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4D-IT LIDAR

Published Date

Scan-Copter – UAV-Based High-Resolution LiDAR

The Scan-Copter 2.0 is a complete and ready-to-integrate solution for high accuracy 3D data collection.

In cooperation with Applanix, 4D-IT has integrated the all-new APX-15 UAV solution for Direct Georeferencing into the latest Scan-Copter unmanned aerial vehicle.

The combination of the Scan-Copter airborne scanning platform and Applanix’ industry-leading sensor technology offers cost and time efficiencies for many documentation and mapping tasks.

In the traditional world of aerial mapping, the cost associated with the establishment of the GCPs usually represents a large portion of the overall project budget. In some cases, this cost can be prohibitive;
especially when imagery is to be acquired and geo-referenced in remote areas. By using direct georeferencing, a technique which provides highly accurate position and orientation measurements of the
airborne sensor directly, the need for GCP’S is reduced if not eliminated. This not only increases efficiencies and frees it from operational restrictions, but also opens the door for systems such as LiDAR.

Applanix has brought together all of its experience in positioning, orientation, multi-sensor integration and Direct Georeferencing, along with the very best in small form-factor hardware and powerful software, to produce a Direct Georeferencing solution for the latest Scan-Copter.

Applanix and Scan-Copter improve productivity with:

  • First turn-key LIDAR based UAV mapping system
  • Extremely powerful UAV platform: up to 15 kg payload, 35 min flight time, 140 cm diameter from motor shaft to motor shaft, ready to pass the Austrian certification process for UAVs
  • Powerful post-processing software (POSPac UAV) including the Applanix IN-Fusion™ technology and support for Applanix SmartBase™ post-processed virtual reference station module
  • 3D point-clouds ready to be fused with those acquired by other terrestrial or airborne sources

Scan-Copter capabilities

  • Scan tall objects out of reach from the ground
  • Eliminate the shadowing effects of traditional ground based laser scanning
  • Different payload options depending on task requirements
  • Future-proof: modular design allows for flexible upgrades of sensor and platform

Applications

Urban and Built Environment

  • Data gathering in close proximity to buildings
  • Low-and-slow surveys in built-up areas
  • Vertical (façade) surveys of buildings

Infrastructure and Topography

  • Close-range corridor mapping (streets, railways, power-lines)
  • Efficient and high-resolution terrain modeling

Special applications

  • Forensic applications
  • Traffic surveillance
  • Civil protection (landslides, natural disaster)