a remote-sensing device or technology for measuring distances and directions —synonym laser radar —note 1. lidar systems use a light beam in place of a microwave radar beam to obtain measurements of speed, altitude, direction, and range of a target —note 2. airborne lidar altimeters are currently being used for producing high-resolution digital elevation models and mapping change in elevation —note 3. other lidar sensors are used for meteorological or atmospheric studiesThis definition last updated 07/11/2008