LiDAR Integration Education

This document outlines the basics of LiDAR systems on the IF1200A including basic integration, datasets, typical use case and flight plans.

LiDAR Overview

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. Using Uncrewed Aerial Systems for LiDAR offers numerous benefits, making it an increasingly popular and efficient method for collecting geospatial data. Some of the key advantages include:

• Cost-Effective Data Collection

• Flexibility and Accessibility

• Rapid and High Resolution Data Acquisition

• Safety and Reduced Human Risk

• Reduced Environmental Impact

• Repeatable Surveys and Monitoring

Overall, using UAS for LiDAR offers a powerful tool for a wide range of applications, including agriculture, forestry, infrastructure assessment, disaster management and natural resource management. UAS-based LiDAR is likely to become even more valuable and accessible in various industries as technology increases.

Comprehensive Use Case Examples

Yellowscan loaned the VX-20, Mapper, and Mapper+ LiDAR systems to IFT for sample data collection. These devices demonstrated exceptional performance during simulated environmental scans. Operating at a velocity of 5 meters per second and an altitude of 60 meters, approximately 80,000 square meters were efficiently surveyed within a brief 16-minute flight duration.

Data Accuracy & Detail

Leveraging precise GNSS information, LiDAR systems achieve sub-centimeter-level data accuracy. Through the input of "lever arm measurements," which entail the distance between the sensor and the GNSS antenna, further enhancements in accuracy are attainable. Additionally, certain LiDAR systems integrate photo data capture to generate a colorized point cloud model. The amalgamation of these data components enables the creation of highly accurate 3D renderings encompassing ground, vegetation, objects, and structures.

Technical Integration

The IF1200A's payload rails facilitate seamless integration with a wide range of LiDAR systems. Essentially, if the system can accommodate it, the IF1200A can carry and collect data. Most LiDAR systems are supported by their custom damping plate or compatible solutions like the Gremsy Damping Plate. The IF1200A's minimal vibration significantly surpasses that of helicopters or manned aircraft, contributing to clearer data interpretation by the LiDAR sensor.

Integrating a LiDAR system typically involves a mounting system, with common additions such as utilizing the drone's power supply instead of an onboard battery, a PWM trigger for data collection initiation and cessation, and a camera for colorizing the collected data.

Performance & Efficiency

Employing a LiDAR system on an UAS significantly diminishes deployment time and labor hours, resulting in cost savings for extensive area scans. The autonomous flight planning capabilities empower a smaller crew to achieve surveying tasks that surpass the capabilities of traditional methods. Furthermore, most UAS LiDAR systems offer user-friendly post-processing, simplifying the generation of a usable point cloud model for efficient data interpretation.

Customer Success Stories

Chris Hipwood, Chief UAS Pilot, has extensive experience serving as the chief pilot for NV5, overseeing LiDAR missions nationwide. His work primarily involves conducting Survey Missions and expansive corridor scans, often requiring multiple passes. For large-scale data collection, up to 15 flights may be deployed. The IF1200A equipped with a RIEGL VUX-1 LR scanner is their preferred tool.

To optimize mission planning, they employ UGCS for 3D flight planning, terrain following, and the ability to manage multiple flight plans concurrently on-screen. The team takes charge of processing their collected data, generating Point Clouds and Ortho maps in-house. Their diverse clientele spans utilities, roads, fields, solar installations, power lines, topographical scans, and various government agencies.

With a generous 120-degree field of view, the recommended 50% overlap translates to approximately 40 meters spacing for flights at 50 meters altitude and around 80 meters spacing for flights at 100 meters altitude. Optimal data results are achieved by incorporating a 90-degree offset path in conjunction with the survey area scan, a practice well-suited for most scanners.

For effective mission planning, it is crucial to consider line spacing, ensuring it is neither too small to oversaturate the dataset nor too large to compromise coverage. Strive to achieve as close to a 50% overlap as possible.

In QGroundControl, employ manual camera specifications to set spacing distance manually, utilizing the options available to select a 90-degree offset for enhanced data collection efficiency.

In UGCS, streamline your mission planning by utilizing the area scan preset mode. Set your side distance as the desired spacing and opt for the double grid configuration. This approach enhances efficiency and ensures comprehensive coverage during data collection.