When does a LIDAR sweep occur?

A LIDAR sweep occurs specifically when the LIDAR beam strikes at an angle. In this context, a "sweep" refers to the process where the LIDAR system measures distances from various angles as it scans the environment. By sending out pulses of light and analyzing the time it takes for them to return, the LIDAR system calculates the distance to an object. This measurement can be more effective when the beam strikes at an angle, allowing the device to capture a broader range of information about the surrounding area.

Holding the LIDAR beam still, while potentially useful in some scenarios, does not constitute a sweep, as it would only be measuring a singular point rather than capturing data over a range of angles. Similarly, a malfunctioning device or a distracted operator would not lead to a proper sweep and would not allow for accurate distance measurements, further emphasizing the importance of how the beam interacts with the environment during operation.