GPS World

Tag: UAV mapping

  • CHCNAV launches AlphaAir 6 long-range airborne lidar for UAV mapping

    CHCNAV launches AlphaAir 6 long-range airborne lidar for UAV mapping

    CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has released the AlphaAir 6, a flagship airborne lidar system designed for UAV-based laser scanning, drone lidar mapping, and aerial surveying in high-relief and complex terrain.

    Combining prism scanning technology with a high-grade inertial navigation system (INS), the AlphaAir 6 delivers a maximum ranging capability of up to 2,100 meters and supports efficient data capture at typical flight altitudes of 400 to 600 meters above ground level.

    The AlphaAir 6 integrates an upgraded laser engine and a high-grade IMU with 0.3°/h bias stability to improve trajectory accuracy and point cloud quality. This design removes the need for pre-mission IMU calibration and supports stable, efficient data collection for topographic mapping, corridor mapping, and wide-area aerial survey workflows.

    The AlphaAir 6 combines fifth-generation real-time waveform processing with advanced multi-period technology to capture richer, denser, and more precise lidar data across complex terrain, vegetation, and built environments. According to CHCNAV, even at an ultra-high pulse repetition rate of 2,000,000 pulses per second, it continues to support real-time point cloud output, giving operators immediate in-flight visibility and a faster path to survey-grade 3D results.

    To meet different project requirements, the AlphaAir 6 is available in single-camera and dual-camera configurations. Both options use large-format CMOS sensors to deliver high-resolution imagery, while the dual-camera version adds an ultra-wide field of view to improve image coverage and increase mapping efficiency.

    With an integrated design and a weight of 1.35 kg, the AlphaAir 6 reduces payload burden on UAV platforms and helps extend flight endurance. Open interface protocols support integration with mainstream multirotor and fixed-wing UAVs, giving surveying and mapping professionals more flexibility across different mission types.

  • Emlid offers two PPK modules for cm-accurate drone mapping

    Emlid offers two PPK modules for cm-accurate drone mapping

    Reach M+ and M2. (Photo: Emlid)
    Reach M+ and M2. (Photo: Emlid)

    Emlid is offering two positioning modules for mapping with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Both the Reach M+ and Reach M2 provide centimeter-level accuracy in real-time kinematic (RTK) and post-processed kinematic (PPK) modes, enabling precise UAV mapping with fewer ground control points.

    The Reach M+ single-band receiver has a baseline up to 20 kilometers in PPK. The Reach M2 is a multi-band receiver with a baseline up to 100 kilometers in PPK.

    Usually autopilot triggers the camera and records the coordinate it has at that moment. When the drone is flying at 20 m/s and GPS works at 5 Hz, the UAV autopilot will have position readings only every four minutes, which is not suitable for precise georeferencing. In addition, there is always a delay between the trigger and the actual moment the photo is taken.

    Reach solves this problem by connecting directly to the camera’s hot-shoe port, which is synced with the shutter. The time and coordinates of each photo are logged with a resolution of less than a microsecond. Reach captures flash sync pulses with sub-microsecond resolution and stores them in a raw data RINEX log in the internal memory. This method allows ground control points to be used only to check accuracy.

    The Reach RS2. (Photo: Emlid)
    The Reach RS2. (Photo: Emlid)

    The Reach M2 PPK UAV mapping kit consist of the Reach M2 multi-band GNSS receiver onboard the aircraft that records the location of each photo at a frequency of 20 Hz. It is combined with the Reach RS2 GNSS multi-band receiver on the ground, drastically reducing the number of ground control points and simplifying the setup process on site, while maximizing the accuracy to centimeter levels even in remote areas.

    The M2 tracks GPS/QZSS (L1, L2), GLONASS (L1, L2), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1, E5) and SBAS (L1C/A), and receives a fixed solution almost instantly.

  • Drone aids archaeology in Scotland

    The National Trust for Scotland commissioned Glasgow-based GeoGeo to carry out a drone survey of the inner Hebridean islands of Canna and Sanday in November 2018. Using an ultra-high-definition camera, the GeoGeo team not only pinned down the exact locations of archaeological features, but also revealed new archaeological sites.

    Over five days,the drone navigated 400 kilometers to capture 4,000 images at a 3-centimeter resolution. After processing, the images created a minutely detailed 3D map capable of being used in a 3D printer to create scale models of the islands. With more than 420 million data points, it is currently the world’s largest complete island dataset captured by drone, claims GeoGeo founder Paul Georgie.

    Screenshot: GeoCue
    Screenshot: GeoCue

    “We were blown away by the results and the possibilities of this technology,” said Derek Alexander, head of Archaeology at the Trust. “We’ve previously recorded archaeology on Canna and Sanday which proves that there were inhabitants as far back as the Neolithic, but this survey gives us information and detail we just haven’t had until now. We’ve been able to obtain exact plots of known sites, but also recorded the extensive traces of cultivation, such as rig and furrow field systems that range in age from the Bronze Age onwards.”

    Screenshot: GeoCue
    Screenshot: GeoCue

    The cameras and software also will be able to help with seabird counts and habitat and coastal erosion monitoring, which are currently expensive and labor intensive, Alexander said. The trust will use the maps to update archaeological records and prepare for future groundwork and excavations.

  • SimActive software used with eBee X for shoreline mapping

    SimActive Inc., a developer of photogrammetry software, announced that Correlator3D is being used for mapping projects in Brittany, France, by Altimedias.

    An eBee X equipped with senseFly S.O.D.A. 3D camera is flown along the shoreline to produce high-resolution true orthomosaics and 3D models.

    “The quality of outputs from Correlator3D is exceptional and the mosaic renders the vivid colours of the Pink Granite Coast,” said Didier Wasselin, COO at Altimedias, which specializes in drone data collection and processing. “Such results are very useful for heritage conservation and decision making by local authorities.”

    “The combination of SimActive software and senseFly eBee Plus X is an ideal combination, due to the accurate RTK/PPK and optimized aerial triangulation,” said Francois Gervaix, technical advisor at SimActive. “The S.O.D.A. oblique imagery leads to outstanding 3D textured models.”

    Photo: SimActive
    Photo: SimActive

  • First South Korea government drone project completed with SimActive

    First South Korea government drone project completed with SimActive

    Photo: SimActive
    Photo: SimActive

    SimActive Inc., a developer of photogrammetry software, has enabled the first government drone mapping project in South Korea.

    Asia Aero Survey (AAS), a SimActive regional partner, used Correlator3D for the public survey delivered to the Korean National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) and the Korean Association of Spatial Information, Surveying & Mapping.

    While such projects were previously conducted using manned aircraft, a drone was preferred because of the difficulty in accessing the area of interest through traditional aerial and ground surveying methods.

    The NGII officially published guidelines for public surveying and mapping with drones in March 2018, with the AAS project being the first delivered and accepted as adhering to the new guidelines.

    AAS is also deploying UAV solutions with hyperspectral and lidar for other projects in conjunction with SimActive software.

  • Septentrio to supply Asterx-m2 receiver for Delair UX11 mapping drone

    Septentrio to supply Asterx-m2 receiver for Delair UX11 mapping drone

    GNSS receiver manufacturer Septentrio has been selected to supply its high-precision AsteRx-m2 GNSS OEM receiver module and PPK library for use with Delair’s UX11 professional mapping drone.

    The UX11 is a lightweight, beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS)-ready fixed-wing mapping drone.

    The combination of on-board processing capabilities, real-time control and centimeter-level precision make it a cost-effective solution for large area surveying and mapping, Delair said.

    The Delair Septentrio UX11 mapping UAV. (Image: Septentrio)
    The Delair Septentrio UX11 mapping UAV. (Image: Septentrio)

    By employing the latest high-specification photographic, sensor and communications elements, Delair has kept the weight of the UX11 — including payload — down to 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds).  Among other design innovations, this allows the UX11 to cover 200 hectares (500 acres) in a single one-hour flight, delivering mapping with ground sample distances below 1 centimeter per pixel (0.4 in/px) with accuracy down to 1.27 cm (0.5 in).

    A 3G/4G network link to the UX11 allows the operator to assess in real time the quality and overlap of images during flight and make any necessary adjustments to the settings of the integrated camera.  This enables operators to collect as much aerial intelligence as possible in a minimum number of flights.

    The UAV also features BTOL (bird-like take-off and landing) for steep-climb take offs and descents in confined areas.

    The AsteRx-m2 delivers high-precision multi-frequency quad-constellation GNSS measurements for PPK (post-processed kinematic) for only 28 grams, and consumes very little power.

    The combination of high-quality camera images and GNSS measurements from the AsteRx-m2 allows Delair to offer its users PPK survey-grade ground precision down to 1 centimeter. With Delair’s PPK software, powered by Septentrio’s GeoTagZ PPK library, users only pay for the precision they need and on a flexible pay-as-you-go basis.

    “With the AsteRx-m2, we can offer wide-area coverage at ultra-high precision,” said Chase Fly, geospatial product manager at Delair. “The Delair UX11 sets a new standard of efficiency, cost and quality in a long-range UAV platform. The drone itself is truly state-of-the-art in its design and construction, and it enables industry-leading performance and flight range, as well as streamlined maintenance, advantages that all reduce costs.

    “The integrated processing capabilities are able to ensure image quality in real time and provide users with accurate results that shape critical operational decisions and strategies,” Fly said. “And it’s designed for flexible use in a variety of conditions and use models, further lowering TCO.”

    The AsteRx-m2 features Septentrio’s proprietary GNSS+ suite of positioning algorithms to convert difficult environments into good positioning:

    • LOCK+ technology to maintain tracking during the heavy dynamic vibration typical of UAV flights
    • APME+ to combat multipath
    • IONO+ technology to ensure position accuracy during periods of elevated ionospheric activity.

    The AsteRx-m2 also features AIM+ interference mitigation and monitoring system that can suppress the widest variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrowband signals to the most complex wideband and pulsed jammers.

    AIM+ can diagnose self-interference from other electrical or electronic devices onboard the UAV as well as mitigating external interference during operational flights.

    “Driven by the explosion in the number and variety of drone applications, drone technology has advanced leaps and bounds in recent years and Delair have been right at the heart of the action. With their focus on innovation and a commitment to providing the very highest quality products, Delair and Septentrio are true kindred spirits and we’re proud to be part of the UX11 project,” said Gustavo Lopez, product manager at Septentrio.

  • Introduction to Using UAVs for Mapping

    Broadcast Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015
    On-Demand Available Until: Saturday, December 17, 2016
    Sponsor: Applanix
    Moderator: Alan Cameron, Editor-In-Chief and Publisher, GPS World
    Speakers: Eric Gakstatter Contributing Editor, GPS World, Geospatial Solutions; Marko Peljhan
    Co-founder, C-ASTRAL; Doug Long, Strategic Marketing Director, Applanix, a Trimble Company
    Summary: Private operators and commercial UAV/mapping service providers will cover the basics of UAV operation for mapping, showing results of their work and giving tips for successful project completion.