Topic outline

  • Guide to Handheld LiDAR Scanning Principles

    Credits: 7 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides a rigorous and comprehensive examination of handheld Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning technologies, principles, and applications. Designed for engineers and land surveyors, the course covers foundational physics, data acquisition theory, equipment calibration, SLAM algorithms, and geospatial data integration. Practical use cases in construction, geotechnical surveys, BIM, heritage documentation, and environmental monitoring are analyzed in depth. 

    The course also addresses post-processing workflows, regulatory compliance, and accuracy assessment techniques. With a technical approach grounded in real-world field conditions, the course offers an essential knowledge base for professionals deploying handheld LiDAR systems.

    Topics:

    Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Explain the underlying principles of LiDAR and time-of-flight ranging
    • Differentiate handheld LiDAR technologies from aerial, mobile, and terrestrial systems
    • Evaluate the suitability of handheld LiDAR for diverse engineering and surveying applications
    • Operate and calibrate handheld LiDAR devices with attention to scanning environments
    • Apply SLAM-based scanning workflows and error-correction methodologies
    • Interpret and manipulate point cloud data using professional-grade software tools
    • Integrate LiDAR data with GIS, CAD, and BIM environments
    • Assess accuracy, precision, and limitations of handheld LiDAR data
    • Navigate regulatory and documentation requirements for survey-grade scans

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.


    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 
    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, structural, geotechnical, and environmental engineers, as well as professional land surveyors and geomatics specialists involved in spatial data collection and analysis. It is particularly suited to professionals who use or plan to implement handheld LiDAR technology for site documentation, construction verification, infrastructure assessment, or digital modeling within GIS, CAD, or BIM workflows. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1