In LIDAR technology, what is the primary measurement taken for determining speed?

In LIDAR technology, the primary measurement taken for determining speed is distance. LIDAR systems operate by emitting laser beams toward a target and measuring the time it takes for the laser light to travel to the target and back. This time measurement is then used to calculate the distance to the object. By continuously measuring the distance at rapid intervals, LIDAR can determine how far an object has moved over a precise time period, thereby allowing for the calculation of speed.

Speed is defined as the rate at which distance is covered over time, so while time and distance are both critical components of this calculation, distance serves as the foundational measurement from which speed is derived in LIDAR technology. The system uses the change in distance over the time interval to ascertain the speed of the moving object being monitored. This makes distance the primary measurement essential for determining speed in LIDAR applications.