
At RIEGL, we are proud to continue pushing the boundaries of LiDAR technology and expanding our global reach. As highlighted in the latest issue of Inside Unmanned Systems, our journey from our founding in 1978 to becoming an industry market leader is marked by groundbreaking technological advancements and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Pioneering Technology and Innovation Founded by Dr. Johannes Riegl, RIEGL initially focused on developing laser distance meters and rangefinders for hydrographic surveying. Over the years, we have introduced numerous innovations, including the first pocket-sized binoculars and laser speed guns for law enforcement. Our development of Smart-Waveform technologies in the mid-1990s revolutionized LiDAR by enabling pure digital signal processing and multiple target detection per laser shot.
Waveform Evolution and Industry Impact Our Smart-Waveform technologies have been crucial in advancing time-of-flight-based optical radar systems. The introduction of the LMS-Q560, the world’s first digitizing and full waveform airborne unit, set new standards in airborne laser scanning. Subsequent models, such as the LMS-Q140 and LMS-Z420i, further solidified our position as a technology market influencer. RIEGL has continued this innovation with developments that led to today’s market leading systems such as the VQ-1560 II-S, VQ-1460, and the NEW VQ-1560 III-S.
Global Expansion and State-of-the-Art Facilities Our commitment to global expansion is evident in our state-of-the-art headquarters in Horn, Austria, which includes extensive facilities for research, development, production, and testing. We have also expanded our presence in North America with a headquarters in Florida, and additional offices in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, UK, Germany, and South America. This global footprint ensures that we can meet the needs of our customers worldwide, providing unparalleled support and training.
Supporting Infrastructure Projects RIEGL’s laser scanning systems play a vital role in supporting infrastructure projects, offering precise data collection, efficient surveying, and integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems. These systems are essential for road and rail infrastructure projects, providing detailed 3D data for design, construction, and maintenance planning.

VIP Event Highlights Innovation and Collaboration Recently, RIEGL hosted a VIP event at its Austrian headquarters, bringing together customers and RIEGL representatives from around the world to showcase its latest technologies and foster a collaborative environment. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the facilities, learn about the latest innovations, and network with industry leaders. The event highlighted RIEGL’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer support.

Commitment to Quality and Customer Support RIEGL’s dedication to quality is reflected in its long-lasting products and exceptional customer service. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned RIEGL a loyal customer base and a reputation as a leader in the LiDAR industry.
Read the full special edition article: Inside Unmanned Systems: Riegl Supplement 2024
About RIEGL:
RIEGL is an international leading provider of cutting-edge technology in airborne, mobile, terrestrial, industrial and UAV-based laser scanning solutions for applications in surveying.
RIEGL has been producing LiDAR systems commercially for over 40 years and focuses on pulsed time-of-flight laser radar technology in multiple wavelengths.
RIEGL’s core smart-waveform technologies provide pure digital LiDAR signal processing, unique methodologies for resolving range ambiguities, multiple targets per laser shots, optimum distribution of measurements, calibrated amplitudes and reflectance estimates, as well as the seamless integration and calibration of systems.
RIEGL’s Ultimate LiDARTM 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing Innovation in 3D for the LiDAR industry.
From the first inquiry, to purchase and integration of the system, as well as training and support, RIEGL maintains an outstanding history of reliability and support to their customers.
Worldwide sales, training, support and services are delivered from RIEGL’s headquarters in Austria and in the USA; main offices in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, UK, Germany, and South America; and a worldwide network of representatives.
