Perfect accuracy and efficiency in LiDAR mapping with Quanta Micro
YellowScan, a leader in UAV LiDAR solutions, designs, develops, and builds hardware and software mapping tools for professionals who need performance, robustness, and accuracy.
Their products, such as Explorer, Navigator, Voyager, and Surveyor Ultra, are used in various applications like mapping, forestry, bathymetry, powerline inspections, mining, and civil engineering.
“The SBG team is very easy to contact. The support was very helpful during integration phase.” | Yellowscan
A size and weight challenge
When developing LiDAR mapping systems, YellowScan required a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system that was compact, lightweight, effective, and accurate. Additionally, ease of use and reliability were crucial because they ensure the success of advanced data collection tools.
The challenge was to find an INS that could seamlessly integrate with their LiDAR mapping systems, providing great precision while keeping the overall size and weight of the system minimal.
YellowScan chooses Quanta Micro
YellowScan has worked closely with us for several years now, impressed by our reputation for delivering high-quality GNSS solutions. After considering the specific technical and application requirements of their LiDAR mapping systems, YellowScan chose to integrate Quanta Micro GNSS/INS.
Quanta Micro perfectly met YellowScan’s technical needs enabling their use on multiple platforms, including drones, cars, and backpacks:
- Compact and lightweight: Quanta Micro’s compact dimension was essential for maintaining the portability and versatility of YellowScan’s LiDAR mapping systems, which are mounted on UAVs, land vehicles, and other platforms.
- High accuracy and reliability: Quanta Micro delivered the precision required for YellowScan’s applications, ensuring accurate data collection across diverse environments.
- Ease of integration: Quanta Micro’s design allowed for easy integration into YellowScan’s LiDAR mapping solutions, forming a single compact unit that streamlined the overall system.
A straightforward integration process
The integration of Quanta Micro into YellowScan’s products was straightforward, thanks to the strong support provided by our support team. They found our team responsive and supportive throughout the integration phase.
Yellowscan chose Qinertia OEM version, which provides the core post-processing engine, quality checking, reporting and exporting functions for post-processing results via a Command Line Interface (CLI), without the full Graphical User Interface (GUI).
The entire workflow was seamlessly integrated into the single Cloudstation software, with Qinertia running in the background for a simpler user experience. When it came to integrating Qinertia, our post-processing software, into the YellowScan CloudStation, the SBG team offered substantial assistance, ensuring a smooth integration.
Significant improvements noticed
After integrating our solutions, YellowScan noticed significant improvements:
- Optimized design: The small size and low weight of Quanta Micro helped YellowScan maintain the compactness and portability of their LiDAR mapping systems. This allowed them to expand the versatility of their Explorer system, which can now be mounted on a broader range of vehicles, including smaller UAVs and land vehicles.
- Enhanced accuracy : With the inclusion of Quanta Micro, YellowScan’s products achieved the high levels of accuracy and precision required for demanding applications like bathymetry and powerline surveying.
- Efficient data processing: The integration of Qinertia into YellowScan’s CloudStation enabled efficient processing of the data collected by their LiDAR mapping systems, enhancing the overall functionality of their software suite.
- Improve the software together: YellowScan and SBG Systems worked together to integrate Geoides, significantly enhancing real-time location precision. These joint improvements show just how positive the close collaboration between the two companies is for end users.
About Qinertia
Qinertia met most of YellowScan’s expectations and the accuracy was satisfactory. YellowScan appreciated Qinertia for its effective design, which made it easy to use and configure.
What YellowScan has to say
YellowScan’s experience with us has been positive. Quanta Micro GNSS/INS has proven to be a reliable, accurate, and lightweight solution that fits seamlessly into their advanced LiDAR mapping systems.
This partnership has allowed both companies to explore new horizons of what’s possible in LiDAR mapping technology, ensuring that professionals in various industries have the tools they need to collect precise, reliable data.
Three Key Benefits Highlighted by YellowScan:
- Trustability: Reliable products that meet YellowScan’s high standards.
- Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces and straightforward integration.
- Accuracy: High precision essential for professional-grade LiDAR mapping systems.
SBG Systems is proud to support YellowScan in their mission to provide top-tier LiDAR mapping solutions to surveyors, scientists, and engineers worldwide.
Quanta Micro
Quanta Micro is a GNSS aided Inertial Navigation System designed for space constrained applications (OEM package).
Based on a survey grade IMU featuring a temperature calibration from -40°C to +85°C, and from a cutting-edge multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receiver, the Quanta Micro delivers outstanding performance for such a small device.
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Do you have questions?
Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the applications we showcase. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly!
Do UAVs use GPS?
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, typically use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for navigation and positioning.
GPS is an essential component of a UAV’s navigation system, providing real-time location data that enables the drone to determine its position accurately and execute various tasks.
In recently years, this term has been replaced by a new term GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). GNSS refers to the general category of satellite navigation systems, which encompasses GPS and various other systems. In contrast, GPS is a specific type of GNSS developed by the United States.
How to control output delays in UAV operations?
Controlling output delays in UAV operations is essential for ensuring responsive performance, precise navigation, and effective communication, especially in defense or mission-critical applications.
The output latency is an important aspect in real time control applications, where a higher output latency could degrade control loops performance. Our INS embedded software has been designed to minimize output latency: once sensor data are sampled, the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) performs small and constant-time computations before the outputs are generated. Typically the observed output delay is less than one millisecond.
The processing latency should be added to the data transmission latency if you want to get total delay. This transmission latency vary from one interface to another. For instance, a 50 bytes message sent on a UART interface at 115200 bps will take 4ms for complete transmission. Consider higher baudrates to minimize output latency.
What is UAV geofencing?
UAV geofencing is a virtual barrier that defines specific geographic boundaries within which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can operate.
This technology plays a critical role in enhancing the safety, security, and compliance of drone operations, particularly in areas where flight activities may pose risks to people, property, or restricted airspace.
In industries like delivery services, construction, and agriculture, geofencing helps ensure that drones operate within safe and legal areas, avoiding potential conflicts and enhancing operational efficiency.
Law enforcement and emergency services can use geofencing to manage UAV operations during public events or emergencies, ensuring drones do not enter sensitive areas.
Geofencing can be employed to protect wildlife and natural resources by restricting drone access to certain habitats or conservation areas.
What is a payload?
A payload refers to any equipment, device, or material that a vehicle (drone, vessel …) carries to perform its intended purpose beyond the basic functions. The payload is separate from the components required for the vehicle operation, such as its motors, battery, and frame.
Examples of Payloads:
- Cameras: high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging cameras…
- Sensors: LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, chemical sensors…
- Communication equipment: radios, signal repeaters…
- Scientific instruments: weather sensors, air samplers…
- Other specialized equipment
