This paper performs a quantitative comparison between established surveillance techniques based on Out-TheWindow View and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) under identical visibility conditions. The aim is to understand how LiDAR technology can potentially improve the situational awareness of the Apron Air Traffic Controller (ATCo). Our work hereby extends previous evaluations of LiDAR technology with application to apron surveillance by explicitly comparing the visual performance of LiDAR and Out-The-Window View.