How LiDAR Actually WorksA LiDAR sensor sends out pulses of laser light. What’s the Difference between LiDAR Versus RadarLiDAR and radar use a similar process, but they send out different signals. LiDAR uses light, while radar uses radio waves. People may be surprised by how many jobs already depend on LiDAR:Robotic lawn mowers map yards, recognize obstacles and navigate under trees. Spacecraft can use LiDAR to map asteroids, examine distant terrain and choose safer landing areas.