In this video, Kory Kellum from Phoenix LiDAR Systems explains the meaning behind the term “survey grade LiDAR” and explores different grades of LiDAR with their benefits and drawbacks. Corey delves into the history and context of survey grade accuracy, highlighting how modern tools achieve precise measurements. He defines survey grade accuracy, typically around 10 centimeters or better, and discusses the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing’s positional accuracy standards.

The video covers various accuracy classes of LiDAR, from one centimeter to over three meters, and explains their applications. It emphasizes the importance of choosing the right LiDAR system for specific needs, whether it’s high accuracy drone-based surveys or large-scale mapping projects. Phoenix LiDAR Systems offers a range of solutions that meet these varying requirements, ensuring precise and reliable results.

In this video, Kory Kellum from Phoenix LiDAR Systems walks you through the five essential steps to process LiDAR data after collection. Starting with raw data, he explains how to transform it into an optimized, colorized, and classified point cloud.

The steps include: post-processing the trajectory to correct flight path errors, generating a point cloud by fusing LiDAR measurements with the optimized trajectory, refining the point cloud’s accuracy with the LiDAR Snap tool, colorizing the point cloud with RGB values from the system’s camera, and classifying the point cloud to extract and segment features like ground, vegetation, and buildings.

This video also demonstrates how these steps are performed using Phoenix LiDAR’s SpatialExplorer software, highlighting the improvements at each stage. By following these steps, you can create accurate 3D models and data derivatives such as digital elevation models, contour maps, and vegetation analysis.

In this video, Kory Kellum from Phoenix LiDAR Systems explains the technology required to produce high-accuracy drone-based LiDAR data. Corey delves into the hardware components necessary for LiDAR acquisition, including the GNSS antenna and receiver for positioning, the IMU for orientation, the LiDAR sensor for measuring angles and distances, a CPU for real-time calculations, and an SSD for data storage.

The video demonstrates how these components work together to generate accurate 3D point clouds and offers tips for optimizing data accuracy, such as using a GNSS reference station and performing boresight alignment calibration. Understanding these technologies and best practices ensures the highest quality drone-based LiDAR data for various applications.

In this video, Kory Kellum from Phoenix LiDAR Systems explains how LiDAR technology impacts five critical industries and enhances everyday life. He explores LiDAR applications in surveying, utility management, roadway construction, mining, and maritime operations.

In surveying, LiDAR is used to map topography for floodplain analysis, property surveys, and land development, offering increased accuracy and safety. Utility management benefits from LiDAR by monitoring vegetation encroachment on power lines and assessing damage to pipelines, railways, and waterways, ensuring timely maintenance and safety. In roadway construction, LiDAR helps with planning, as-built mapping, and maintenance assessments, reducing project time and enhancing road safety.

The mining industry uses LiDAR for accurate volume measurements and safe monitoring of mining operations, while maritime applications rely on bathymetric LiDAR for underwater mapping, ensuring safe boat passage and efficient shipping of goods.

In this video, Kory Kellum from Phoenix LiDAR Systems introduces the fundamentals of LiDAR technology. You’ll learn about the purpose of LiDAR, its applications, how it works, and its components. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing tool used to measure 3D features quickly and accurately. It’s widely used in vegetation mapping, utility management, roadway construction, mining, and bathymetric mapping.

The video explains how LiDAR emits laser pulses to measure distances, with the system recording the time it takes for the light to return. This data, combined with positioning and orientation information from GPS and IMU sensors, creates a detailed 3D point cloud. Multiple returns from a single pulse allow LiDAR to capture data through vegetation and other obstacles.

This video also highlights practical uses of LiDAR data, such as estimating tree height, measuring power line sag, and detecting changes in topography.

Interested in learning more about how LiDAR works? Read our more in depth article on LiDAR fundamentals.

CUAV Sep. 6-8, 2022︱Las Vegas

Phoenix LiDAR Systems came into Commercial UAV Expo 2022 in full force, bringing new innovations and product features that stirred up massive excitement amongst industry professionals. 

CUAV Expo is the definitive event for professionals integrating or operating commercial UAS. With top-notch education, thousands of attendees, and more exhibitors than any other commercial drone event, it’s the best opportunity of the year for anyone who needs to keep up with commercial UAS technology, trends, and developments.

We announced our new and improved PIONEER-360 payload that boasted higher precision and accuracy than ever before.  Our first bathymetric LiDAR system, the HydroRANGER was exhibited for the first time since its announcement back in June.  

Phoenix LiDAR was selected to present the HydroRANGER in an exclusive annual event called “Pitch the Press.”  A group of industry press representatives selected only 15 exhibitors to  present a new cutting edge UAV solution in the exhibit hall. Selected exhibitors were given two minutes to present their new solution, followed by a one minute Q&A. The solutions chosen represented the groundbreaking solutions in reality capture, collaborative work and visualization tools.

An amazing event overall, with many wonderful new connections forged.

Enjoy a Light, Durable Cargo Pod, Aerodynamic and Efficient.

Looking to ensure your RANGER-XL LiDAR mapper is protected on its next mission?  The Cessna Pod is the ultimate solution.

Elevate LiDAR Mapping with Our New Cessna Pod! 

Leverage the sleek, aerodynamic pod for enhanced protection of your RANGER-XL. Seamlessly integrate on a variety of Cessna models – eliminating cumbersome installation and routing of an external GPS antenna.

Reach out to our team to learn more about the advanced camera compatibility options!

In this video, Kory Kellum from Phoenix LiDAR Systems guides viewers on choosing the right DJI M300 mountable LiDAR solution. He compares the Phoenix Recon XT and the MiniRanger 3, both of which are high-performance, survey-grade systems adaptable for UAV and mobile mapping applications. He also highlights the intrinsic differences between a higher-powered single laser system and a lower-powered multi-laser system to help users understand their specific use cases.

The video showcases real-world applications of these systems. It includes a detailed look at a project site where Scott McGowan from Kestrel Aerial uses the MiniRanger 3 Lite and the Recon XT. The MiniRanger 3 Lite, known for its precision and adaptability, excels in high-density point collection and meets USGS quality level 0 specifications. The Recon XT, valued for its performance in dense vegetation and its wide vertical field of view, is ideal for environments with heavy foliage.

Throughout the video, viewers see practical demonstrations of each system’s capabilities, including data visualization and analysis. The video concludes with a recap, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate LiDAR system for specific project requirements, whether for land development, utility infrastructure, or vegetation mapping.

The PIONEER-360 is New and Improved!

The best-in-class universal survey grade LiDAR mapping system

The PIONEER-360 is the tool of choice for UAV and Mobile applications where there is no room for compromise in data quality. With a beam divergence of only 0.3 mrad, this system is designed for precision and confidence. 

The PIONEER-360 supports selectable pulse repetition rates up to 500 kHz and line scan speeds up to 250 lines/second, allowing it to be optimized for various application and data requirements. A quick release system can accommodate a removable high-resolution, light-weight 61 MP camera.

Benefits:

• Most narrow beam divergence of any Phoenix LiDAR system for superior ground detection and canopy penetration
• Even point distribution at higher vehicle speeds 
• Price and performance closes the gap between MiniRANGER and RANGER series systems
• Highly adaptable – capable of UAV, mobile, and backpack applications

Specifications:

• Narrow beam divergence of <0.3 mrad 1/e
• Shot-to-shot precision of <1cm for survey applications
• Up to 4 returns
• Laser Range: 290 m @ 20% Reflectivity
• Scan Rate: Up to 500 kHz
• Weight: 4.9 kg / 10.8 lbs including camera
• Scan speed of 250 lines per second
• 61 MP camera (optional)

PIONEER-360 is Mobile Mapping Compatible!