Quanta Extra Direct georeferencing solution for mobile mapping

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Combining SBG Systems’ inertial systems with LiDAR for drone mapping enhances accuracy and reliability in capturing precise geospatial data.

Here’s how the integration works and how it benefits drone-based mapping:

• A remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to measure distances to the Earth’s surface, creating a detailed 3D map of the terrain or structures.
• SBG Systems’ INS combines an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with GNSS data to provide accurate positioning, orientation (pitch, roll, yaw), and velocity, even in GNSS-denied environments.

SBG’s inertial system is synchronized with the LiDAR data. The INS accurately tracks the drone’s position and orientation, while the LiDAR captures the terrain or object details below.

By knowing the precise orientation of the drone, the LiDAR data can be accurately positioned in 3D space.

The GNSS component provides global positioning, while the IMU offers real-time orientation and movement data. The combination ensures that even when the GNSS signal is weak or unavailable (e.g., near tall buildings or dense forests), the INS can continue to track the drone’s path and position, allowing for consistent LiDAR mapping.

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.

A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances to objects or surfaces. By emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for the light to return after hitting a target, LiDAR can generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape and characteristics of the environment. It is commonly used to create high-resolution 3D maps of the Earth’s surface, structures, and vegetation.

LiDAR systems are widely utilized in various industries, including:

• Topographic mapping: To measure landscapes, forests, and urban environments.
• Autonomous Lidar vehicles: For navigation and obstacle detection.
• Agriculture: To monitor crops and field conditions.
• Environmental monitoring: For flood modeling, coastline erosion, and more.

LiDAR sensors can be mounted on drones, airplanes, or vehicles, enabling rapid data collection over large areas. The technology is prized for its ability to provide detailed, accurate measurements even in challenging environments, such as dense forests or rugged terrains.

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