How the Philippines is Catching Up with Global LiDAR Standards
- Clinton Bravo
- May 27
- 4 min read
From accurate coastal surveying and seamless underwater mapping, to efficient, eco-friendly coastal mapping, we're proving that high-tech, non-invasive data solutions are not just possible—they're already happening here. Once reserved for wealthy nations with a history of investing in geospatial data, such as Norway, Japan, and the United States, is now experiencing significant advancements in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.
We're proud to share how AB Surveying & Development (ABSD) is putting the Philippines on the global map by becoming the first in Southeast Asia to offer Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR.
This serves as a clear signal that the Philippines is no longer merely playing catch-up in the world of geospatial innovation. We are now entering the conversation with tangible evidence to support our claims. ABSD is not only elevating national capability but also opening doors for faster, safer, and more environmentally responsible offshore development. This milestone reinforces the Philippines’ potential as a regional leader in coastal mapping, marine planning, and sustainable infrastructure powered by data.
Read Riegl’s latest article highlights the adoption of the RIEGL VQ-840-G by ABSD, pioneering aerial bathymetry technology in Southeast Asia: https://newsroom.riegl.international/2025/04/30/protecting-the-unseen-non-invasive-seabed-and-coral-reef-mapping-with-riegl-aerial-bathymetric-lidar/
A Quick Rewind: Why LiDAR Even Matters
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, started as a tool for measuring land—firing rapid laser pulses from planes or drones to scan terrain, measure elevation, and create detailed surface models. But for a long time, this technology couldn’t penetrate water, which meant that anything below the surface—coastal contours, submerged vegetation, underwater hazards—beyond its reach – that changed with Bathymetric LiDAR.
By switching to a green laser, which can penetrate moisture and travel through water, this approach lets us see beyond the surface in a faster, and more efficient way. We can now map shallow coastlines, detect seagrass beds, and pinpoint underwater features—all without sending in boats or disturbing marine environments. For a country like the Philippines, surrounded by water and rich in biodiversity, that kind of access isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
But Wait—LiDAR Isn’t Just for Mapping
You know what’s wild? The same tech we use to scan seafloors has been used to locate entire lost cities. Back in 2013, a LiDAR-equipped aircraft flew over Cambodia’s dense forests, revealing hidden ruins of the ancient Khmer Empire—massive networks of roads, canals, and temples completely swallowed by jungle canopy (Evans et al., 2013). Without LiDAR, they might have stayed buried for centuries more.
See blog link for more details about this lost cities discovery: https://www.absurveyingph.net/post/the-lost-cities-of-angkor-and-what-they-teach-us-about-seeing-what-s-beyond-the-surface
In mining, LiDAR is being used underground to detect roof failures and monitor hazardous zones—identifying weak points before disaster strikes (Li et al., 2019). It’s not just about mapping what’s there—it’s about revealing what’s been missed or hidden.
See blog link for more details about how LiDAR detect a mine roof failure:https://www.absurveyingph.net/post/every-meter-matters-how-lidar-detects-mine-roof-failures-before-disaster-strikes
Fast forward to now. Coastal erosion, offshore wind development, marine infrastructure—these aren’t future issues. They’re here, knocking.
And here’s where ABSD comes in.
By deploying aerial bathymetric LiDAR from a manned aircraft, ABSD—after pioneering Aerial Topographic LiDAR Surveying in the Philippines—is now pushing boundaries once again with a new technology that accelerates the growth of surveying and supports the country’s expanding marine needs. This allows us to scan land, shallow, and deep waters in one seamless dataset.That means engineers don’t have to juggle three different reports to make sense of a port site. Environmental officers don’t have to send divers or drop sonar buoys in marine protected zones. Planners can finally get a full-picture view before breaking ground.
So, Why Does This Matter?
Speed: Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR shortens fieldwork time by more or less to 90%.
Accuracy: It delivers sub-meter level precision, even in areas with dense vegetation or turbid waters.
Efficiency: Fewer permits, less disruption, and safer data collection.
And let’s not forget: it’s non-invasive. In an era where climate and conservation are not negotiable, that’s more than a bonus—it’s a requirement.
Countries like Australia and the U.S. have already integrated bathymetric LiDAR into coastal hazard mitigation, marine construction, and even tsunami planning. Now, with ABSD offering the same surveying technology and tailoring it for Philippine terrain and regulations, we’re no longer relying on borrowed playbooks. We’re writing our own.
Whether it's for marine spatial planning, renewable energy siting, or disaster resilience, we now have the tools to act with both urgency and precision. It’s not just about catching up anymore—it’s about setting the pace for how Southeast Asia approaches coastal development in a data-driven, future-ready way.
Offshore renewable energy in the Philippines is still in its early stages—but it’s gaining momentum. As the country charts a path toward cleaner energy, interest in offshore wind development continues to grow. For this vision to scale, it needs more than just ambition—it needs precise, timely, and reliable data. That’s where ABSD comes in.
By delivering high-resolution coastal and seabed information through advanced Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR Surveying and using multibeam,we provide the groundwork for informed decision-making. From early-stage feasibility studies to detailed planning and environmental assessments, our world-class surveying capabilities are designed to support the responsible and efficient growth of offshore renewable energy in the Philippines.
The Future? ABSD LiDAR Surveying Solutions – Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR Surveying
There’s a lot of talk about innovation in Philippine infrastructure. But without foundational data—reliable, scalable, accessible maps—this might be impossible. ABSD’s Aerial Topographic and Bathymetric LiDAR surveying services make that foundation stronger.
We can see through tree cover. We can see under the water. And we can do it with millimeter-level clarity.
The future of surveying isn’t exclusive to first world nations anymore. It’s ALREADY IN THE PHILIPPINES, and it’s Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR Surveying, and the future of surveying is here.
Get a quick quotation: https://www.absurveyingph.net/get-a-quick-quotation
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