Lidar can accurately collect the distance and speed information of the target, and can realize the target detection and imaging, so it has important application prospects in the fields of intelligent transportation, UAV obstacle avoidance, smart home, satellite mapping and navigation. Firstly, the basic principles, mainstream technical solutions and research necessity of laser detection are introduced. Secondly, according to the application requirements of solid-state and miniaturized integration of lidar, the technical development trends of international optical phased array lidar, mechanical scanning lidar and flash lidar are introduced. Meanwhile, the technical, product and commercial development status of lidar in China are expounded. Finally, the challenges and possible solutions of lidar technology are proposed, and its development trend is prospected.