor retail offerings effectively and optimise airport layouts to ensure visibility to retailers.

By leveraging LiDAR technology to profile passenger behavior and extend their time in retail zones, airports can maximize non-aeronautical revenues.

People flow insights can be crucial to optimise the placement of retail zones

Learn more about how NAR is becoming a key stream of revenue for major Airports

5. Accurate Infrastructure Planning

Remote sensing solutions facilitate strategic investments in airport infrastructure, resulting in improved space and resource utilization.

With extensive historical data for trend analysis and simulation tool made accessible by Outsight's solution, airports can make informed decisions regarding terminal layout and new construction projects.

Airport infrastructure perfect for lidar based planning solutions
Groupe ADP Showcases Outsight’s Solution
Interested in the applications of LiDAR in Airports? Learn more about how our customer Groupe ADP used our LiDAR Software solution.

6. Curbside and Parking Monitoring

Light Detection and Ranging enables comprehensive monitoring of mixed traffic, including vehicles and pedestrians, throughout airport premises.

By tracking the entire passenger journey from curbside to boarding gates, LiDAR provides valuable insights for optimizing operations and reducing congestion-related costs.

Outsight's solution can be leveraged outside the terminals for parking management

Get access to Outsight's Curbside Monitoring Whitepaper.

Conclusion

In summary, LiDARs when used with advanced software solutions like Outsight offer airports a host of advantages from improving passenger journeys to streamlining operations and fortifying safety protocols, monitoring queues in real-time, and planning infrastructure efficiently.

Furthermore, its role in boosting non-aeronautical revenue streams through tailored retail offerings and efficient space utilization underscores its significance in driving economic growth within airport ecosystems.

As airports continue to prioritize efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction, integrating LiDAR technology into their operations emerges as a crucial step towards achieving operational excellence in the modern aviation landscape

Learn more

Explore why LiDAR is becoming the leading technology choice for Airports around the world.

How 3D LiDAR Transforms Airports
Thanks to its accuracy and spatial perception, anonymous tracking capabilities and wide detection range, 3D LiDAR technology is transforming airports.
Whitepaper for lidar based solutions for airport with real-time analytics
Download your LiDAR in Airports Whitepaper

Related Articles