Featured News

Product News

17 March 2023
Since the early 2000&rsquo;s when drones first came on to the scene, they have significantly evolved in both capabilities and specialties. Of course, drones initially came out of the radio controlled hobby aircraft industry as a way to put a digital camera in the air on an easy to fly aircraft and get a perspective for photographs and videos previously unavailable.&nbsp; Shortly thereafter, it was realized that aerial photogrammetry techniques could be applied to drone technology that allowed the creation of aerial maps and three-dimensional point clouds without the need of a more traditional (and expensive) aircraft and camera.&nbsp; From there, on went the incremental evolution of the technology to include better and larger aircraft that could carry better cameras and more diverse payloads.&nbsp; Generally speaking, the aircraft and the payload sensor were separate devices that really didn&rsquo;t interact with each other but used the same power source and communication control interface.&nbsp; Even though the drone operator still did most of the flying, aircraft have the ability to fly preprogrammed flight paths and detect and not run into obstacles.&nbsp;
The next generation of drones will take advantage of full sensor integration, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to create an autonomous aircraft that will be able to:&nbsp;
1. Define the subject matter that it needs capture.
2. Define the best and most efficient method or route to capture the data.
3. Navigate itself over or around any obstacles and adapt it&rsquo;s flight path as required to complete its mission.&nbsp;
This evolution will greatly reduce pilot workload making the system much easier and safer to operate. It will also improve data collection process by ensuring capture completeness and accuracy.
The first entry into this new generation of drone technology is the <a href="https://leica-geosystems.com/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leica Geosystems Inc</a>. <a href="https://shop.leica-geosystems.com/leica-blk/blk2fly?c1=GAW_SE_NW&amp;source=USA_RC_BRND&amp;kw=blk2fly&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_term=blk2fly&amp;utm_campaign=USA__-__Reality_Capture__-__Branded&amp;cr5=621284425887&amp;cr7=c&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0BcUefJ6ayJOPXRKo4uKMSzkYpXDBR4-Fyu-WNcJ6Su3yta5y8BbS8aAgsrEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BLK2FLY Autonomous Flying Laser Scanner</a>.
The BLK2FLY was developed by Leica Geosystems AB in Switzerland and is the culmination of Leica&rsquo;s extensive experience in high precision and precise positioning sensor technology.&nbsp; Leica Geosystems has combined optical imaging sensors, three dimensional LiDAR laser scanning, high precision GPS positioning, high frequency radar detection, and internet connectivity sensors and fully integrated them using artificial intelligence and machine learning with the more common elements of a drone such as the flight controller and communication links.&nbsp;
Let's take a look at the individual components of the BLK2FLY and then see how they are fused together to create an autonomous flying laser scanner.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/cWQrcYXgzkRmLJovSWwWlYBknpYMVYeRqwWek6O4.png" alt="" width="454" height="555" />
The first and most prominent sensor on the BLK2FLY is the LiDAR laser scanner (see image above) mounted on the front of the aircraft.&nbsp; This laser scanner has two internal rotating laser scanners capturing a combined total of 420,000&nbsp; points per second.&nbsp; The scanner field of view is 360 degrees around the lateral axis of the aircraft and 270 degrees along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.&nbsp; This means that the aircraft is capturing data out to 75 feet (25 meters) in front of, to the sides of, above, below, and slightly behind the aircraft while it&rsquo;s flying.&nbsp; This LiDAR data is not only captured and displayed for the operator, it is also used by the aircraft to map it&rsquo;s environment in real time.
Five onboard digital cameras provide a view to the operator in front of, left, right, above, and below the aircraft.&nbsp; These cameras allow the operator to see what the aircraft sees and define the area of interest for collection.&nbsp; During collection, the aircraft takes a full dome panoramic 8mp image using all 5 cameras every 2 seconds. This panoramic imagery is used to colorize the LiDAR data and provide project visualization back at the office.
The BLK2FLY also has a high precision Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver (i) onboard that can compute the aircrafts position anywhere in the world to within about 3cm (1 inch).&nbsp;
When these three sensors are &ldquo;fused&rdquo; together, the result is what Leica Geosystems calls &ldquo;Grand SLAM&rdquo;.&nbsp; Grand is the RTK GNSS positioning and SLAM stands for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping.&nbsp; In simple terms, the BLK2FLY is very accurately mapping it&rsquo;s operational environment in three dimensions in real time.
The benefit is that Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can use that internal map to define the area of data that needs to be collected, the most efficient way to collect it, and then automatically collect it while navigating through the environment autonomously without intervention of the operator.&nbsp;
For example, if the aircraft is scanning the roof of a building and detects an obstacle in it&rsquo;s flight path such as some mechanical equipment, power lines, or change in the roof line, the aircraft will deviate either around or over the obstacle automatically to continue it&rsquo;s mission.&nbsp;&nbsp; This autonomy relieves the pilot from the guess work of what might be on the roof that can&rsquo;t be seen from the ground and still collects all of the desired data.&nbsp; Since the BLK2FLY is also scanning slightly behind it as it flies, it is collecting data on the back side of any object that it flies over thus eliminating the need for additional passes over the same object.
If an obstacle is beyond the BLK2FLY user defined parameter go navigate around or over, or the BLK2FLY detects an obstacle behind the aircraft that is not part of it&rsquo;s internal map, the aircraft will stop and the pilot will need take over control of the aircraft.
In addition to obstacle detection / avoidance, there are a lot of additional safety features built into the BLK2FLY such as knowing how much battery is required to return to the launch point or operator.&nbsp; As appropriate, the BLK2FLY will automatically return when it needs a fresh battery.&nbsp; The batteries are hot swapable so the system doesn&rsquo;t completely such down while changing batteries.&nbsp; If the BLK2FLY was in the middle of collection, it will automatically return and resume collection where it left off.&nbsp; Prop guards protect the props in the event there is an object too small (&lt; &frac14;&rdquo;) for the system to detect.
The entire BLK2FLY system is controlled using an Apple iPad Pro running the Leica Geosystems BLK2FLY Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp; The BLK2FLY Live app incorporates standard &ldquo;gesture&rdquo; controls familiar to all smartphone and tablet users.&nbsp; While flying in Live View mode, if you swipe to the right or left on the tablet, the aircraft will rotate right or left.&nbsp; If you &ldquo;pinch&rdquo; to zoom in or out on the video feed, the aircraft will fly forward or backward.&nbsp; If you &ldquo;double tap&rdquo; anywhere in the live view, the aircraft will fly in that direction the number of feet defined in the settings.&nbsp; In the 3D view, if you tap any of the LiDAR points in the point cloud, the BLK2FLY will automatically navigate to that point regardless of where it is in relation to the point.&nbsp; Finally, for those pilots used to &ldquo;joystick&rdquo; controls, the BLK2FLY live app has virtual joysticks on the screen that allow you to use your thumbs to control the aircraft just like traditional joysticks.
To the point however, what is all this cool technology used for?&nbsp;
The BLK2FLY is part of a laser scanning portfolio of products designed to capture and create &ldquo;digital twins&rdquo; of objects and structures.&nbsp; Digital twins are used in all types of industries including Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing, and&nbsp; many others.&nbsp; An architectural firm might create a digital twin of a building that needs to be remodeled for example.&nbsp; It is very likely that the building has changed significantly since it&rsquo;s initial construction and is no longer properly represented by it&rsquo;s original blueprints.&nbsp; Laser scanning can be used to quickly capture the building as it currently exist in 3D creating a digital snapshot or twin version of the actual building.&nbsp; The scan data can be quickly rendered into new blueprints then modified as required for the project.&nbsp;
In the case of the Leica Geosystems BLK portfolio, there are currently 5 products.&nbsp;&nbsp; The BLK360 G1 and G2 are tripod based laser scanners that are manually moved from location to location within a structure to capture the area.&nbsp; The BLK2GO is a handheld mobile scanner almost identical to the BLK2FLY used to walk around inside and outside a structure for capturing data more quickly but slightly less accurately than the BLK360.&nbsp; The BLKARC is a robot mounted laser scanner designed to work with a number of robotic carriers to autonomously scan an area where it might be too difficult or dangerous to send a person with the BLK2GO.&nbsp; Finally, the BLK2FLY gets to the exterior surfaces that are too high, dangerous, difficult, or time consuming to take one of the other products.
If the BLK2FLY is any indication, the future of drones is autonomy.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/5PwMTKvYVV3gk75v155tk2saLF8zTXt6gN00QNSA.png" alt="" width="411" height="185" />
<h5>Watch the BLK2FLY</h5>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W5XPKLYZ5fI" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5>Chris Favel Interviews Bryan Baker of Leica Geosystems</h5>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/REMrFZAezxI" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;

Tech Update: Leica Geosystems BLK2FLY

6 March 2023
By Regardt van Der Berg, LightWare LiDAR
Here's a customer story...
<a href="https://www.specializedroboticsolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Specialized Robotics Solutions</a> (SRS), located in Easton, Illinois, was established in 2021, when Nathan Wagle and Don Onken joined forces to develop autonomous robotic solutions for various outdoor activities.
The idea originated during Wagle&rsquo;s senior year in college, where he was pursuing an engineering degree. At the time, he was employed by a landfill company that sought to automate the surface emission monitoring process. Wagle saw this as an excellent opportunity to enter the robotics field and pitched the idea to local businessman Don Onken, the founder of Onken Incorporated, a major player in the oil and grease recycling industry. Wagle and Onken shared a passion for innovation and automation, making it a mutually beneficial partnership.
Today, Specialized Robotic Solutions offer high-quality robotic archery targets, autonomous mowing platforms, customizable solutions for hauling heavy loads and moving small trailers, and security-based applications.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/h6cWRZyQIceTRHUJu2uc0u5I5sscWiMr3etMvbQK.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="339" />
The heart of SRS's robotic platform is a 4WD autonomous rover driven by four independent 24v motors, with a battery life of up to 14 hours. The rover's large wheelbase, available in 22 to 26-inch configurations, with tires ranging from six to 13 inches, makes it capable of handling any terrain. The rover can carry up to 250 pounds on top, or with a trailer or pin hitch it can pull heavy payloads of up to 1,200 pounds.
<h5>The Problem</h5>
Even though SRS makes the autonomous rover for sale on its website, SRS also uses the rover for field services, such as monitoring surface emissions in landfills. The traditional process of monitoring surface emissions is arduous and treacherous, requiring a human to carry 50 to 60 pounds of hardware and taking 40 to 60 hours a week to complete. With the rover, the process is streamlined, automated, and safer. SRS also uses the rover in remote-controlled and automated archery targets that return to the shooter after long-range shots. The rover even simulates moving animals in shooting scenarios.
Despite its capability to traverse rough terrain, SRS faced challenges in ensuring the rover's safe operation in areas with people, vehicles, and other obstacles. The engineers tried touch sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and radar but found that these technologies were not effective in the field. Ultrasonic sensors only detected obstacles 75% of the time, and touch sensors were insufficient for field use. Radar was useful for mapping around trees and large obstacles, but it couldn't account for moving variables.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/0zFiJGWj5Q2jGAnp2yo0xaaSqbWvmpkBkibNLYEv.jpg" alt="" width="456" height="342" />
&ldquo;While we can map around stationary objects like trees and big obstacles quite easily, the one thing that we cannot account for is the moving variables. If something were to drive in front of the rover, like a truck, we wanted the safety mechanism in place to avoid the obstacle,&rdquo; says Wagle. &ldquo;This is where <a href="https://lightwarelidar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LightWare</a>&rsquo;s solution really blew us away.&rdquo;
<h5>The Solution</h5>
Specialized Robotic Solutions explored LiDAR and tried 360-degree and 180-degree sensors from two other brands but could not get the performance and functionality they expected from the hardware.
The third time was the charm, as SRS found its ideal LiDAR sensor in the LightWare SF45/B, a 320-degree oscillating microLiDAR.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/1zd7evMIVn6f4SRnd3ElWfJQgci3DRP8tPTGEgJz.png" alt="" width="277" height="275" />
LightWare SF45/B
According to Wagle, "The SF45/B is the best LiDAR we found for our purposes."
The quality of the LightWare LiDAR sensors was impressive, but what won SRS over was the exceptional technical support from LightWare's engineers.
&ldquo;Whenever we had issues with something we wanted to do, the support engineers at LightWare were quick to assist with custom code. Just about everything we could ask for in a LiDAR company is what we get with LightWare,&rdquo; says Wagle. &ldquo;We are also very impressed by the hardware, in fact, the SF45/B&rsquo;s readings were so accurate that we asked LightWare to revise some of the code to decrease the sensitivity just a little bit. The LightWare engineering team impressed us every step of the way.&rdquo;
The team at SRS customized the microLiDAR further by limiting the LiDAR's sweeps to 45 degrees on either side, focusing only on the front of the rover, for more reliable measurements between the two front motors. The LightWare SF45/B helps SRS's autonomous vehicles navigate around stationary and moving obstacles on any treacherous terrain.
Beyond the hardware itself, Wagle says the real value they get when purchasing LightWare LiDAR is in the overall interaction with the business and the engineering team that helps them solve their problems.
<h5>The Outcome</h5>
With a proven track record of success on challenging terrains, the autonomous rover from Specialized Robotic Solutions is now poised to make an impact in the mining and gas pipeline industry.
The team, led by Wagle, plans to use the rover for various applications such as surveying and monitoring. To further solidify their position in the market, SRS intends to significantly increase their fleet of gas emission monitoring rovers to cover hundreds of additional landfill sites throughout the United States.
For those seeking a reliable partner in their endeavors, LightWare offers a team of technical support engineers who view themselves as customer success engineers. Partner with LightWare today.

Company Profile: LightWare LiDAR

Enterprise Drones

12 January 2023
The need for technology that provides accurate distance measurements, 3D modeling, and terrain maps continues to expand. Deploying unmanned Aerial Vehicles to collect imagery and conduct remote sensing offers unparalleled accuracy, and is also a low-cost alternative to manned aerial photogrammetry.
Various sectors&mdash;such as such as construction, emergency services, agriculture, and utilities&mdash;have started to embrace LiDAR systems, because they provide accurate and high-resolution large-scale digital elevation models for almost any environment.
<a href="https://draganfly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Draganfly</a> recently launched its <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://draganfly.com/lidar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long Range LiDAR</a> system with a scanning range of approximately one-half mile. Draganfly&rsquo;s sensor technology can provide accurate distance measurements and improved resolution over conventional photogrammetry methods. Here are industries where Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system is making a difference...
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/bKY2LVMPq4o4ypigWxVzIwMScam4MWbJFiV9qavO.png" alt="" width="630" height="368" />
<h5>Construction and Infrastructure</h5>
Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system helps to streamline infrastructure projects and enhance productivity when building roads, buildings, and bridges. Data collected on this system provides detailed coordinates to produce accurate, detailed three-dimensional elevation maps that help plan the project, as well as help identify potential problems before work begins. The LiDAR system is also an effective monitoring tool to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
According to a research study by <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/lidar-in-construction-market?utm_source=globnewswire.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=paid_globnewswire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Market Insights Inc.</a>, LiDAR in the construction market is expected to reach a valuation of $1.5 billion (USD) by 2030. Growing government focus on infrastructure developments to enhance the connectivity between states and map various resourceful terrains&mdash;along with a requirement for protecting the public and infrastructure from external factors, such as natural disasters&mdash;will increase the demand for LiDAR technology.
<h5>Agriculture</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/SjWmqRt0KqLqb8W17PlhH3Q6HN8iK9pb4pGAQBbN.png" alt="" width="618" height="461" />
With an expanding world population, the need for intelligent farming has increased. The integration of Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system is critical for limiting the threat of food scarcity, as it generates detailed maps that can be used to identify areas that need attention. For example, the system can detect areas of low crop yield, identify areas of soil compaction, and detect weed infestations. This information is used to create a plan influencing fertilization, irrigation, and pest-management decisions.
In addition, the LiDAR system can monitor crop health, and determine if changes have occurred. By providing detailed maps of the land and monitoring changes in crop health, the system can help farmers make informed decisions about their practices and maximize their crop yields.
<h5>Archaeology</h5>
In the same way that LiDAR works in farming, LiDAR laser sensors help expedite the speed at which archaeological sites can be mapped out. Something that could take days to accomplish is now done within minutes, and with fewer personnel.
This equipment can easily detect buried archaeological features such as walls, roads, buildings, and other sites of interest. LiDAR helps create digital elevation models, which can be used to study topography and landscape evolution&mdash;providing detailed information about a site without excavation.
<h5>Disaster Recovery</h5>
Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system is a powerful tool for planning and coordinating recovery efforts following a disaster. LiDAR produces a powerful laser pulse to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps, which is essential when examining the damage caused by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The information Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system provides can ensure officials make informed decisions, and that recovery efforts are successful.
<h5>Renewable Energy</h5>
Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system is transforming renewable energy projects. This technology can measure wind speed and direction, terrain elevation, and other environmental factors in renewable energy projects. LiDAR provides a detailed map of the environment and the best locations for projects, such as wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable energy sources. LiDAR can provide real-time data to optimize the energy output of a project, ensuring the project remains healthy, as well as identify any potential problems.
<h5>Mounting Compatibility&nbsp;</h5>
Draganfly&rsquo;s Long Range LiDAR system is designed to be lightweight and durable, allowing it to be mounted on a variety of platforms. Draganfly&rsquo;s LiDAR system can easily attach to the Draganfly <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://draganfly.com/commander-3-xl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander 3 XL Drone</a>&mdash;a high-endurance, weather-resistant, multirotor UAV designed for easy assembly and rapid deployment. It is capable of drop-and -inch-down systems to transport up to 22 pounds of payload.&nbsp;
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvOlvlFPe6U" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Other mounting options for Draganfly&rsquo;s Long-Range LiDAR system include helicopters and other aircraft. It can also be used as a mobile scanning solution when mounted on a vehicle or backpack.
<h5>More About Draganfly</h5>
As more governments and businesses turn to drones, they are looking for sophisticated solutions that are versatile, reliable, and secure. Draganfly has been a leader in the professional drone industry for more than two decades, supporting clients with enterprise drone solutions, contract engineering services, custom software, professional UAV services, and more. In addition to developing cutting-edge drone systems that address real-world problems, Draganfly&rsquo;s products and services can be easily integrated into existing operations to improve business outputs and profitability.
<h5>Watch!</h5>
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Draganfly Long-Range LiDAR System

Trending News

22 November 2022
By Brad Schmidt&nbsp;
Collecting imagery with uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) is ideal for a variety of applications, including topographic mapping, forestry ground and canopy measurements, powerline corridor mapping, Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generation, high-resolution digital imagery, and orthophoto production, along with support for a variety of other mapping needs.
Historically, aerial surveys were performed only by large, crewed aircraft and not UAVs, due to the size-weight and power constraints of the professional sensor payloads that made them impossible for use on the smaller aircraft. Additionally, it was a challenge for the earlier UAVs carrying basic cameras to meet the requirements for measuring position and orientation with a high enough degree of accuracy to support surveying and mapping requirements, for example when georeferencing a point cloud data set. This meant a network of ground control points needed to be established for georeferencing, greatly increasing the cost.
<h5>Developments in the UAV Industry</h5>
The most rapid development taking place in the UAV industry today is the dramatic improvements witnessed in new and improved GNSS/inertial for direct georeferencing (DG) and imaging sensors purpose built for mapping and surveying from UAV&rsquo;s.
Red, green and blue (RGB) cameras, for example, are continually evolving to hold smaller and lighter form factors, while seeing ongoing improvements in resolution and image quality. Some of these payloads, such as Phase One&rsquo;s iXM 50 and 100 MP cameras are producing results superior to previous generations of medium-format metric sensors being flown onboard crewed aircraft.
Similarly, LiDAR sensors continue to improve with smaller more powerful point-cloud imaging systems. High end, compact, professional mapping LiDARs such as those available from Riegl, YellowScan, and Teledyne Optech, are designed specifically for UAV platforms.
These imaging sensors are integrated with next generation, miniaturized yet full featured GNSS/inertial systems for DG, and can achieve survey-grade accuracy without the use of ground control points. Furthermore, LiDAR systems are now being combined with RGB cameras to produce true color point clouds as the ultimate UAV surveying payload.
All of these advancements can be expertly combined to produce results to meet project requirements including accuracy, cost, and usability.
<h5>Delivering Cost-Efficient, Survey-Grade Data&nbsp;</h5>
Surveyors tasked with collecting and analyzing data from the field can face a myriad of challenges. From inclement weather to uneven terrain, paired with the added inefficiencies of inputting and then analyzing data, a standard survey project can easily extend to several days of work.
Utilizing a UAV to survey an area can be an alternative option to avoid demanding environments in the field. <a href="https://www.microdrones.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microdrones</a>, a leader in drone LiDAR and photogrammetry surveying equipment and software for geospatial collection and processing, was challenged to deliver point-cloud data according to updated survey grade standards.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/SJ6hZSOZlrEWNPTDZgBmDxvJktHED95s9fKD8nlf.jpg" alt="" width="699" height="419" />
LiDAR sensors continue to improve with smaller and more powerful point-cloud imaging systems.
Microdrones found a solution by adding high accuracy DG of LiDAR data to their technology stack. DG directly measures the position and orientation of an airborne mapping sensor, such as a digital camera or a laser scanner. This makes it possible to assign a geographical location on the earth to a pixel from a camera image or a digital point from a laser without the need for any ground points or additional measurements referencing the ground. For this level of accuracy, Microdrones turned to <a href="https://www.applanix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Applanix</a>, a Trimble company. As a prerequisite to implementation, Applanix needed to meet specific requirements to reduce the weight of the hardware, while keeping the accuracy and performance of the inertial measurement unit (IMU).
This integration of hardware and software solutions offered cost and time efficiencies in mobile mapping with UAVs. Microdrones could provide their geospatial customers with a fully integrated system to rapidly capture accurate LiDAR data for surveying, mining, construction, oil and gas, and precision agriculture industries. A simplified workflow involves flying the drone, uploading the data to the cloud for processing, and then downloading the final processed data&mdash;thus making it possible for users to access the most accurate and simplified georeferencing data available via post-mission production. A quick, uncomplicated and inexpensive turnkey solution like this can make it easier and more affordable for surveyors to have access to everything needed for complex surveying work.
<h5>Safety When Surveying in Hazardous Conditions</h5>
Several scenarios exist where the risk posed to a survey crew is significant. One such example is seen in a section of limestone cliffs in France where the natural degradation can generate landslides and falling debris, threatening the land, roads, and people beneath.
Without the ability to map and accurately assess the stability of land formations, the management of this risk currently relies primarily on trajectory analysis. This consists of simulating falling rock masses from ridges to the valley floor, using calculations that consider the size, energy and shape of the material. While this allows for some risk assessment, detailed and correct maps based on high-resolution UAV LiDAR DTM and integrity analysis is required for complete risk analysis.
The configuration and the hazardous nature of the limestone terrain does not allow for crews to operate traditional survey equipment on the ground. Using a UAV LiDAR system enables the rapid generation of cost-effective, accurate DTM and 3D products. In addition, the data can be captured safely in what would be otherwise considered an unreachable area, along with the ability to perform repeat monitoring. This is exactly what L&rsquo;Avion Jaune did when equipping its Multirotor M600 with the YellowScan VX-20 and Applanix APX-20 UAV to map the cliffs in France.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/bWv8Q5MXcFR6nuQciizJLCLblHxNidIvcA0vc4my.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="357" />
L'Avion Jaune Multirotor M600 drone.
L&rsquo;Avion Jaune flew four flights of 15 minutes each to map the entire project area over two days. This operation was carried out at sunrise when the road had little traffic. Checkpoints were then surveyed with differential GPS. The data processing involved computation of georeferenced trajectory, matching flight lines, and point cloud classification.
This allowed L&rsquo;Avion Jaune to optimize the choice of material and work with best practices to collect and process LiDAR data required for high-accuracy mapping in dense vegetation. The flexible UAV deployment of resources allowed the acquisition of dense point clouds (100 pts / m&sup2;) and the generation of a precise and exhaustive DTM. The generation of a 3D model of the cliffs that were overhanging a frequented road was essential for the safety of traffic and people below. The site footprint modeled by the YellowScan VX-20 with Applanix DG inside was 200m high, 300m wide, and 2.5 km long, resulting in a high degree of precision without exposing crews to danger.
<h5>Modern Day UAV Mapping</h5>
Impacting everything from how roads are built to extinguishing forest fires to managing the efficient growth of crops, UAVs deliver important information that can be difficult to obtain otherwise. And, today&rsquo;s technology is making it possible to achieve far superior results to other technologies in mapping and surveying. Using methods like DG combined with multiple sensor integrations, professional survey-grade aerial mapping systems for UAVs are becoming more widely available. This uncomplicated and inexpensive solution is not only practical in the ability to combine light weight equipment specifically designed for airborne hardware, but also more affordable for companies of any size wanting to take on more challenging mobile mapping projects.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/UozWKNIJtJ3HYXZV625b8EKuF6BzWNWVtbDCa5TI.jpg" alt="" width="696" height="366" />
Tree canopy.
<h5>About the Author&nbsp;</h5>
Brad Schmidt is the global sales manager of the UAV business segment at <a href="https://www.applanix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Applanix</a>, a Trimble company. He has more than 30 years experience in the geomatics, remote sensing, UAV and infrastructure industries. Schmidt holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Geography, with specialization in remote sensing and the geosciences. This article was originally published in the November 2022 issue of <a href="https://www.xyht.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">xyHt</a>.

Drones Deliver Practical and Highly Technical Aerial Surveying

22 September 2022
So much evolving and new tech was showcased at the 2022 Commercial UAV Expo, and one of the highlights for data-collection initiatives was <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.yellowscan-lidar.com/products/voyager/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The YellowScan Voyager LiDAR.</a>
From Chris Fravel's show report: "The YellowScan High-end LiDAR solution was extremely capable of high-demand data collection missions with a 193-point point density and up to 15 echoes throughout each scan. With its laser scanner&rsquo;s wide field of view, the entirety of the points are oriented towards the ground, meaning no loss of points. This also means 1.5 million points per second will be usable, which would not be the case with a 360&deg; scanner. The best part? The YellowScan Voyager is compatible with just about any enterprise drone platform."
<h5>WATCH!</h5>
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UAV EXPO PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: YellowScan Voyager LiDAR 

1 September 2022
The Emesent Hovermap is an autonomy and LiDAR mapping payload. Acecore Technologies&rsquo; Zoe is an aerodynamic dutch-designed drone that is both wind and rain-resistant.
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.emesent.com/hovermap-zoe/">Hovermap-Zoe</a> brings these two together in a seamless integration, providing the robust, compact, and weatherproof Zoe with the power of Hovermap&rsquo;s proven autonomy functions that allow it to fly beyond line of sight and communication range&mdash;even in challenging GPS-denied environments.&nbsp;
<h5>Autonomy in Challenging Conditions</h5>
&ldquo;The Hovermap-Zoe combination takes full advantage of the Zoe drone's ability to fly in challenging conditions, while Hovermap&rsquo;s collision avoidance maintains a safe standoff distance from assets," says Dr. Stefan Hrabar, CEO and co-founder of Emesent. "Zoe&rsquo;s payload capability also allows users to attach a top mount camera to capture high resolution inspection images anywhere.&nbsp;
Hovermap&rsquo;s latest iteration&mdash;Hovermap ST&mdash;has a tough, lightweight, IP65 weather-sealed design to match the Zoe drone&rsquo;s tough exterior and go further into previously inaccessible areas.
<h5>Safer Asset Inspections</h5>
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Above: Hovermap-Zoe can carry a gimballed, full-frame, top-mount camera, making it an ideal tool for asset inspection.
Zoe&rsquo;s ability to carry both Hovermap and a gimballed, full-frame, top-mount camera enables the capture of high-resolution inspection images. Hovermap&rsquo;s ability to maintain a safety bubble around the drone allows users to stably and safely maneuver up close to, inside, or underneath assets to map them and capture detailed images.&nbsp;
Together this makes Hovermap-Zoe the ideal tool for the mapping and inspection of complex structures, including sensitive government assets, bridges, communications towers, buildings, and many more. The ability to preview the scan data captured in real-time allows operators to leave the site confident they&rsquo;ve captured everything needed.
Equally capable above ground or underground, indoors or out, Hovermap&rsquo;s plug-and-play design and quick-release mechanism allow it to be easily detached from the drone and used as a handheld scanner, or even mounted to a vehicle, backpack, or pole. This provides the versatility needed to capture data anywhere with a single scanner.&nbsp;
<h5>Autonomy for Access Beyond Visual Line of Sight</h5>
Hovermap-Zoe provides advanced drone autonomy thanks to Emesent&rsquo;&rsquo;s proprietary autonomy algorithms and Wildcat SLAM solution.
SLAM&mdash;or Simultaneous Localization and Mapping&mdash;is used by Hovermap for both mapping and real-time navigation, using range and sensor data to estimate the motion of Hovermap-Zoe. Once this motion has been estimated, the range data can be projected into a common coordinate frame to produce a 3D map and control Zoe&mdash;even in GPS-denied environments.
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Above: Hovermap&rsquo;s ability to provide navigation, even in GPS-denied environments, enables a host of inspection applications, including flying and mapping underneath bridges.
Hovermap builds on the SLAM solution with proprietary drone autonomy algorithms to automate the drone flight, providing collision avoidance, position hold, autonomous flight, and smart return-to-home capabilities in GPS-denied, hazardous, and dark environments. This enables a host of applications such as flying and mapping inside warehouses, underneath bridges, or in underground mines. Hovermap also provides the operator with a real-time view of the area of interest, protecting both the assets and operators.
The application of Emesent&rsquo;s Hovermap solves problems globally and has made significant impacts in the infrastructure, survey, mapping, and mining industries, counting BHP, Rio Tinto, and Glencore among its customers.&nbsp;
<h4 style="text-align: center;">SEE US AT BOOTH #439 AT THE LAS VEGAS UAV EXPO 2022</h4>
<h5>The Future of Autonomy</h5>
Founded in 2018, and based on more than ten years of CSIRO research, Emesent has rapidly grown into a medium-sized business of over 150 employees, and is a world leader in drone autonomy, LiDAR mapping, and data analytics. Headquartered in Brisbane, the company has also opened offices in the U.K. and USA, and has sold its products in over 40 countries worldwide through an extensive reseller network.&nbsp;
Emesent&rsquo;s vision is to be world leaders in autonomous digitization of challenging, hard-to-reach places and assets&mdash;to explore further, understand more, and enable the impossible.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Today, we are just scratching the surface of how drones and robotics can be deployed," says Hrabar. "With constantly advancing technology&mdash;and the ongoing desire to increase efficiency and productivity&mdash;there is a growing interest in more integrated and autonomous systems and operations.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We believe that ultimately the application of robotics, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enable full workflow automation. We&rsquo;ll see a combination of multiple autonomous processes, so that the asset itself becomes the autonomous system, with key decisions made by an integrated AI layer optimizing the entire process. Multi-agent, fully autonomous drones and robots will form a pivotal part of the core infrastructure, acting as mobile sensors and constantly collecting and live streaming 4D data to a data management platform, with real-time automated decision making and actions enabled by ML and AI. Digital twins will run thousands of &lsquo;what if&rsquo; simulations per second, analyzing and validating data from multiple sources to identify insights, anomalies, and optimizations. Those outputs will feed back 24/7 to autonomous robots that will set to work to make the changes in the real world, with the whole cycle continuing in perpetual motion.&rdquo;
To keep up to date with <a href="https://www.emesent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emesent, visit their website</a>.
<h5>WATCH!</h5>
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Hovermap-Zoe Integrates Advanced Tools in an All-Conditions Drone

LIDAR

August 2, 2022
<a href="https://www.flyability.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flyability</a> recently unveiled the <a href="https://www.flyability.com/elios-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elios 3</a>&mdash;the world&rsquo;s first collision-tolerant drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor for indoor 3D mapping.
The drone is powered by a new SLAM engine called FlyAware that lets it create 3D models as it flies and accompanied by a new version of Flyability&rsquo;s software for inspectors, Inspector 4.0.
Flyability pioneered confined space inspection drones with its first product in 2016. With the launch of the Elios 3, it continues to create cutting-edge technology designed to keep humans out of dangerous places to perform the most demanding inspection tasks.
The Elios 3 was made to address the need companies have for reliable inspection tools. As industries around the world scale up their use of drones, they need technology that is easy to use, performs the same way every time, and remains stable when working inside highly sensitive assets.&nbsp;
"The Elios 3 has some of the very best stabilization in the world, a modular payload, the ability to create 3D models in real time while in flight, and it paves the way towards an increasingly autonomous future,&rdquo; said Patrick Th&eacute;voz, co-founder and CEO of Flyability. &ldquo;For industrial inspections, the Elios 3 is a key enabler of Industry 4.0, presenting an inspection solution that can make inspections safer, more efficient, and less expensive than ever before."&nbsp;
The Elios 3 comes with an Ouster OS0-32 LiDAR sensor, allowing inspectors to collect data for the creation of survey-grade 3D models using software from Flyability&rsquo;s new partner, GeoSLAM. Mapping areas that are out of reach or too dangerous for humans is very difficult, yet critical to support operational decisions in many industries.&nbsp;
<h5>WATCH</h5>
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By combining the best of confined space drone data capture and 3D geospatial software technology, Flyability&rsquo;s partnership with GeoSLAM enables professionals to produce survey-grade point clouds of the most inaccessible places in their workplace, completely removing the strain of approximations and guesswork from their operations. In addition to carrying a LiDAR sensor, the Elios 3 can accommodate a second payload that allows it to be customized for each individual user&rsquo;s needs.&nbsp;
The Elios 3 is powered by Flyability&rsquo;s new proprietary&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.flyability.com/simultaneous-localization-and-mapping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SLAM</a> engine FlyAware, allowing it to turn the drone&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.flyability.com/lidar-drone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LiDAR data</a> into 3D models in real time, while the drone is in flight. FlyAware also gives the Elios 3 groundbreaking stability, combining data from the drone&rsquo;s three optical cameras and its LiDAR sensor to catch the tiniest unpredictable movement and instruct the flight controller to compensate for it. This stability and other ease-of-use features make the Elios 3 incredibly easy to operate, so that new pilots can be trained and perform their first inspection in the same day.
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Above: Live mapping.
Using Flyability&rsquo;s new Inspector 4.0 software made for reporting with the Elios 3, inspectors can now visualize Points of Interest found during an inspection in a high-resolution 3D map using Inspector 4.0&rsquo;s 3D Map Viewer. This feature lets stakeholders navigate from POI to POI in a digital representation of their assets, providing a clear visualization of the defects found within them to support planning, monitoring, and maintenance efforts.
"The Elios 3 is the single biggest project that Flyability has ever undertaken,&rdquo; said Adrien Briod, CTO of Flyability. &ldquo;If you think of the Elios 2 as your classic flip phone&mdash;only designed to make phone calls&mdash;the Elios 3 is the smartphone. It&rsquo;s made to be customized for the specific demands of each user, letting you attach the payload you need so you can use the tool as you like, and allowing it to grow and improve over time with new payloads or software solutions. .&rdquo;
Flyability has been working on the Elios 3 for four years. In that time, its engineers have spent thousands of hours on research and development and performed over 200 missions in the field to collect feedback, learn what clients want, and refine the technology in order to make the most reliable indoor drone on the market.&nbsp;
As part of the effort to make the Elios 3, Flyability collaborated with top universities around the world by joining Team Cerberus, which competed in&mdash;and won&mdash;DARPA&rsquo;s multi-year Sub-T challenge for autonomous robotics in underground environments.
<h5>Looking into the Future</h5>
Flyability sees the future of the drone industry heading more and more toward autonomy. For the company, this means creating an indoor drone that can fly into a confined space, collect inspection data, and fly out without the need for a live pilot. The drone is a data-collection tool, maintains Flyability, and the more quickly and easily it can collect data, the more useful it is for inspectors.&nbsp;
According to Flyability, the future will also see more drones created for specific tasks and industries, as well as flexible platforms that can meet the needs of multiple industries. In developing the Elios 3, Flyability knew it would be important to make the platform as flexible as possible, and this is why it has a modular payload to allow inspectors in different industries to attach the specific sensors they need for their work.&nbsp;
<h5>More About Flyability</h5>
Flyability pioneered confined space inspection drones, creating new technology that allows inspectors to collect data remotely inside dangerous confined spaces instead of in person. Since launching in 2014, Flyability has become a trusted provider of internal inspection solutions, enabling remote data collection with cutting edge hardware and software for inspection professionals to help them improve safety, reduce downtimes, and cut costs for their internal inspections. Today Flyability has offices in Switzerland, China, Singapore, and the U.S., with almost one thousand clients in over 60 countries. Flyability works in every industry that requires internal inspections, including Power Generation, Oil &amp; Gas, Mining, Wastewater Infrastructure, Chemicals, Maritime, and Infrastructure &amp; Utilities.

Flyability Launches Elios 3 Indoor Lidar Drone

Drone Video

The Sutro Tunnel Project seeks to reopen a historic Nevada mine built by Adolph Sutro and activated in 1878 that ingeniously drained water from the Comstock Lode, preventing disastrous floods in the mines. The Sutro Tunnel&mdash;which runs for almost four miles from Dayton, Nevada to the mines under Virginia City&mdash;missed much of the financial glory days of the Comstock Lode but nonetheless remained in use up until World War II.
Sutro, who was popular with workers despite being fantastically rich for the time, even envisioned the 26-acre site as a haven for his miners with homes and other buildings surrounding the tunnel entrance. In fact, water drained from the tunnel was used to irrigate the land. Some of the original structures still stand today&mdash;albeit in disrepair&mdash;and the goal of the Sutro Tunnel Project is to establish the site as a historical tourist attraction.
Unfortunately, no one can get into the tunnel. The entrance caved in years ago, and no one knows what lies beyond.
"We can't send a person in there," Friends of Sutro Tunnel project manager Chris Pattison told Reno, Nevada's KOLO-TV. "It's very dangerous for a human being as we don't know the air quality. You could die from methane gas or carbon dioxide or who knows what else."
But a drone does not worry about deadly air or cave ins or tight spots.
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EROCK and Associates&mdash;an aerial imaging and consulting firm&mdash;were brought in to use their drones to explore the tunnel.
"The drones will surmise if air quality is okay for humans, and if the ground conditions are safe," EROCK owner Eric Bennett told KOLO-TV. "A drone can capture a bunch of images that can be stitched together with very high accuracy to let us know what's in the tunnel."
WATCH DRONE FOOTAGE OF THE SUTRO TUNNEL SITE
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<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.kolotv.com/2022/01/24/drones-used-examine-inside-historic-sutro-tunnel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL KOLO-TV REPORT</a>
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