A Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system can create a three-dimensional (3D) map of the store to guide the retail space planning process.

Retailers can use it to improve foot traffic, shopping satisfaction and profitability.

There are key implementation considerations, however. Should they use LiDAR for retail space planning and analysis?

What Is LiDAR and How Does It Work?

LiDAR is an active remote sensing technology that uses a pulsed laser to map its surroundings in real time. It is typically used to calculate geospatial measurements.

The Basics of LiDAR

LiDAR shoots out millions of small lasers each second. They are made of light, so when they hit a surface, they bounce back. By measuring the time it takes for them to reach objects and return to the transmitter, the instrument calculates variable distances. It can generate geospatial data almost instantaneously since the lasers travel at the speed of light.

Static LiDAR sensors are mounted on tripods. Professionals can relocate them as needed, but they take stationary scans at predetermined points. Mobile systems collect geospatial data while moving, so they are often mounted on vehicles or autonomous machines. Both rely on the same core components.

The Key Components

The spatial scanner is the most crucial component because it continuously emits small rays of near-infrared light,  which are invisible to the naked eye. The sensor detects the light as it returns. Then, the processor combines position, orientation and scan angle data captured from the surveyed area to generate a 3D point cloud — a granular group of elevation points.

The data must undergo processing and transformation before users can convert it into a complete 3D model. An on-device or cloud-based algorithm checks for completeness, removes noise and classifies surface features. Afterward, it downsamples the point cloud by grouping points into voxels.

It retains only one representative point for each voxel to maximize the amount of geometric information and minimize the number of points. This way, it preserves the scan’s overall structure while decreasing its file size. The resulting dataset is converted into the LAS file format, which is purpose-built for the interchange and archiving of LiDAR point cloud data.

Can It Help With Retail Space Planning?

Decision-makers should use LiDAR for retail space planning and analysis, whether they are planning the overall store layout or the precise arrangement of products on shelves. It enables data-driven decision-making on a granular level, providing unparalleled visibility.

Foot Traffic

Since this technology can record shoppers’ movements and relative locations, it can create precise, up-to-date heat maps. Retailers gain insight into foot traffic and shopping patterns, enabling them to determine where to place departments and fixtures for optimal visibility.

Customer Behavior

Those who know which aisles customers visit the most, which paths people prefer and which products are most popular can strategically increase revenue. LiDAR highlights high-traffic areas and provides a real-time overview of stock volume to guide their decisions. Devices with built-in artificial intelligence can produce in-depth analytics and extract actionable insights.

Dwell Time

The longer people stay in the store, the more likely they are to make a purchase — products that stay within their line of sight remain front-of-mind. During the retail space planning stage, LiDAR can help retailers strategically place aisles and impulse displays to hold consumers’ attention, increasing dwell time.

Combining LiDAR-generated 3D maps and planograms can help them arrange departments, aisles, fixtures and products. Instead of basing their design on a preexisting layout, they can develop a wholly unique arrangement based on real-world data.

How Retailers Benefit From Using LiDAR

LiDAR provides a fast, scalable, precise way to capture interior geometry, building a solid decision-making foundation. Those who use it during store planning can increase foot traffic, elevate store brand identity and improve overall profitability.

Generally, integration is beneficial. According to industry expert Driveline Retail — whose industry-leading SmartMaps technology is driven by LiDAR-powered space capture — this solution can increase revenue, decrease stockouts and improve customer satisfaction when used in space planning applications.

Modern LiDAR systems use cutting-edge tools like AI and cloud computing for on-demand access and advanced analytics. They go beyond topography, creating detailed, high-resolution imagery. For reference, Driveline Retail’s platform has 17 data collection methods and produces over 250,000 images weekly. The resulting reports are fully customizable.

With LiDAR store mapping, retailers can improve the in-store experience, maximize product density and increase dwell time. After informing the space planning stage, it can assist with inventory management, further supporting decision-making.

Considerations for LiDAR Store Mapping

Retailers should consider several key factors when planning to use LiDAR for retail space planning and analysis. The first is the implementation cost — modern, high-resolution platforms can be costly. Moreover, they may only be compatible with certain hardware and software integrations, requiring extensive — and potentially expensive — retrofitting.

One-size-fits-all platforms deploy quickly, but often include unnecessary add-ons or fail to check every box, requiring retailers to invest more time and money in implementation. Custom solutions are essential for meeting both the store’s design and budget needs.

The tech stack should be well-designed, with an emphasis on data storage. Complex, algorithmic data processing techniques require a significant amount of space. Downsampling the point cloud can help keep LAS files a manageable size, but information technology professionals may still have to upgrade storage. The cloud is superior to on-site storage because it is flexible, scalable and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Another key consideration is the potential for interference. Sunlight and artificial light may create anomalies during initial spatial scans. Also, some objects may obscure others at LiDAR height. Supplemental solutions — such as algorithmic analysis and planograms — can eliminate noise and fill in the gaps.

Use LiDAR for Retail Space Planning and Analysis

Retailers should use LiDAR for retail space planning and analysis. It can refresh existing stores, helping them attract foot traffic, improve dwell time and increase profitability. However, the specifics depend on the solution they use and their implementation method. They should keep key considerations in mind to increase their chances of success.

The solution selection process is particularly important. Custom-built, full-service platforms with end-to-end support are almost always superior to standard, off-the-shelf systems in terms of price and performance, when accounting for indirect costs.