United States LiDAR Market

United States LiDAR Market Size and Share:

The United States LiDAR market size was valued at USD 659.90 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 2,432.70 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.60% from 2025-2033. The market is expanding due to advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, increasing federal investments, technological innovations, and demand for high-resolution geospatial data are driving adoption across transportation, agriculture, disaster management, and industrial applications.

Increasing adoption of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is significantly impacting the US LiDAR industry. LiDAR technology is essential in real-time object detection, 3D mapping, and navigation, enhancing the safety and automation features of the vehicle. The automotive and technology companies connect LiDAR sensors to achieve higher precision and environmental detection while meeting safety standards. For instance, in September 2024, U.S. based autonomous vehicle technology firm Cyngn received U.S. Patent for improving sensor data accuracy for autonomous vehicles. The technology mitigates motion lag, offering increased precision, reliability, and safety in dynamic conditions with the addition of advanced LiDAR and imaging.

Growing applications of LiDAR in smart infrastructure, geospatial mapping, and defense purposes are also contributing to market expansion. Urban planning, climate resilience, and modernization of infrastructure are driving demand for terrain modeling using LiDAR-based terrain modeling, flood risk evaluation, and structural health monitoring through government initiatives. For instance, in March 2023, the USGS certified 20 lidar partnership projects in 13 states, expanding 3DEP data to 82,000 square miles. These federal-program-supported projects apply high-resolution geospatial imagery and lidar point clouds to enhance flood management, wildfire prevention, and infrastructure planning. Defense agencies are leveraging LiDAR for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target detection, enhancing national security operations. As LiDAR technology becomes more affordable and accessible, its applications in security, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation are expected to expand significantly.

United States LiDAR Market Trends:

Rising Adoption in Autonomous Vehicles

The United States LiDAR industry is observing increasing growth based on the mounting implementation of LiDAR sensors across autonomous cars and sophisticated driver assistance systems (ADAS). For instance, in March 2024, Stellantis Ventures announced funding for SteerLight to innovate high-performance LiDAR. SteerLight's FMCW LiDAR, with its silicon-photonics design, delivers advanced vehicle sensing in the form of higher resolution at reduced cost coupled with better performance for ADAS, facilitating automatic driving in coming Stellantis cars. Additionally, automakers and technology firms are investing in high-resolution LiDAR technology to enhance real-time object detection, mapping accuracy, and collision avoidance. Furthermore, as self-driving technology evolves, LiDAR adoption is expected to expand, driving innovation in 3D perception, sensor miniaturization, and cost reduction.

Expansion in Smart Infrastructure and Urban Planning

LiDAR technology is becoming a key tool in smart infrastructure development, urban planning, and disaster management. Government agencies, municipalities, and construction firms are deploying LiDAR-based mapping solutions for terrain modeling, flood risk assessment, and structural monitoring. The growing focus on sustainable city planning and climate resilience is increasing the use of aerial and terrestrial LiDAR for accurate geospatial data collection. Infrastructure projects, including transport networks, utility management, and environmental monitoring, are benefiting from LiDAR-driven analytics. This trend is further supported by federal initiatives and infrastructure investments, positioning LiDAR as an essential technology in next-generation urban development. For instance, in January 2025, Ouster obtained a USD 2 million deal to implement its BlueCity traffic management system in Chattanooga, Tennessee, utilizing lidar sensors to enhance road safety and alleviate traffic congestion.

Growth in Aerospace, Defense, and Security Applications

The defense, aerospace, and security industries are leading demand for LiDAR-based surveillance, threat detection, and reconnaissance systems. The homeland security agencies and U.S. military are deploying LiDAR-equipped drones, satellites, and aircraft for target identification, battlefield mapping, and border surveillance. For instance, in July 2024, Aeva secured a contract to provide its 4D LiDAR technology to a top U.S. defense security organization. The sensors will help protect critical energy sites by detecting intrusions with advanced FMCW technology. Furthermore, as priorities in national security shift, the investment in LiDAR technology for military and law enforcement use will increase, upholding its position in defense modernization and strategic intelligence collection.

United States LiDAR Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the United States LiDAR market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on installation type, component, and application.

Analysis by Installation Type:

• Airborne
• Terrestrial

Airborne LiDAR is a key segment in the U.S. LiDAR market, widely used for large-scale mapping and geospatial data collection. Mounted on aircraft, drones, or helicopters, it captures high-resolution elevation data for applications in flood modeling, forestry management, infrastructure planning, and disaster response. The demand for airborne LiDAR is growing due to advancements in sensor technology, improved data accuracy, and federal initiatives supporting 3D mapping. It plays a critical role in topographic surveys, coastal monitoring, and environmental assessments.

Terrestrial LiDAR is an essential segment in the U.S. LiDAR market, primarily used for ground-based mapping and detailed structural analysis. Installed on tripods or vehicles, it enables precise 3D scanning for applications in construction, transportation, archaeology, and urban planning. This technology supports infrastructure inspection, asset management, and forensic investigations by capturing high-density point clouds. The market is expanding due to increasing demand for smart city development, autonomous vehicle navigation, and industrial automation, where accurate geospatial data enhances operational efficiency and safety.

Analysis by Component:

• Laser Scanners
• Navigation Systems
• Global Positioning Systems
• Others

Laser scanners are a critical component of the U.S. LiDAR market, responsible for emitting laser pulses to measure distances and create precise 3D maps. These scanners are used in applications such as autonomous vehicles, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. Advancements in solid-state and fiber laser technologies have improved scanning range, accuracy, and resolution. Growing demand for high-density point cloud data in smart cities, defense, and industrial automation is driving the adoption of advanced laser scanning systems.

Navigation systems play a crucial role in LiDAR applications, ensuring precise movement tracking and data alignment. These systems, including Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and motion sensors, enhance the accuracy of LiDAR mapping in dynamic environments such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and mobile surveying. The increasing need for real-time localization and route optimization in transportation, robotics, and defense is fueling growth. Innovations in sensor fusion and AI-driven navigation further enhance performance and reliability in complex geospatial applications.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are essential for georeferencing LiDAR data, providing accurate location coordinates for mapping and surveying applications. Integrated with LiDAR sensors, GPS enables precise positioning in airborne, terrestrial, and mobile LiDAR systems. This technology supports infrastructure development, disaster management, precision agriculture, and autonomous navigation. The expansion of high-accuracy GNSS networks, improved satellite coverage, and demand for real-time geospatial data are driving the growth of GPS-integrated LiDAR solutions across various industries in the United States.

Analysis by Application:

• Corridor Mapping
• Engineering
• Environment
• Exploration
• ADAS
• Others

Corridor mapping is a key application of LiDAR market in the U.S., used for surveying linear infrastructure such as roads, railways, pipelines, and power transmission lines. Airborne and mobile LiDAR systems provide high-resolution, georeferenced data for route planning, maintenance, and expansion projects. Governments and utility companies rely on LiDAR for right-of-way management, vegetation analysis, and hazard detection. The demand is rising due to increasing investments in transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and smart city initiatives requiring accurate geospatial data.

LiDAR plays a crucial role in engineering applications, enabling precise 3D modeling for construction, structural analysis, and geotechnical assessments. Civil engineers use LiDAR for site planning, terrain modeling, and infrastructure inspections, ensuring safety and efficiency. The technology is widely adopted in transportation, urban development, and industrial projects for accurate design and monitoring. With growing investments in infrastructure modernization, including bridges, highways, and smart buildings, the demand for LiDAR in engineering continues to expand across the United States.

LiDAR is widely used in environmental applications to monitor ecosystems, assess natural resources, and support conservation efforts. It provides high-resolution elevation data for forest management, floodplain mapping, and coastal erosion studies. Researchers and environmental agencies use LiDAR to track climate change effects, analyze biodiversity, and improve disaster response planning. The growing focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and ecological restoration is driving the adoption of LiDAR technology for environmental monitoring and resource management across the United States.

LiDAR is an essential tool for exploration, providing high-precision mapping in industries such as mining, oil and gas, and archaeology. It enables remote sensing of complex terrains, identifying mineral deposits, underground structures, and geological formations. LiDAR enhances safety and efficiency in resource exploration by reducing the need for manual surveys in hazardous areas. With increasing investments in renewable energy, natural resource management, and archaeological research, US LiDAR market share is expanding as adoption for exploration applications continues to grow.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rely on LiDAR for real-time perception, enhancing vehicle safety and automation. LiDAR sensors detect objects, measure distances, and provide 3D mapping for autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and lane detection. Automakers and technology firms integrate LiDAR into self-driving and driver-assist systems to improve road safety. With the rising demand for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, regulatory advancements, and investments in smart mobility, LiDAR adoption in ADAS applications is expanding across the U.S. automotive market.

Regional Analysis:

• Northeast
• Midwest
• South
• West

According to the United States LiDAR market forecast, Northeast region is fueled by urban development, infrastructure modernization, and environmental monitoring. Cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia use LiDAR for smart city planning, flood risk assessment, and transportation management. The region's dense forests and coastal areas benefit from LiDAR applications in forestry and climate change studies. With growing investments in public infrastructure and disaster resilience, LiDAR adoption continues to expand in the Northeast.

The Midwest is an emerging LiDAR market, supported by applications in agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure development. States like Illinois, Ohio, and Minnesota use LiDAR for precision farming, floodplain mapping, and road network optimization. The region’s extensive farmlands benefit from LiDAR’s ability to improve crop monitoring and water management. Additionally, growing investments in autonomous vehicle testing and manufacturing support LiDAR adoption. As smart agriculture and infrastructure projects increase, the demand for LiDAR technology continues to rise in the Midwest.

The Southern U.S. is a major LiDAR market, propelled by disaster management, coastal monitoring, and infrastructure expansion. States like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana use LiDAR for hurricane preparedness, flood modeling, and transportation planning. The region's fast-growing urban centers integrate LiDAR into smart city initiatives and traffic management. Additionally, LiDAR supports oil and gas exploration, forestry, and environmental restoration projects. With increasing federal investments in infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation, LiDAR applications are expanding across the Southern states.

The Western U.S. is a leading region for LiDAR adoption, strengthened by applications in wildfire prevention, topographic mapping, and autonomous vehicle development. States like California, Washington, and Colorado use LiDAR for monitoring natural disasters, transportation planning, and environmental conservation. The region’s technology-driven economy supports advancements in 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and AI-powered navigation. With growing investments in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and self-driving vehicles, the demand for LiDAR continues to increase across the Western states.

Competitive Landscape:

The market for LiDAR in the United States is competitive, influenced by technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and industry-specific research. Companies are focusing on solid-state and MEMS-based LiDAR technology, which enhances precision, affordability, and real-time data processing. In addition, public sector investments in geospatial mapping and defense industries are fueling strong competition in the market. Automotive, aerospace, and smart infrastructure segments are the principal drivers of demand, which are motivating companies to continue enhancing sensor miniaturization and AI integration. Moreover, mergers and acquisitions, and research and development spending are powering the industry as companies vie for more scalability, performance, and broader fields of use in a variety of commercial and defense markets.  For instance, in August 2024, Innoviz Technologies, an Israeli company, partnered with Indoor Lab to deploy InnovizTwo lidar in major U.S. airports. The system enhanced airport management, security, and passenger experience by using AI and 3D sensing.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the United States LiDAR market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• In January 2025, Cepton, a Silicon Valley lidar innovator, acquired Koito Manufacturing Co. This acquisition enhances lidar commercialization, improving safety and autonomy in vehicles, industrial equipment, and transportation infrastructure.
• In September 2024, ClearSkies Geomatics expanded its airborne LiDAR rental fleet with two RIEGL VQ-1560 II-S sensors. These sensors are known for reliability, precise target coverage, vegetation penetration, and efficiency in powerline and mountainous terrain surveys.
• In November 2024, Peachtree Corners partnered with Opsys to install ALTOS Gen 2 LiDAR at Curiosity Lab. This is Opsys’ first real-world, municipal, and U.S. deployment of its solid-state scanning sensor technology for advanced applications.

United States LiDAR Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the United States LiDAR market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the United States LiDAR market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the United States LiDAR industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.