Methodology & data policy

Rules

1. Never invent data. Missing values are shown as “—” or “not published”.
2. Never turn an inference into a fact. Derived and editorial values are labelled (DER, ED).
3. Manufacturer claims are labelled MFR and linked to the datasheet.
4. Independent tests keep their conditions and methodology.
5. Conflicting values are all preserved, each with its source.

Source hierarchy

1. Tier 1 — manufacturer datasheets, manuals, official product pages.
2. Tier 2 — independent tests and peer-reviewed studies.
3. Tier 3 — professional publications and surveys.
4. Tier 4 — distributors and comparison sites (used for prices).
5. Tier 5 — user-generated material (context only).

“Typical accuracy”

A single representative millimetre figure chosen editorially from manufacturer specs so products can be plotted together. Conditions differ (range, reflectivity, trajectory, 1σ vs RMS). Treat it as orientation, not a like-for-like measurement.

Verification status

• Manufacturer claims only — all specs come from the manufacturer.
• Partially verified — at least one independent test, study or review is recorded.
• Independent evidence — key claims confirmed independently.

Recommendations

The Project Advisor uses transparent, published rules that add or subtract points per technology based on environment, accuracy, scale, outputs, mobility and budget. Every rule that fires is shown. Products are not ranked by commercial relationships.

Prices

Approximate public list or dealer prices in USD. They vary by configuration, region and date. Many systems are quote-only and shown as “—”.