In partnership with LiDAR mapping solutions manufacturer YellowScan, drone manufacturer DeltaQuad integrated a colorized LiDAR solution in its most recent Evo UAV.
According to DeltaQuad, its Evo is the first fixed-wing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV to offer a combined YellowScan LiDAR and RGB system worldwide.
The companies believe that combining the YellowScan system with the DeltaQuad Evo is a big step forward in the world of mapping, offering georeferenced colorized LiDAR with unparalleled terrain coverage.
Currently, more powerful quadcopters can carry combined LiDAR and RGB systems with flight times of up to 30 minutes, covering around 100 ha. Some fixed-wing VTOLs can carry LiDAR systems covering up to 400 ha but do not have integrated RGB sensors, meaning they have to conduct the same flight patterns twice to capture the RGB data. DeltaQuad Evo sets a new standard with a flight time of 2.5 hours, covering up to 500 ha with the YellowScan LiDAR and RGB system in a single flight.
With up to 200 data points per square meter, the YellowScan system provides highly detailed and accurate terrain information. Processing of gathered data is managed with YellowScan CloudStation software, in which data processing is fast and easy, adding to the efficiency of large mapping projects.
In addition, the integration of an RGB sensor enables the colorization of georeferenced LiDAR points, enhancing usability and improving the identification of intricate details.
The modularity of DeltaQuad Evo allows users to build a multipurpose sensor ecosystem. The universal payload bay can be used to carry payloads up to 3 kg, with the opportunity to combine two different sensors during one flight (RGB, Multispectral, Thermal, ISR, or any customized sensor) or swap one of these sensors with an auxiliary battery to reach up to 4.5 hours of flight time. The open payload bay design ensures that future sensor developments can be integrated into DeltaQuad Evo, and the ‘Click & Go’ mechanism with automated payload recognition makes it easy to swap payloads without any tooling.
Tristan Allouis, cofounder and CEO of YellowScan, said: “Working with DeltaQuad is a thrilling experience as we collaborate to create inventive solutions for demanding applications. Our shared dedication ensures the delivery of highly efficient and reliable solutions for our valued customers.”
Douwe Zeeman, CEO of DeltaQuad, said this is another example of customer-centric co-creation. He is proud to add another valuable feature to the DeltaQuad Evo, enabling more efficient data gathering in the mapping industry.
