Microdrones has announced the release of three new integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems based on the company’s md4-3000 heavy-lift multirotor platform, as well as a new software package for quick and efficient processing of geospatial data.
The mdMapper3000DuoG VHR integrates a 100-megapixel Phase One camera iXM-100 and a custom, lightweight, vibration-free, quick connect mount for direct georeferencing capabilities with one-pixel mapping accuracy from a 1000 ft. drone flight height.
Dr. Mohamed Mostafa, Director of mdSolutions at Microdrones, commented: “This system is a game-changer for Microdrones as now we can compete in some of the same arenas that photogrammetry professionals relied on manned aircraft for. You can fly the mdMapper3000DuoG VHR at a height of 1,000 feet and achieve triple the image quality and double the Direct Georeferencing in just half the time without all of the traditional manned aircraft expenses.”
Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, President of Microdrones, anticipates that the system will break ground in new markets for the company. “We’re packaging manned aircraft aviation quality technology into a UAV system so that Microdrones can serve customers who have a need for wide area mapping with unparalleled accuracy and deliverables. Our mdMapper3000DuoG VHR can fly higher altitudes and provide ultra-high-resolution for the most accurate and dense data for mapping service providers.”
The mdMapper3000DuoG features a 42.4-megapixel Sony RX1R II camera paired with a custom, lightweight, vibration-free, nadir mount. This direct georeferencing system acquires high-density, high-accuracy data faster than PPK-based mapping systems. It can be easily upgraded to VHR or LiDAR capabilities with the additional payloads, firmware and software.
The mdMapper3000 PPK is a PPK system, also incorporating the can acquire dense and accurate data with just 1-3 ground control points. Also featuring a 42.4-megapixel Sony RX1R II camera and nadir mount, the system is easily upgradeable via firmware to direct georeferencing.
Vincent LeGrande, Microdrones Vice President of Global Sales, said: “All of these new systems are designed, engineered and built for professional mappers to build professional grade mapping products. Furthermore, these systems can grow with you. So, if you start with the PPK, it’s upgradeable to add Direct Georeferencing or expand further to incorporate VHR or LiDAR. These packages are all about resilience, convenience, and geomatics performance.”
Microdrones’ mdTector1000CH4 LR platform has also been upgraded with a new Pergam Laser Methane Falcon sensor for detecting methane (CH4) and methane-containing gases from the sky. The upgraded sensor offers a significant weight reduction by taking power from the drone itself, and has done away with the visual display that was present on previous generation detectors. Instead, information is displayed via the mdCockpit tablet software during flight, and via area concern maps post-flight.
The forthcoming mdInfinity software package will become the new backbone of the Microdrones product ecosystem. The first module to be introduced will be trajectory processing, followed by Pointcloud Georeferencing, Boresight Calibration and Pointcloud Colorization.
