Why “Max Range” and “Accuracy” Have No Single Standard Value
If you search for “single-channel LiDAR max range and accuracy,” you’ll quickly notice that numbers vary widely. That’s normal.
For single-channel LiDAR (typically single-line, 2D scanning LiDAR), performance is shaped by:
- sensor design and component grade (laser power, receiver sensitivity)
- eye-safety limits
- target reflectivity (dark clothing vs reflective tape)
- ambient light (indoor vs strong sunlight)
- scan rate and angular resolution settings
So the right way to evaluate specs is not “What’s the best number?” but “Which numbers are valid for my distance, surface, and lighting?”
What “Single-Channel” Means in This Article
Here “single-channel” refers to single-line / single-beam LiDAR that scans a single 2D plane (a “slice” of the environment). It is widely used for:
- interactive floor/wall projection
- access gates and passage detection
- people counting and flow direction
- safety zone monitoring in 2D
1) Typical Maximum Range for Single-Channel 2D LiDAR
A practical way to understand range is by application tier. Below are representative ranges you’ll see across the market.
A. Interactive projection & indoor sensing (short-to-mid range)
Typical maximum range: ~10–25 m
Typical real working distance: ~3–15 m
These sensors are usually optimized for:
- stable tracking and responsiveness
- indoor lighting variability
- wide field of view for coverage
- good repeatability at mid-range distances
They don’t need extreme long-range performance because interactive zones are usually within a few meters.
B. Industrial / security 2D scanning LiDAR (mid-to-long range)
Typical maximum range: tens of meters to 100+ m
Manufacturers often specify:
- “max distance at 10% reflectivity” (dark targets)
- “max distance at 80% reflectivity” (bright targets)
Industrial products prioritize:
- detection reliability in outdoor settings
- stable performance across weather/lighting changes
- safety monitoring where missed detections are unacceptable
C. High-end long-range LiDAR reference (often automotive-grade)
Even though many long-range systems are multi-channel, single-line performance is still a useful reference point for what “top-tier optics” can do.
Typical long-range reference: 200–400 m at 10% reflectivity (in high-end categories)
This is not the typical buying target for interactive projection or basic counting. It’s relevant for high-value perception and long-distance monitoring.
What actually controls max range?
When comparing “max range” claims, keep these drivers in mind:
- laser power + receiver sensitivity
- target reflectivity (10% vs 80% makes a major difference)
- ambient light (strong sunlight can reduce effective range)
- eye-safety class constraints
- weather (fog, heavy rain, airborne dust)
2) Accuracy Specs You Should Understand (Not Just “± cm”)
In LiDAR datasheets, “accuracy” is often a blend of several metrics. For single-channel 2D scanning LiDAR, the most important accuracy-related specs are:
A. Distance accuracy (absolute measurement error)
This is commonly expressed as ±X cm under defined conditions.
Typical mid-range distance accuracy (10–20 m): ±1–3 cm on many mid-to-high grade sensors
Some higher-performance units may specify < ±2 cm in favorable conditions.
Important detail: accuracy often degrades with:
- longer distance
- lower reflectivity
- stronger ambient light
B. Repeatability (measurement stability over time)
Repeatability describes how consistent readings are when measuring the same target repeatedly. It is sometimes given as a 1σ value (standard deviation), such as:
- “1σ = 0.5 cm” (example format)
This matters a lot for interaction and tracking:
- high repeatability → smoother touch points and fewer “jumps”
- better tracking quality even if absolute accuracy is similar
C. Angular resolution (how dense the scan is)
For 2D scanning LiDAR, angular resolution is typically in the range:
- 0.1° to 0.5° (some models finer)
Smaller number = denser scan points per rotation.
Why it matters:
- better detection of small objects
- improved shape definition
- more stable clustering/tracking in crowds
D. Angular accuracy (how correct the angle measurement is)
Angular accuracy may be specified separately, sometimes < 0.1°.
If you’re mapping points into a projected surface or calculating zone boundaries, angular accuracy influences how well the real-world coordinates align over distance.
What’s “Good Enough” for Common Real-World Use Cases?
Interactive projection / access counting (0–20 m)
Often sufficient targets:
- centimeter-level distance accuracy
- solid repeatability (stable points)
- reasonable angular resolution (e.g., ~0.16° class is common in this category)
- scan rate around 15–30 Hz for smooth motion response
In these applications, system feel and tracking stability matter more than extreme long-range performance.
Industrial outdoor monitoring (tens of meters)
You’ll typically prioritize:
- range stated at low reflectivity (10%)
- performance under strong ambient light conditions
- robust enclosure rating (often IP-rated)
- stable accuracy under environmental stressors
3) The Spec Checklist: What to Look for in Datasheets
If you only remember one section, make it this one. “Max range” without context is meaningless unless the datasheet tells you the conditions.
Range specifications
Look for:
- max distance at a stated reflectivity (10% / 80%)
- the recommended working distance (often more realistic than the max)
- whether range changes are specified for sunlight / outdoor lux levels
Accuracy and repeatability
Look for:
- distance accuracy: ±X cm and under what distance/target conditions
- repeatability (σ): especially important for tracking and touch mapping
Angular performance
Look for:
- angular resolution (point density)
- angular accuracy (angle correctness)
Refresh / scan rate
Look for:
- scan frequency (e.g., 15–30 Hz class for interaction)
- confirmation that the scan rate remains stable in your operating mode
Environment and light robustness
Look for:
- sunlight performance notes (some specify behavior under very high illumination)
- stated limitations in bright outdoor conditions
- operating temperature and ingress protection (IP rating)
Common Buying Mistake: Comparing Only the Biggest Numbers
Two sensors can both claim “25 m max range,” but behave very differently in the real world if:
- one is rated at 80% reflectivity and indoor lighting
- the other is rated at 10% reflectivity and sunlight conditions
- one has excellent repeatability and denser angular resolution
- the other has coarse angular resolution and point jitter
For interactive systems, the “best” sensor is often the one that delivers stable, consistent points at your actual working distance, not the one with the most aggressive maximum range headline.
