3D Robotics Launches New UAV 2D and 3D Mapping Platforms

By Caroline Rees / 17 Oct 2014

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3D Robotics Aero-M UAV

Aero-M UAV mapping platform

3D Robotics have announced the launch of their new 3DR Mapping Platforms, consisting of the 3DR X8-M (multi-copter) and Aero-M (fixed-wing), with highly accurate resolution that allows users to zoom in from the sky “down to the grape.” Each platform is bundled with both hardware and software solutions, including a high-resolution visible-spectrum camera, protective hard-case, auto-pilot controlled image acquisition and professional image processing software powered by Pix4D, 3DR’s newest business partner.

The new 3DR Mapping Platforms have a simple, fully automated three-step workflow: plan, fly, process. The flight planning software computes flight paths over a selected area to survey and calculate exactly which pictures to take and when. While in flight, the drones automatically capture those images and geo-tag each capture to note the exact location. When the drone lands, the user immediately has a series of crisp and accurate images that can then be geo-referenced by the Pix4D software to automatically create a high-resolution, ortho-rectified 2D mosaic map (or 3D model depending on chosen edition) that delivers accurate and immediately actionable data.

This level of aerial perspective is invaluable on farms, construction sites and mines. It enables enhanced crop and water usage understanding, increased perspective and knowledge of building material movement, equipment locations, construction progress and mining area status. 3DR Mapping Platforms will save users money through on-demand, high frequency monitoring, and enable them to take informed and targeted action in any of the above applications. In conservation and land and resource management applications, 3DR Mapping Platforms can increase understanding of how we use precious land and water resources.

The X8-M offers low-flying and high accuracy mapping, with a fully redundant propulsion system for increased reliability. The Aero-M fixed-wing platform offers incredible endurance and coverage area, with 40 minutes of flight and 250 acres of coverage. With these low-cost, high-accuracy platforms, professionals will maximize budget and improve response time by not waiting to schedule satellite imagery or incurring the expense and risk of using manned aircraft to gather data.

Features of 3DR Mapping Platforms:

Highly accurate “down to the grape” resolution
All-in-one mapping solution: bundled with Canon SX260 12 MP camera and Pix4Dmapper LT for 3DR professional image processing software
Fully automated three-step workflow
Aero-M: 40 min flight time; up to 250 acres/flight
X8-M: capture critical detail; up to 25 acres/flight

“With 3DR Mapping Platforms, you’ll simply reduce your costs and increase your yields,” said Brandon Basso, senior R&D engineer at 3DR. “That’s what makes this platform a real tool. We’ve automated all the hard parts. So it’s not the future of work, it’s here now, and frankly it could cause a revolution through the price alone.”

 

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

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