--- title: Precision vs Accuracy in LiDAR Laser Surveying | Measure Australia description: ... image: https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/hubfs/MA-drone-operations-3000-genblog.jpg --- [![Measure Australia](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ma-theme/images/ma-logo.svg) ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/) ## Main menu - [Services](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA-I-Services-LiDAR.png) LiDAR Laser Surveying Accurate and precise data capture ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/lidar) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA-I-Services-InspectionReporting.png) Drone Asset, Building & Roof Inspections Optimise asset value and lifecycle ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/drone-building-roof-inspections) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA-I-Services-BVLOS.png) Beyond Visual Line of Sight - BVLOS Capture data Beyond Visual Line of Sight ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/bvlos) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA-I-Services-SurveyingMapping-BB2X.png) Drone Aerial Mapping & Land Surveying Avoid hazardous locations and arduous environments ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/drone-mapping-surveying) [View All Services](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services) - [Industries](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA%20-%20I%20-%20Agriculture%20P.png) Agriculture Quantify crop health, manage water stress, & create spraying & application prescriptions, uploadable to smart equipment. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/agriculture-drone-solutions) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA%20-%20I%20-%20Resources%20P.png) Resources Manage extraction volumes, quantify stockpiles & monitor change through 3D site measurements & periodic pickups. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/resources-drone-solutions) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA%20-%20I%20-%20InsuranceP.png) Insurance Reduce time for assessments & payouts through technological advancements, quality service including meeting all time-to-site requirements, & maintain records. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/insurance-drone-solutions) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA%20-%20I%20-%20ConstructionP.png) Construction Comprehensive drone data solutions reduce risks to construction companies through auditable & defensible visual records. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/construction-drone-solutions) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA%20-%20I%20-%20InfrastructureP.png) Infrastructure Engineered data & specialist reports allow whole-of-asset management, reducing operating costs & increasing efficiencies. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/infrastructure-drone-solutions) - [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20website%20HS/Icons/MA%20-%20I%20-%20Property.svg) Property Improve property management operations and decrease cost for better portfolio management and performance optimisation. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/property-drone-solutions) [View All Industries](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries) - [Case Studies](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies) - [![](https://pages.asseti.co/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(13).png) Snowy Hydro finds a better way to protect critical infrastructure Snowy Hydro, one of Australia's most iconic hydro-electric networks, transformed its infrastructure protection strategy by adopting drone-based LiDAR technology. Partnering with Measure Australia and Asseti, Snowy Hydro enhanced safety, improved data accuracy, and streamlined vegetation management—eliminating the risks and costs associated with helicopter inspections. ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies/snowy-hydro-critical-infrastructure-protection) - [![Solar power plant audit, with LiDAR, thermal imagery and visual inspection - built into a digital twin](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20case%20studies/MA-solar%20power%20plant%20(blind%20case%20study).jpg) Solar Power Plant Operator ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies/renewable-solar-power-plant) - [![One model built from the LiDAR point cloud for the Sackville project](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20case%20studies/Citisurv%20Sackville%20-%20DTM.jpg) CitiSurv Land Surveyors ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies/citisurv-land-surveyors) - [![LiDAR of the Murray River basin, Australia - credit to Geoscience Australia](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20case%20studies/team-geoscience-australia-ELVIS-1.png) Shellharbour City Council ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies/shellharbour-city-council) [View All Case Studies](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies) - [About](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/about-measure-australia) - [News](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news) [Contact Us](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/contact-us) [1300 200 014](tel:1300200014) ![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA-drone-operations-3000-genblog.jpg) # Precision vs Accuracy in LiDAR Laser Surveying by Measure Australia A topic of frequent discussion in the survey industry is the relationship between precision and accuracy regarding LiDAR laser survey technology. Often, these discussions prove problematic because there is some differentiation in the way people view precision and accuracy. Here, we will compare and contrast both in terms of LiDAR laser survey and discuss them concerning survey deliverables and the quality of output data. ![Comparing the differenced between precision and accuracy in LiDAR laser surveying](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Precision-vs-Accuracy-2-819x1024-1.jpg?width=400&height=500&name=Precision-vs-Accuracy-2-819x1024-1.jpg) ![Precision vs Accuracy - 3](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MA%20blogs/Precision%20vs%20Accuracy%20-%203.jpg?width=600&name=Precision%20vs%20Accuracy%20-%203.jpg) Comparing the differenced between precision and accuracy in LiDAR laser surveying ###### Defining Precision In reference to LiDAR laser survey, precision can best be described as a measure of repeatability. Under identical circumstances, you would produce a repeated measurement with precise collection methods. This repeatability underscores the precision of your measuring system. So, in LiDAR laser survey systems for UAV, for example, you might consider precision to be how clean/crisp your point-cloud looks. In lower precision systems, point clouds appear to have a lot of noise (or fuzziness). In a precise system, you can expect to see a well-defined point cloud and little noise. ###### Defining Accuracy Simply stated, accuracy is best defined as how close a measurement is to the real value. You must keep in mind that you cannot make any assessments about accuracy unless you have a standard by which to base your comparisons. When it comes to geospatial work, there are two types of accuracy to keep in mind. Network accuracy is associated with how closely the measurements match the known datum. The other type of accuracy is termed local accuracy or relative accuracy; local accuracy has to do with the accuracy of measurement concerning a standard. ###### Relative Accuracy vs Absolute Accuracy We have to make a distinction between absolute and relative accuracy. Which measure you choose to use depends on your application. When you are involved in a survey, you are always going to be able to find the relative accuracy. However, if your survey data requires analysis in reference to other data sets, you will need to rely on absolute accuracy. As an example, consider: define a point in a three-dimensional model to its position in the real world. For this type of analysis, you would need high absolute accuracy in order to take the coordinate system in use into your consideration. ###### Accuracy and LiDAR Laser Survey Systems A fully integrated LiDAR laser survey system has different components and will have a defined accuracy value. The LiDAR sensor/laser head will have a range of error, and the accuracy value will be expressed either as an angle or a distance. To determine the accuracy of their LiDAR laser survey system operators are tasked to rely on formulas that take into account the accuracies of the different components. And, of course, the higher the accuracy, the better the results. ###### The Importance of Precision and Accuracy in Survey Deliverables Measurements are essential for quality management. If you have a survey that is both precise and accurate, you have a deliverable that is effectively free from flaws. While all LiDAR laser surveys will have some error remaining, no matter the precision and accuracy of the datasets, a higher quality system and skilled processing team will reduce the errors associated with each. It is in the purview of the project management team or operators to determine the level of precision and accuracy that their deliverables must achieve. With precision and accuracy in place, decision-makers can rely on their data to make important (and often expensive) decisions. ###### Advantages of LiDAR Laser Survey over Traditional Surveying Methods Assuming both precision and accuracy in LiDAR laser surveying and traditional land surveying are high, LiDAR laser survey exhibits several advantages over traditional surveying methods. First, there is the issue of speed. LiDAR laser survey systems can collect upwards of one million points of data in a single second, so LiDAR laser surveying is incredibly fast. To put that into perspective, a LiDAR laser survey building scan may take roughly two to three minutes. A large scan might still take only an hour to complete. Traditional surveying methods cannot beat LiDAR laser surveying for speed and coverage. Another benefit of LiDAR laser surveying is its flexibility. When it comes to surveying, there are multiple options to select from that achieve a range of results. Depending on the needs of an application, LiDAR laser surveying systems may be set up on a wide range of platforms. In some cases, a stationary tripod suffices (terrestrial) while a vehicle (mobile) or aircraft/drones (aerial) may be used. For large area surveying, collection using manned or unmanned aircraft is the only feasible option. This flexibility even extends to the time of the surveying project as LiDAR laser surveying can be collected day or night in a range of weather conditions. Another benefit of LiDAR laser survey systems mounted on drones is that they can be operated safely at a distance. So, if there is a need to survey a tract of land or area that is dangerous, using unmanned LiDAR laser survey methods is a good choice. LiDAR laser survey systems mounted to drones can be sent into areas that would otherwise be unsafe for humans to enter. That is a significant advantage of LiDAR laser surveying methods when compared to traditional survey techniques. ###### Can Precision and Accuracy Be Increased in LiDAR Laser Survey Systems? In short, yes; it is possible to improve accuracy and precision, and that underscores how LiDAR laser survey systems can have drawbacks when high-quality components are not used, or a skilled team does not undertake the collection and processing. First, to improve a LiDAR laser survey system, improve its individual components. Some systems may not employ the highest-quality components, and that will necessarily impact their precision and accuracy. By ensuring that the components are high-quality, certified and independently verified, operators can increase the precision and accuracy of their LiDAR laser survey system. Also, when the LiDAR laser survey system is operated by certified professionals, there will be more reliable and accurate geospatial information. When these systems are not operated with a high level of expertise, there is an opportunity for reduced precision and accuracy. In short, to improve the LiDAR laser survey’s precision and accuracy, ensure only highly skilled operators are used. When in the hands of experienced operators and designed with high-quality components, LiDAR laser survey systems collect precise and accurate information. When it comes to traditional surveying methods that are also precise and accurate, it appears that LiDAR laser survey outperforms them nevertheless when compared on many aspects including coverage, speed and level of detail. Measure Australia has provided LiDAR drone solutions for various industries and numerous companies around Australia. View some of [Measure Australia’s LiDAR data samples](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/lidar-sample-datasets). Our experts with 10+ years of experience are enthusiastic about providing the right solution for every client and on every project. [Get in touch](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/contact-us) with our experts or contact us today. Follow us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/measure-australia) for future updates! [![Best survey method tool](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7556667/35d40672-9b8a-4c67-a3bb-c9aa4fd80543.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7556667/35d40672-9b8a-4c67-a3bb-c9aa4fd80543) ## More Measure Australia Articles [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/MA%20blogs/GHD%20North%20Lakes%20%28via%20Asseti%29-3000.jpg) Roof Height Safety Audits While roof height safety audits are indispensable, they are the most common way in which workers... Read more ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/fm/roof-height-safety-audits) [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/Imported_Blog_Media/8909MA-GolfCourse-3D-building-scaled-2.jpg) Creating Buildings from Aerial LiDAR Surveyors, Investors, contractors, architects, and real estate agents often turn to LiDAR to... Read more ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/creating-buildings-from-aerial-lidar) [![](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/Imported_Blog_Media/8909MA-Golfcourse-PointCloud-Nov-12-2020-02-59-27-93-AM.jpg) LiDAR vs Photogrammetry Introduction Drones and UAVs are incredibly useful in many areas that require mapping and... Read more ](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/lidar-vs-photogrammetry) [View All Articles](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news) ![Measure Australia](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ma-theme/images/ma-logo.svg) Spatial data is powerful. Begin your journey today.  [Talk to us now](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/contact-us) Get service updates - [About](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/about-measure-australia) - [Case Studies](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/casestudies) - [News](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news) - [LiDAR Sample Datasets](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/lidar-sample-datasets) - [Contact & Support](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/contact-us) - [Careers](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/careers/) - [Become a Pilot](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/pilot-registration) - [Services](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services) - [LiDAR Laser Surveying](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/lidar) - [Drone Asset, Building & Roof Inspections](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/drone-building-roof-inspections) - [Beyond Visual Line of Sight - BVLOS](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/bvlos) - [Drone Aerial Mapping & Land Surveying](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/services/drone-mapping-surveying) - [Industries](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries) - [Agriculture](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/agriculture-drone-solutions) - [Resources](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/resources-drone-solutions) - [Insurance](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/insurance-drone-solutions) - [Construction](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/construction-drone-solutions) - [Infrastructure](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/infrastructure-drone-solutions) - [Property](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/industries/property-drone-solutions) © 2026 All rights reserved. - [An Asseti Company](https://www.asseti.co) - [Terms of Use](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/privacy-policy) - Tel 1300 200 014 [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/MeasureAustralia/) [Follow us on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/measure-australia/) [Follow us on Twitter ](https://www.instagram.com/measureaustralia/?hl=en) ![Measure Australia](//f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/raw_assets/public/ma-theme/images/ma-logo.svg) Sign In Don't have an account? [Register now](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/precision-accuracy-lidar-laser-surveying#registration). Keep me signed in Login [Rest Password](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/precision-accuracy-lidar-laser-surveying#reset-password) ![Measure Australia](//f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/raw_assets/public/ma-theme/images/ma-logo.svg) Create Your Account Already have an account? [Sign In](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/precision-accuracy-lidar-laser-surveying#sign-in). I agree to the [terms & conditions](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/terms.html) Register ![Measure Australia](//f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/7556667/raw_assets/public/ma-theme/images/ma-logo.svg) Forgot your password? Tell us your email address, and we'll get you back on track in no time. Reset password [Back to sign in](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/precision-accuracy-lidar-laser-surveying#sign-in) Check your inbox for reset instructions, and pick a fresh new password [Back to sign in](https://www.measureaustralia.com.au/news/sur/precision-accuracy-lidar-laser-surveying#sign-in)