DJI has launched a new Local Data Mode that stops internet traffic to and from its DJI Pilot app, providing enhanced data privacy assurances for sensitive government and enterprise customers.
Local Data Mode will be available in the next update on the DJI Pilot app on CrystalSky and for select Android tablets.
When an operator activates Local Data Mode, the app will stop sending or receiving any data over the internet. This adds an additional layer of security for operators of flights involving critical infrastructure, governmental projects or other sensitive missions.
“We are creating Local Data Mode to address the needs of our enterprise customers, including public and private organizations that are using DJI technology to perform sensitive operations around the world,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s vice p resident of policy and legal affairs. “DJI is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers’ photos, videos and flight logs. Local Data Mode will provide added assurances for customers with heightened data security needs.”
Since Local Data Mode blocks all internet data, the DJI Pilot app will not be able to detect the location of the user or show map and geofencing information such as No Fly Zones and temporary flight restrictions, nor will it notify drone operators of firmware updates.
Telemetry data on flight logs such as altitude, distance or speed will remain stored on the aircraft even if the user deactivates Local Data Mode.
Whether Local Data Mode is activated or not, photos and videos captured by the user are always stored on the drone’s SD card and are only shared if the user chooses to upload them online to the SkyPixel community, social media or other websites.
When using Local Data Mode, drone operators are reminded that they are solely responsible for the safety of their flight operation and that they understand that features that may enhance and support the safety of their operations, but that rely on internet connectivity, are no longer available.
Drone operators can enable Local Data Mode by opening the DJI Pilot app, clicking on “Activate LDM Mode” and entering a password which will be required to deactivate Local Data Mode when they decide to go online again.
New drones will still have to be activated first by logging into the user’s DJI account with an email and a password. To ensure the drone has the latest firmware, users can download and update it while they have internet connectivity before re-activating Local Data Mode.
The Local Data Mode feature may not be available in locations where an internet connection is required or highly advisable due to local regulations.
Trimble is offering three new GNSS-inertial systems for direct georeferencing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs): the Trimble APX-15-EI UAV, Trimble APX-18 UAV and Trimble APX-20 UAV.
Direct georeferencing with the systems allows the location of image elements collected by lidar and hyperspectral sensors to be accurately computed without extensive networks of ground control points, reducing costs while maintaining accuracy to produce maps.
The APX products use state-of-the-art low noise, multi-frequency Trimble Maxwell GNSS technology, and track all current satellite signals including GPS L1/L2/L2C/L5 and GLONASS L1/L2, QZSS, BeiDou, IRNSS and Galileo, supporting SBAS, RTK and Trimble CenterPoint RTX positioning modes.
The APX-15-EI UAV features dual inertial measurement units (IMU); one embedded onto the GNSS-inertial board that is mounted on the UAV airframe with the GNSS antenna, and one that is mounted on an external sensor contained in a gimballed mount.
With this feature, the APX-15-EI UAV can compute two sets of orientations — the UAV airframe and the gimballed mount — enabling automatic, precise positioning of the sensor without requiring an external interface to the gimballed mount or autopilot.
The APX-20 GNSS-inertial board by Applanix.
The APX-18 UAV is a single-board GNSS-inertial solution that supports two-antenna heading for the highest accuracy in low-speed multi-rotor survey applications such as building facade scanning. Measuring 10 x 6 centimeters and weighing 62 grams, the APX-18 UAV uses on-board inertial sensors calibrated with the Applanix SmartCal software compensation technology for superior performance in a small, compact form for UAVs.
To meet the higher accuracy demands driven by the allowance of higher altitude, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAV flights and the introduction of higher resolution, larger format imaging sensors, Trimble has developed the APX-20 UAV.
Also featuring dual IMUs for automatic gimballed mount support, the APX-20 UAV uses a new, MEMS-based lightweight external IMU with unparalleled performance. With a total weight of less than 425 grams, the APX-20 UAV provides high performance without sacrificing flight time.
“We are very pleased to announce these new additions to our portfolio of products for Direct Georeferencing on UAVs,” said Joe Hutton, director of inertial technology and airborne products at Applanix, a Trimble Company. “We have listened to our customers and worked very hard to come up with solutions that meet their needs, both from a technical and cost perspective.”
All APX products include the Applanix POSPac UAV post-processing software for generation of high-accuracy carrier-phase differential GNSS-inertial position and orientation for highest accuracy map products.
POSPac UAV supports single GNSS base-station processing with automatic coordinate survey using Trimble CenterPoint RTX, multi-single base station processing, and Applanix SmartBase Virtual Reference Station processing (optional), as well as the Trimble CenterPoint RTX post-processing trajectory generation available as a subscription.
Hexagon AB showcased its geospatial and construction portfolio at Intergeo 2017 in Berlin, Germany.
Hexagon’s sensor portfolio combined with a range of software creates solutions that support the geospatial and construction industries.
According to the company, visitors were able to explore a number of solutions, including mobile mapping; asset collection and management for geographic information systems (GIS); 3D laser scanning; photogrammetry; remote sensing; airborne sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); global positioning and monitoring like GNSS; construction project controls and progress documentation; utility detection; measurement software and cloud-based dynamic mapping. Hexagon will be at booth A1.024 in Hall 1.1.
“Hexagon is focused on creating smart digital realities,” said Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén. “At Intergeo, we will demonstrate the productivity and savings that can be realized from digitalizing customer workflows, automating processes and ensuring all stakeholders have access to dynamic, critical information.”
During the conference portion of Intergeo, Hexagon executives addressed the growing need for digitalization in geospatial and construction industries:
Transformation through digitalization. Hexagon Geosystems President Juergen Dold provides the Intergeo opening keynote exploring the need for businesses to transform from efficient digitisation to connected digitalisation for continued progress.
The power of combining cost, schedules and models in the cloud. Director of Global Business Development for HxGN SMART Build at Hexagon PPM, Cathi Hayes, explains how SMART Build integrates model, schedule, cost and digital layout capabilities into a single solution that addresses the most critical phases of construction planning and execution.
Hexagon integrated solution for utility detection and mapping. Leica Geosystems Construction Tools President Katherine Broder and IDS GeoRadar President Alberto Bicci present how to achieve high productivity in mapping utilities with Hexagon’s underground detection portfolio, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) solutions.
Escaping the flatlands. Hexagon Geospatial President Mladen Stojic envisions new and easier approaches that ingest the influx of data, use automated approaches to extract the signal from the noise and provide intuitive ways of communicating insights to decision makers and field teams so they can shape smarter change.
Connecting perceptions with reality in the world of BIM, GIS and survey. Leica Geosystems Laser Scanning Vice-President of Business Development Faheem Khan looks at the benefits of sensor fusion, the growth of digital reality solutions and how both are affecting project lifecycles in the real, digital world.
Streamlining UAV workflows for surveying, construction and inspection. Leica Geosystems Product Manager for UAV Solutions Valentin Fuchs and Leica Geosystems Director of Marketing and Communications for UAV Solutions Benjamin Federmann deliver a series of presentations and hands-on demonstrations on how Hexagon integrates UAVs as part of the technology tool kit to digitalise workflows.
Harxon has released the multi-constellation D-Helix Antenna at the 2017 Intergeo trade show, held Sept. 26-28 in Berlin, Germany. The Harxon booth is located at Hall 4.1, Stand C4.013.
The industrial, innovative D-Helix Antenna is capable of superior tracking of signals from GPS L1/L2 L-Band, GLONASS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3 and Galileo. The innovative quadrifilar helix antenna design of low wind-resistance is ideal for UAV positioning and navigation.
The increased antenna gain and beamwidth ensure a better signal receiving performance of satellite at low elevation angle. The low noise figure enhanced transmission interference reduction and improve the signal quality.
The D-Helix antenna can be used in UAV patrol, UAV plant protection, unmanned patrol robot and unmanned surveying vessel. According to the company, it provides the centimeter-level positioning accuracy for a stable flightpath and prevents air turbulence, to enable a reliable positioning, height setting and heading information.
The antenna has been recognized by many industry experts and received inquiries from potential partners at the first launch day.
Other showcased products from the Harxon GNSS family include its survey antenna, rover radio, frequency hopping modules, smart antenna and H-RTK, are also appropriate for the fields of surveying and mapping, precision agriculture and UAVs.
The announcement was made at Intergeo 2017, the world’s largest conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.
Comprised of a survey grade, multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS reference station complete with a foam Ground Control Target with integrated carrying case, the Smart Target Base Station logs the raw GNSS observables required to perform centimeter level post-processed Differential GNSS positioning of UAVs, and acts as a photo-identifiable Ground Control Point (GCP) for quality control.
Cost effective, simple to operate, and supported by both the Applanix POSPac UAV GNSS-inertial post-processing software for direct georeferencing on UAVs and Trimble UASMaster photogrammetric software, the Smart Target Base Station makes aerial mapping from UAVs easier, according to Trimble.
Users can place the foam target with its receiver in the project area and stake it down. With the included smartphone app or web user interface, users can remotely begin logging the raw GNSS observables data collected by the target that is required for post processing.
At the end of the mission, the user retrieves the target and downloads the raw GNSS data along with the data collected from the Trimble APX UAV GNSS-inertial system installed in the UAV.
Global coordinates of the reference station are computed automatically using the Trimble Centerpoint RTX post-processing service in POSPac UAV or, if local coordinates are desired, the foam target can be centered over an existing reference point.
“Efficient mapping from UAVs using cameras, lidar and other sensors requires the right solutions that need to be simple and easy to use,” said Joe Hutton, director of inertial technology and airborne products at Applanix, a Trimble Company. “The Smart Target Base Station is a result of listening to our customers’ needs for a GNSS reference station to support direct georeferencing on UAVs that is cost-effective, easy to deploy in all terrains, and does not require special knowledge to operate. Aerial surveyors can quickly realize greater value and significant cost savings with this system, while obtaining high accuracy.”
The Trimble GNSS Smart Target Base Station operates autonomously for up to four hours with its embedded lithium ion battery. Extended operation can be achieved with a user-supplied external USB battery.
The GPS World staff is reporting from Intergeo Sept. 26-28 in Berlin, Germany. The massive trade show, dubbed the “global hub of the geospatial community,” brings together more than 17,000 visitors from more than 107 countries and features approximately 525 exhibitors. Check out some of the latest industry news, as well as photos and videos from the event.
The NeoRTK System is a high-performing GNSS RTK system. It includes a multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS engine and various communication protocols. With a high-end GNSS antenna inside, NeoRTK can speed the time to first fix (TTFF) and improve the capability of anti-jamming. The 16G internal storage and up to 32G external SD card, along with the built-in large-capacity battery for 10-hour field work, improves surveyors’ productivity, while the radio module makes long distance operation more convenient. A smart personal digital assistant offers high readability and fast access to essential functions and modes. The NeoRTK system also has an adjustable measurement rod with automatic tilt compensation.
Real-time professional-grade positioning information
The SXblue Platinum is a high-accuracy GNSS receiver compatible with iOS, Windows and Android Bluetooth. Powered by 394 channels, the SXblue Platinum uses all constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS) with triple frequency, and provides the ability to use global or local coverage for corrections (SBAS, L-band and RTK). With the scalable SXblue Platinum Basic, users can activate any frequency or constellation at any time following initial purchase. The receiver is also field-upgradable, which means that these options can be remotely activated when convenient. It also has an L-band signal correction via Hemisphere’s Atlas service. With its new Tracer technology, the receiver can sustain its level of accuracy when the Atlas signal is interrupted.
Turns Android devices into data-collection systems
Trimble Catalyst DA1 antenna attaches to a smartphone running a Catalyst-enabled app.
The Catalyst software-defined GNSS receiver for Android devices is now available through Trimble’s global distribution network. Through Catalyst and a special antenna, customers can access positioning-as-a-service to collect geolocation data with Trimble or third-party apps on smartphones, tablets and mobile handhelds. When combined with a plug-and-play digital antenna and subscription to the Catalyst service, the receiver provides on-demand GNSS positioning capabilities to turn consumer Android devices into centimeter-accurate data-collection systems. Catalyst requires a Catalyst-enabled location app for Android; a Catalyst subscription, with accuracy options ranging from 1 meter to centimeter level, and the small, lightweight DA1 antenna, which plugs directly into Android smartphones and tablets. A range of Catalyst-enabled applications have been developed for geographic information system (GIS) data acquisition, cadastral land management, topographic mapping and ground control for unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs).
Updated with improved workflows and innovative features
ArcGIS Pro 2.0 is Esri’s next-generation desktop geographic information system (GIS). It is tightly integrated with the rest of the ArcGIS platform, so that users can complete more of their workflows solely in ArcGIS Pro, such as map creation and data management. Getting started with new projects has vastly improved with Favorites. In ArcGIS Pro, users can modify topology properties directly. An enhanced traverse tool improves COGO workflows. Highly requested context menu options for importing and exporting data included in the Catalog pane. 3D navigation controls enable exploration of 3D landscapes, and views of 3D and 2D maps can be synced. Layouts are more useful and powerful with embeddable dynamic interactive charts. Improvements to 3D drawing including feature drawing by camera distance. Enhanced lighting of 3D objects make 3D visualizations even better. Analytics improvements include fill-missing-values tools and enhanced spacetime cubes.
For pilots to use GPS as primary means of navigation
The GPS-4000S sensor provides GPS-based navigation and enables GPS-based approaches for aircraft equipped with flight management systems. The sensor’s Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) capabilities enable use of GPS as the primary means of navigation in areas of SBAS coverage. The GPS-4000S uses up to 10 GPS satellites and two geostationary SBAS satellites. However, users can calculate navigation with a minimum of four GPS satellites with acceptable geometry or three satellites plus calibrated barometric altitude. With additional satellites, the system’s Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) detects and isolates defective satellites while improving navigation accuracy. Predictive RAIM capability determines if the future satellite geometry at the destination airport will support planned arrival procedures.
Efficient image recognition engine and functional safety
Renasas autonomy is an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) and automated driving platform. The first rollout under the new platform is the R-Car V3M high-performance image recognition system-on-chip (SoC), optimized for use in smart camera applications, surround view systems and lidars. For smart camera applications, the R-Car V3M focuses on enabling NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) features. It is equipped with an integrated ISP and delivers high performance for computer vision, while supporting low power consumption and a high level of functional safety. The R-Car V3M SoC complies with the ISO26262 safety standard, delivers low-power hardware acceleration for vision processing and is equipped with a built-in image signal processor, freeing up board space and reducing system manufacturers’ costs.
GTN 650 is a fully integrated solution in a small package ready and approved for installation in hundreds of makes and models of aircraft, including helicopters, by the U.S. FAA, Europe EASA, Canada TCCA and Brazil ANAC. It combines GPS, communication and navigation functions with powerful multifunction display capabilities such as high-resolution terrain mapping, graphical flight planning, advanced navigation, multiple weather options, connectivity and traffic display. The SBAS/WAAS-certified, 15-channel GPS receiver generates five position updates per second, letting pilots fly GPS-guided localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) glidepath instrument approaches down to as low as 200 feet. The system includes a complete package of very high frequency (VHF) navigation capabilities, with a 200-channel VHF omni-directional radio range (VOR)/instrument landing system (ILS) with localizer and glideslope.
Device includes critical driving and business tools
The OverDryve 7 Pro is part of Rand McNally’s OverDryve OS Connected Vehicle platform. It is E-Log ready and has a high-resolution 7-inch screen. Designed for truck drivers, the OverDryve 7 Pro has truck-specific navigation and routing with points of interest, advanced lane guidance, toll costs, warnings and fuel logs. Other features include hands-free calling and texting, voice assistance and in-cab entertainment. The powered magnetic mount includes a commercial-grade GPS boost. The unit comes pre-loaded with the Rand McNally DriverConnect2 logbook app, which can be paired with a compatible Rand McNally electronic logging device (ELD) to provide a fully compliant electronic logging solution.
The Here+ RTK GNSS kit, is built around the u‑blox NEO‑M8P high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS module. HEX offers an open-source drone autopilot, the Ardupilot, which the kit supports. The kit consists of a round rover designed to be mounted on the drone. It is connected to the flight controller using the supplied 8‑pin CLIK-Mate connector (for the autopilot Pixhawk2) or an optional 4 pin + 6 pin DF13 connector (for the Pixhawk1). The base station with its smaller GNSS receiver and an external antenna complete the equipment. HEX’s goal is to promote open source drone technology to a larger community and assist drone companies with affordable accessories for a wealth of applications, such as agricultural drone, powerline inspection, precision farming, logistics or 3D mapping.
Hybrid electric propulsion provides longer operating time
The Hercules is a long-endurance multi-rotor UAS with a hybrid electric propulsion system and patent-pending aerodynamic design improvements. These two technologies enable the aircraft to fly up to 3.5 hours or carry a 4-pound payload for 2 hours. The aircraft has a 36-pound gross weight and is intended for FAA Part 107 operations. Hercules is useful for applications that benefit from long endurance such as precision agriculture, mapping, first responders and infrastructure inspection. The increased flight time enables up to 45% reduction in cost per acre for the operator to acquire data, while the increased payload capacity avoids repeat overflights with swapped out payloads.Three gallons of fuel is enough energy to fly the aircraft for the whole day. The battery contains enough energy to fly the aircraft for an additional 2 minutes following failure of the combustion engine, enabling the aircraft to make a safe landing.
Survey-level accuracy for small unmanned aerial systems
The Loki GNSS positioning system allows users of DJI Phantom 4 Pros and Inspire 2 drones, as well as most drones using higher end cameras, to achieve survey-level accuracy with minimum ground control. For positioning accuracy, Loki uses the Septentrio AsteRx-m2 GNSS engine with 448 hardware channels. A patent-pending method by GeoCue detects camera events from the UAV and synchronizes them to GNSS positioning. Loki is a self-contained kit that provides the hardware and software needed to equip a drone with a post-processed kinematic (PPK) multi-frequency, multi-constellation, differential, carrier-phase GNSS. The adapter cable is splug and play. Using a local base station (not included), Loki provides centimeter-level positioning with minimal, and in some cases, no ground-control points (though GCPs are always recommended for quality assurance).
The Phoenix Ranger RL1-UAV produces photorealistic 3D point-cloud data collected efficiently over extensive regions. For law enforcement, the data can provide greater context, awareness and tactical accuracy. Agencies typically use ground-based lidar as a forensic crime-scene mapping technology. Aerial lidar is efficient for larger, outdoor scenes because line-of-sight issues can restrict ground lidar scans from capturing the entire area. Benefits for law enforcement include exposing unmapped trails hidden in remote backwoods; determining width, elevation and length of roads; detecting micro topography hidden by vegetation; and gathering ground-surface information affected by human activities. The Phoenix Ranger RL1-UAV provides survey-grade (cm-level) accuracy with 920-meter laser range and outstanding intensity calibration. Options include IMU and dual-GPS upgrade for increased accuracy.
Trimble has introduced a new family of Trimble BD GNSS boards for high-precision guidance and control applications.
The BD boards’ simple connectivity and configuration allow system integrators and OEMs to easily add GNSS positioning and orientation — with the ability to upgrade its capabilities — using the same board footprint, connectors and software interface for specialized and custom hardware solutions, the company said.
The compact Trimble BD boards include a broad range of receiver capabilities, from high-accuracy GNSS only to full GNSS-Inertial features for positioning and 3D orientation. Firmware options are upgradeable, allowing functionality to be added as requirements change.
Product manufacturers in markets such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous vehicles, fleet management and aviation now have the ability to offer customers an extensive range of capabilities to meet all their needs.
According to Trimble, the low-power BD family of boards includes the BD940 GNSS and GNSS-Inertial boards and new top-of-the-line BD990 GNSS, GNSS-Heading and GNSS-Inertial boards, enabling customers to choose the most appropriate receiver for their applications.
In addition, the BX940 and BX992 are available in a rugged enclosure for applications used in harsh environments.
Integrating Trimble RTX technology, which enables precise and robust location worldwide without the use of a base station, the BD boards are ideal for flexible positioning. Trimble RTX technology enables users to subscribe to a complete portfolio of real-time correction services that deliver varying levels of accuracy depending on the user’s application requirements.
The new BD family incorporates the latest Trimble Maxwell technology with advances in high-precision GNSS-Inertial positioning. By integrating inertial sensors onto the GNSS boards, users can experience more robust performance in a variety of challenging environments such as urban canyons, tunnels, heavy canopy or other GNSS-denied environments.
Robust centimeter-level, real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning is achieved through the combination of multi-frequency GNSS — full triple-frequency support of all available GNSS satellite constellations—and onboard inertial sensors.
System integrators and OEMS also have the ability to detect interference with the included RF Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis tool embedded in the receiver. The GNSS engine with 336 channels is capable of tracking L1/L2/L5 frequencies from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou constellations.
“The OEM and system integrator communities demand high performance, reliability and support for their positioning solutions,” said Elmar Lenz, general manager of Trimble’s Integrated Technologies Division. “The new BD family of boards deliver the latest GNSS and inertial technology in an easy-to-integrate form factor.”
The new Trimble BD OEM GNSS family is available now through Trimble’s Integrated Technologies Precision GNSS Sales Channel.
Harxon is showcasing a series of GNSS antennas and wireless data-link modems at 2017 Intergeo, being held Sept. 26-28 in Berlin, Germany.
The products aim to provide the user better industrial solutions in the fields of surveying and mapping, precision agriculture and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Harxon D-Helix Antenna.
D-Helix Antenna: The multi constellation antenna is capable of superior tracking signals from 4 satellite constellations, including GPS L1/L2 L-Band, GLONASS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3 and Galileo. The innovative quadrifilar helix antenna design of low wind-resistance is ideal for aerial photographs, telemetry technology, disaster monitoring and security monitoring industries. Its 3.5dBi peak gain ensures exceptional low elevation tracking performance. The low noise figure enhanced transmission interference reduction and improve the signal quality.
The Harxon GPS 1000 Survey Antenna.
Survey Antenna GPS 1000: The all constellation GNSS antenna has passed the NGS certification, which receives GPS L1/L2/L5 L-Band, BDS B1/B2/B3, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1/E2/E5a/E5b signals. It can be used in land survey, marine survey, channel survey and agriculture applications, with a consistent performance across the full bandwidth. GPS 1000 has high gain and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance of satellite at the low elevation angle, and the phase center remains constant as the azimuth and elevation angle of the satellites change. The influence of measurement error can be minimized via the multi-feed design and embedded multi-path rejection board.
Rover Radio HX-DU1603D: The high-speed, Bluetooth-enabled ruggedized UHF rover radio is designed for GNSS/RTK surveying and positioning. It ensures the data communication between 410MHz and 470 MHz in either 12.5KHz or 25 KHz channels. HX-DU1603D is equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver for wireless communications of external devices, features a 6800mAh rechargeable internal battery and configurable transmit power between 0.5W and 2W, also the IP67 waterproof capability allows outdoor long operational hours.
Harxon Frequency Hopping Module HX-DU1018D/HX-DU2017D.
Frequency Hopping Module HX-DU1018D/HX-DU2017D: The built-in frequency hopping transceiver modules are small size, light weight, low power consumption and strong resistance to disturbance. They provide a reliable, high speed and low latency data transmission, which are suitable for UAV flight control. These modules support a band range among 400MHz, 840MHz and 900MHz and long distance of communication. Besides, HX-DU1018D/HX-DU2017D can realize a switchover between air baud rate and serial port baud rate.
Harxon Smart Antenna.
Smart Antenna: It is a multi-functional GNSS product which is integrated by multi-frequency OEM antenna, OEM receiver and frequency hopping transceiver. Smart Antenna utilizes the dual anti-multipath antenna to receive stable GNSS signals under the bad-signal environment and precisely output the direct information with a centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The IP67 waterproof design allows the smart antenna for a long time outdoor operation.
The Harxon H-RTK.
H-RTK: H-RTK is for UAV positioning and navigation, which reaches the positioning accuracy to a centimeter level. It is integrated with positioning, height setting and heading functions to provide accurate, reliable solutions. H-RTK ensures the positioning accuracy to a centimeter level for a more stable flightpath. Also, it provides the reliable height information and solve the height-error problem to prevent air turbulence. H-RTK outputs precise navigation information with powerful magnetic disturbance resistance, it enables the flight reliability under a magnetic disturbance environment, and avoid security risks. The built-in anti-interference frequency hopping transceiver helps data transfer back to the base station, and supports the frequencies of 400 MHz, 840 MHz and 900 MHz.
For more information,visit Harxon’s booth at Intergeo in Hall 4.1 booth C4.013.
Measure, a U.S. provider of drone services to enterprise customers, has added turnkey wind farm inspection capabilities to its portfolio of aerial data collection solutions.
Wind farm operators can outsource preventive maintenance inspections to Measure’s drone pilots and data analysts for fast, accurate, safe and timely problem identification. The service helps avert critical turbine failures and efficiency losses while reducing repair downtime and its associated revenue impact.
The company’s drone inspection solution has already been used to successfully examine more than 400 MW of wind farms. The package spans all inspection and reporting functions, including state-of-the-art drone equipment, safe and insured flights by experienced drone pilots, efficient data processing that pinpoints both blade damage and severity, and damage reports and analytics available through a secure online portal.
Dry Lake Wind Power Project, Arizona (Photo: U.S. DOE)
Measure’s new wind farm inspection solution expands the company’s services to the renewable energy sector, which also include a robust suite of drone inspection solutions for solar plants that was announced in July.
The suite includes solar-panel inspections, drone-based site overview and maintenance, site shading and terrain analysis, thermal inverter scans, tracker misalignment detection and vegetation management analysis.
Benefits of Measure’s drone-based blade and tower inspections include:
75% faster inspections than other methods, averaging 30 minutes or less per turbine compared to as much as two hours for manned inspections. This reduces excessive time commitments and allows large wind farms to be inspected more frequently. It also reduces labor costs for inspection and frees employees for other tasks.
Decreased injury risk in the field, with no threat of falls to inspectors climbing turbine structures or blades.
Better defect and damage detection because drones get closer to turbine blades than ground cameras, capturing clearer images. Undetected defects on the blades can result in continuous efficiency losses as high as 6% and associated revenue loss of up to $10,000 annually per turbine.
Maximized turbine availability and revenue generation through early problem detection that helps prevent critical failures and associated downtime for repairs.
Actionable data, including classified damage reports and historical portfolio analysis documenting turbine defects, failure rates and efficiency losses over time. Damage reports can be customized to display only the information needed by blade repair technicians with a few clicks.
“Many wind farms don’t inspect their turbines on a preventive maintenance basis, and those that do use ground crews with conventional cameras and zoom lenses. Under both conditions, there is a risk of failing to detect turbine damage or structural defects on blades that can worsen over time and lead to a catastrophic failure,” said Harjeet Johal, Measure vice president of energy infrastructure and a 10-year veteran of the renewable energy industry with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. “Our drone-based inspections provide multiple advantages that can help wind farm operators operate at peak capacity.”
“Our global wind portfolio is currently 1,033 MW with 877 MW in the U.S. alone. Knowing the health of our wind assets is essential for us to provide reliable power to our customers,” said Adam Brown, U.S. Drone Program Lead at The AES Corporation, a Fortune 200 global power company. “Using drones to inspect the blades and towers makes it safer for our people as they can stay firmly on the ground while still being able to inspect, at scale, hundreds of wind turbines to ensure they have the highest availability.”
Post-Irma hurricane damage is captured in aerial imagery by EagleView.
EagleView Technologies has captured post event aerial imagery of two million properties in the state of Florida following Hurricane Irma.
EagleView is a provider of aerial imagery and property data analytics for government agencies, insurance carriers and other private-sector organizations,
With an image library dating back to 2002 in the state of Florida, EagleView is able to provide emergency services, public safety agencies, property assessors and county GIS departments with ample imagery from before and after Hurricane Irma occurred. Combining high-resolution imagery and advanced machine learning capabilities, EagleView can identify the severity of property damage following a hurricane or other extreme weather event.
“Hurricane Irma inflicted severe damage on properties all over Florida and affected millions of people throughout the state,” said EagleView President Rishi Daga. “With a view of more than two million properties in Florida, we are assisting the agencies that use our imagery with their efforts, so they can continue to help all of those who have been affected.”
The two million properties have been photographed via specialized camera rigs in fixed-wing aircraft. The images are taken from an orthogonal (top-down) perspective as well as at oblique angles from all four cardinal directions. Oblique aerial imagery enables insurance claims adjusters to view all sides of a home’s exterior and gives emergency response crews greater insight into the storm’s effects in their communities.
“Our goal was to begin capturing and processing imagery as soon as possible to assist in recovery efforts, and we have done so at record speed,” said Jay Martin, Senior Vice President of Operations at EagleView. “Our next phase is to put boots on the ground and complete property inspections up close using drones as part of our EagleView OnSite solution.”
Post-hurricane image capture and processing will continue to take place throughout the upcoming weeks.
EagleView is completing the phase of image capture via fixed-wing aircraft and will soon move in to completing property inspections with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), bringing post-event data directly to insurance claims adjusters.
As of Sept. 18, thousands of drone inspections have been scheduled through Friday, Sept. 22.
Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded a contract to Ottawa-based Kongsberg Geospatial for an emergency operations airspace UAV tracking system.
Kongsberg Geospatial, an Ottawa-based developer of geospatial software technology, was awarded the contract to produce an Emergency Operations Airspace Management System (EOAMS) for evaluation by Canadian government agencies for safely managing drones at emergency and disaster scenes.
The contract was awarded via a competitive request for proposals under the Canadian Safety and Security Program in a project for Defense R&D Canada’s Centre for Security Science.
A small UAV is shown surveying the movement of a forest fire. The EOAMS would allow first responders to deploy drones at disaster scenes without endangering other emergency response aircraft or commercial flights. (Photo illustration: Kongsberg Geospatial)
The EOAMS is a portable display that interfaces with a variety of local sensors, including radar and Automatic Dependence Surveillance — Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers to give a clear picture of the airspace around disaster areas.
The system is intended to allow first responders to safely use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to survey the area, without risking collision with other emergency aircraft, including water bombers or rescue and police helicopters.
The system would also provide a warning to first responders if unapproved UAVs approach the area – providing a degree of protection against what is becoming an increasing problem with the proliferation of small consumer camera drones at fires and accident scenes.
The Government of Canada is expected to begin flight operations testing with the new Emergency Operations Airspace Management System in the summer of 2018.
“Securing and managing the airspace around disaster scenes or at big public events is becoming a real concern for all levels of government,” said Paige Cutland, IRIS program director for Kongsberg Geospatial. “Even if a drone operator isn’t acting with malicious intent, they have the potential to cause considerable harm if, for example, they fly into the path of an air ambulance. We need effective tools to help prevent this while also allowing legitimate UAV operations to be safely integrated into the emergency airspace.”
The new EOAMS will be based on Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS UAS airspace visualization system. The IRIS spatial awareness system evolved from technology originally developed for air traffic management display systems, and for supporting flight operations for military UAV systems like the U.S. Navy Triton Global Hawk.
The system has been developed for safely operating UAVs beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS), and has been adopted by the FAA ASSURE group for use in research toward developing regulations for commercial BVLOS operations in the United States.
“Kongsberg Geospatial has been pioneering innovation in airspace management for unmanned aircraft for over a decade,” said Ranald McGillis, president of Kongsberg Geospatial. “With the EOAMS project, we have the opportunity to introduce some really exciting capabilities in a portable system that will help first responders use UAVs in new and effective ways to support emergency response efforts.”
