Project Background & Details
Being a GeoLas Systems Integration partner from the beginning, Phoenix LiDAR Systems has created its own OEM brand for the ELMAP series which is the Phoenix LiDAR HALO Airborne LiDAR Systems.
The ELMAP/HALO series LiDAR scanners are made for high-altitude, high-efficiency mapping. City-scale LiDAR projects are easily achievable with swath widths reaching 5,150 m. Selectable measurement rates up to 1600 kHz and line speed up to 250 per second can be tuned to meet challenging point density specifications.
System Requirements
The goal was to integrate the LiDAR with all required subsystems, calibrate and test it for a final shipment top a customer. The system requirements were to integrate the ELMAP30-H airborne LiDAR scanner with the following subsystems:
GNSS/IMU Solution NovAtel OEM7720
The Novatel OEM7720 is a multi-frequency, dual-antenna receiver delivering robust heading and positioning, and advanced interference mitigation features. The OEM7720 can track all current and upcoming GNSS constellations to ensure maximum flexibility. It is scalable to offer sub-meter to centimetre-level positioning. This receiver is field upgradable to all OEM7® family software options, including TerraStar Correction Services with RTK, ALIGN®, GLIDE® and SPAN®.
Flight Planning and Management System
SpatialExplorer is the core of Phoenix LiDAR’s desktop software suite. It is an expandable program that is built to ensure you get the data you need. Starting from data acquisition, SpatialExplorer provides tools for real time streaming point clouds, telemetry monitoring and other in field quality control. Post acquisition data processing tools put users in control of their datasets. SpatialExplorer transforms raw data inputs into geospatially accurate and refined outputs. SpatialExplorer can be expanded with a selection of plug-in modules that add advanced functionality at critical steps in the data collection and production.
Phase One IXM100 Medium Format Camera
The Phase One iXM 100MP camera incorporates medium format sensors with backside illumination (BSI) technology for improved high-light sensitivity and dynamic range. Phase One iXM cameras are fast, highly responsive, and robust and are available with a range of high-resolution lenses from 35mm to 300mm. The iXM cameras are easily integrated into your preferred platform for diverse inspections with drones and aerial mapping applications.
Helicopter Mount
The used mount for the Robinson R44 installation is the GSS R44 Utility Camera Mounts which can carry loads of up to 100 pounds, for Cinema, Broadcast, Utility Inspection, Surveillance or LIDAR.
Final ELMAP30 Installation on a Robinson R44
Robinson R44 with LiDAR System
Robinson R44 with LiDAR System
Robinson R44 with LiDAR System
Robinson R44 with LiDAR System
Robinson R44 with LiDAR System
Robinson R44 with LiDAR System
Data Collection for System Check and Boresight Calibration
LiDAR and Imagery data was collected to have a full data set ready for boresight calbration.
R44 Cockpit with Flight Management Display
ELMAP In-Flight Controller Software
ELMAP in Action mounted on a R44
Data Processing for Boresight Calibration
The LiDAR data was used to generate the DSM for the system boresight calibration and to ensure all subsystems work together perfectly with the GeoLas ELMAP Lidar system for final delivery to the end user.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted at an altitude of 750 meters Above Ground Level (AGL). This altitude was chosen to balance the coverage area and resolution of the lidar system, ensuring accurate data capture.
LiDAR Pulse Rate
The LiDAR sensor operated at a 1000 kHz (1 MHz) pulse repetition frequency, allowing for high-resolution data collection. This high emission frequency is crucial for capturing detailed surfaces and features.
Point Density
The collected LiDAR data achieved a point density of 24 points per square meter, providing highly detailed spatial information. This density ensures highest resolution, suitable for applications requiring precise topographic mapping or 3D modeling.
The flight mission utilized the ELMAP30 system to perform a high-resolution aerial survey at an altitude of 750 meters Above Ground Level (AGL).
The project has been completed with 24 pts/sqm. Using the full 1600 kHz pulse rate point densities of up to 40 points per square meters are possible with the ELMAP/HALO40 system at a 750m flying altitude AGL.
The GeoLas ELMAP Series
The ELMAP LiDAR systems are state-of-the-art mid- to high-range LiDAR sensors designed for integration in manned fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, gyrocopters, ultralight aircraft, and heavy-lift drones. They are built to withstand the harshest environments and offer unparalleled performance and ease of use.
Highlights:
- Compact all-in-one mapping systems
- Huge 80° field-of-view
- Linear uniform scan pattern with parallel scan lines
- Integrated removable data storage on standard SSDs
- Waveform digitization for every pulse
Data Samples
The data captured included detailed imagery and LiDAR data to produce high-resolution data for system check and boresight calibration. The data collection flights were meticulously planned to cover the specified areas to achieve the required data.
Digital Surface Model
Digital Terrain Model
RGB Camera Data
Digital Surface Model
Digital Terrain Model
RGB Image
Intensity Data
Summary
The system is designed to deliver a seamless data flow that integrates every step of the workflow, from initial mission planning to data processing and final analysis. This streamlined process minimizes inefficiencies and ensures smooth transitions between stages, enabling accurate and efficient calibration. In the planning phase, precise flight paths and parameters are established to optimize data capture, whilst during data processing, advanced tools automatically handle data alignment, filtering, and correction, ensuring high-quality outputs. Hence, the comprehensive and unified workflow significantly improves operational efficiency and ensures reliable results for geospatial and mapping projects. Additionally, the installation was extremely quick and straightforward, ensuring minimum time to setup and smooth operation.
“Phoenix LiDAR is proud to partner with GeoLas Systems and integrate their ELMAP LiDAR sensors into our High Altitude LiDAR Operations (HALO) product segment. We selected GeoLas as a supplier due to their exceptional support and receptiveness to our needs as an integrator.”, summarizes Grayson Omans, CEO of Phoenix LiDAR Systems.
