Applanix and Riegl Develop UAV LiDAR Mapping Solution

By Mike Ball / 31 May 2020

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Riegl and Applanix integrated drone LiDARApplanix and Riegl have collaborated to develop a LiDAR mapping solution for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) that provides high accuracy and precision while still meeting the SWaP (size, weight and power) constraints of unmanned aircraft.

Until recently, the use of laser measurement tools for aerial surveying and mapping has largely been restricted to manned aircraft. The size, weight and power consumption demands of many LiDAR systems, plus the addition of a system that can measure position and orientation with a very high degree of accuracy for direct georeferencing of the point cloud, have restricted this technology to only the largest unmanned systems.

A LiDAR surveying system that can be fielding by a wider range of drones requires two things: a laser that meets the size and weight constraints of the payload capacity of small UAVs, and a direct georeferencing (GNSS-inertial) system that meets the very high accuracy and precision demands of point cloud measurement while also meeting the same SWaP constraints.

Riegl’s VUX-1 compact laser scanner packages a powerful sensor into a very small and lightweight footprint. Featuring Riegl’s unique echo digitization and wave processing techniques, VUX-1 achieves superior measurement results even under adverse weather conditions. Weighing in at just over 3.5kg, the VUX-1 is capable of being flown on a variety of fixed-wing and rotary UAVs for applications such as powerline and pipeline inspections, urban mapping, mining, construction, and archaeology.

To meet the challenge of accurate direct georeferencing of the point cloud, Applanix has provided its APX-15 UAV, a complete and ready-to-integrate mapping solution that provides direct georeferencing for small UAVs. It integrates a high-performance, survey-grade, multi-frequency GNSS receiver and state-of-the-art low-noise MEMS inertial sensors into a single board measuring just 7 x 6 cm and weighing 60g.

The integration of the APX-15 UAV with the VUX-1 has resulted in a seamless, robust and affordable solution for highly accurate and directly georeferenced laser mapping from a small unmanned vehicle. The system can be custom packaged and configured for almost any UAV payload, from multirotor VTOL drones designed for working in close to historical buildings and archaeological sites, to medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) fixed-wing UAVs for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) mapping of powerline corridors or pipelines.

The system combining the APX-15 UAV together with the VUX-1 improves efficiency by:

  • Enabling LiDAR surveys to be undertaken from a smaller unmanned platform
  • Enabling more frequent flights for temporal as well as spatial analysis of a changing survey site
  • Providing highly accurate ground truth in a very short time using Applanix’ processing software
  • Flying LiDAR in smaller, tighter, more difficult spaces than with traditional equipment
Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Feb 14, 2025
FlyingBasket to Discuss Drone Industry Challenges at XPO Europe

FlyingBasket CTO Matthias Moroder will join a panel at Xponential Europe to discuss the regulatory and market challenges hindering drone industry growth, and the importance of collaboration for wider adoption

Feb 14, 2025
Advanced EFI Engines for Commercial & Industrial Drones

INF Inject's 2- and 4-stroke EFI engines can be provided with a range of options such as alternators, starter-alternators and generators

Feb 14, 2025
SDO 50 UAV Completes Long-Distance BVLOS Pipeline Inspection

SwissDrones’ SDO 50 UAV has successfully carried out a 550-kilometer BVLOS pipeline inspection in Queensland, providing precise, actionable data while maintaining high safety standards

Feb 14, 2025
Enhancing Unmanned System Reliability with SCS Silicone Conformal Coatings

Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) provides advanced conformal coating solutions to protect unmanned systems’ electronics from extreme conditions, ensuring durability, reliability, and compliance with evolving industry standards

Feb 14, 2025
Explore Geospatial Tools with Blue Marble at XPONENTIAL Europe

Blue Marble Geographics will showcase advanced geospatial software at XPONENTIAL Europe 2025, featuring live demos of the Global Mapper Suite and advanced geospatial tools

Feb 14, 2025

Featured Content

Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Feb 06, 2025