Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Mapping Market Report 2026

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (lidar) mapping market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.15 billion in 2025 to $1.29 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early development of uav platforms for aerial surveying, integration of lidar sensors for high-resolution mapping, government and industrial funding for geospatial and environmental monitoring programs, deployment of onboard data storage and processing systems, initial use of gps and imu components for precise georeferencing.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (lidar) mapping market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.03 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for high-accuracy lidar mapping in infrastructure and environmental projects, expansion of uav lidar services for coastal, riverine, and heritage site mapping, adoption of advanced onboard data processing and storage solutions, development of next-generation uav platforms with integrated lidar sensors, increased collaboration between drone manufacturers and geospatial service providers for large-scale mapping applications. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-resolution terrain and vegetation mapping, growth in multi-rotor and hybrid uav platforms for versatile applications, expansion of fully automated and semi-automated uav lidar systems, rising adoption of environmental and infrastructure monitoring solutions, enhanced integration of gis and mapping software for data analysis.

The increasing infrastructure development projects are expected to drive the growth of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market going forward. Infrastructure development projects refer to the planning, constructing, and improving essential physical structures such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, power grids, and water systems that support economic growth and public well-being. The rise in infrastructure development projects is due to the growing need for modern urban facilities and resilient public utilities to support expanding populations and economic growth. UAV LiDAR systems are crucial in infrastructure development projects by providing fast, precise, and detailed mapping and surveying solutions. They are used to create accurate 3D models of construction sites, terrain, and existing structures, enabling planners and engineers to assess the landscape and design infrastructure more effectively. For instance, in February 2024, according to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, a UK-based government agency, the planned investment in major infrastructure and construction projects in the UK for 2024-25 stands at $201.52 billion (£164 billion), marking an increase over the previous year and reflecting strong economic momentum. Over the next decade, total investments in the sector are projected to range between $858.1 billion (£700 billion) and $953.25 billion (£775 billion), indicating sustained long-term growth and development. Therefore, increasing infrastructure development projects is driving the growth in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market.

Key companies operating in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping market are increasingly advancing technologies such as Gas Mapping LiDAR (GML) to strengthen their competitive position. GML uses laser-based sensing systems to accurately detect and measure gas emissions across complex and remote terrains. For example, in May 2025, Bridger Photonics, a U.S.-based energy technology company, introduced a drone-mounted GML system designed to rapidly and precisely identify methane emissions in hard-to-access areas, including offshore oil platforms, LNG facilities, and intricate pipeline networks. Previously deployed using manned aircraft, the upgraded drone-based system provides faster data acquisition, improved accuracy, reduced operational downtime, and enhanced worker safety by minimizing the need for on-site inspections. This advancement represents a significant step forward in methane monitoring, enabling operators to address emissions effectively in remote and challenging environments while supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and maintain environmental compliance.

In December 2024, SmartDrone Corporation, a U.S.-based technology company, acquired the drone operations of Skytec, LLC, for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, SmartDrone Corporation aims to expand its UAV services and enhance its technical capabilities by combining Skytec’s remote sensing and GIS expertise with its advanced LiDAR and imaging drones to deliver high-precision aerial data across multiple industries. Skytec, LLC is a U.S.-based geospatial and remote sensing company that provides UAV LiDAR mapping services that generate highly accurate 3D models and elevation data.

Major companies operating in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (lidar) mapping market are Teledyne Technologies Incorporated; Hexagon Aktiebolag; Trimble Incorporated; Leica Geosystems Aktiengesellschaft; Faro Technologies Incorporated; Microdrones GmbH; Westwood Professional Services Incorporated; RaSmith Incorporated; Delair Société par Actions Simplifiée; Firmatek Limited Liability Company; Phantom Artificial Intelligence Incorporated; LeddarTech Incorporated; South West Surveys Limited; Quanergy Systems Incorporated; Innoviz Technologies Limited; YellowScan Société par Actions Simplifiée; Dielmo Three Dimensional; Phoenix LiDAR Systems Incorporated; Quantum-Systems GmbH; Aeva Technologies Incorporated.

North America was the largest region in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (lidar) mapping market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have influenced the UAV LiDAR mapping market by increasing the cost of critical components such as LiDAR sensors, UAV platforms, and GPS/Inertial Measurement Units, causing supply chain disruptions primarily in manufacturing hubs across Asia-Pacific, including China and Taiwan. This has led to higher production costs and delayed deliveries, impacting segments like fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs and airborne LiDAR technologies. However, tariffs have also prompted manufacturers to diversify sourcing and invest in local production capabilities, potentially driving innovation and cost optimization in the long run.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market statistics, including the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market share, detailed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping industry. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping is a form of remote sensing technology that utilizes drones fitted with LiDAR sensors to generate highly detailed and accurate 3D maps of the Earth's terrain and man-made structures. This technology finds broad application in fields like land surveying, forestry management, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring by enabling swift, efficient, and precise collection of spatial data from aerial platforms.

The primary applications of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping include 3D visualization, digital twin creation, vegetation mapping, contour mapping, and volumetric analysis. 3D visualization involves the creation of digital three-dimensional images or models that represent physical or conceptual objects, settings, or datasets, aiding in easier analysis and interpretation. The UAV types employed in this process are fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), each utilizing different LiDAR technologies such as airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR), terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Levels of automation range from fully automated and partially automated to manual, addressing the needs of industries such as agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, and environmental monitoring.

The countries covered in the unmanned aerial vehicle (uav) light detection and ranging (lidar) mapping market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as glacier and snowfield monitoring, coastal and riverine mapping, archaeological and heritage site documentation, and power line and utility corridor mapping. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mapping market includes sales of products such as LiDAR sensors, UAV platforms (drones), onboard data storage systems, global positioning system and inertial measurement unit components, and mapping software. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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