Quanta Micro Outstanding INS performance with Incredible SWaP

---

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In recently years, this term has been replaced by a new term GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).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.

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.

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

Georeferencing is the process of aligning geographic data (such as maps, satellite images, or aerial photography) to a known coordinate system so that it can be accurately placed on the Earth’s surface.

This allows the data to be integrated with other spatial information, enabling precise location-based analysis and mapping.

In the context of surveying, georeferencing is essential for ensuring that the data collected by tools like LiDAR, cameras, or sensors on drones is accurately mapped to real-world coordinates.

By assigning latitude, longitude, and elevation to each data point, georeferencing ensures that the captured data reflects the exact location and orientation on the Earth, which is crucial for applications such as geospatial mapping, environmental monitoring, and construction planning.

Georeferencing typically involves using control points with known coordinates, often obtained through GNSS or ground surveying, to align the captured data with the coordinate system.

This process is vital for creating accurate, reliable, and usable spatial datasets.