What could be considered a limitation of LIDAR technology?

• A. High initial cost of equipment
• B. Limited operational range
• C. Inability to measure speed
• D. More complex than RADAR

Answer: (A)

The limitation of LIDAR technology that stands out is the high initial cost of equipment. This factor can be significant because LIDAR systems require advanced technology, including precision optics and sophisticated algorithms, which contribute to their higher purchase prices compared to other speed measurement tools. Budget constraints for law enforcement agencies can affect their ability to invest in this technology, potentially limiting its adoption despite its advantages in accuracy and specificity.

While other options might present valid concerns, they do not capture the same level of impact on the overall usability and accessibility of LIDAR in enforcement settings. For example, limited operational range can be an aspect, but LIDAR typically has a good operational range suitable for most applications. The inability to measure speed is definitely not an issue, as that is one of the key functionalities of LIDAR devices. The complexity compared to RADAR could be a factor, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to a limitation that would deter agencies from employing LIDAR in their operations. Thus, the high initial cost stands out as a more concrete limitation affecting the deployment of LIDAR technology.