Aerial Mapping using UAS Jeff Campbell 1
Agenda 1. Introduction 2. UAS Mapping Explained 3. Use Cases / Outputs 4. Technologies 5. Training Methods 6. Implementation Strategies 7. Emerging Technologies 2
Vertical Aspect Specializing in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAS) Mapping Services Consultation Training (Face-to face and Remote) Offer related hardware / software Robota Eclipse Fixed Wing Texas Dealer Pix4D Pro Mapping / Virtual Surveyor Software V-Map Ground Control Targets FAA Certification, Insured 3
Our Background Jeff Campbell Navy Rotary Wing Pilot Lockheed Martin Program Manager Involved in UAS since 2012 Mark Paulson Registered Professional Surveyor Private Pilot Sales / training of UAS since 2013 4
UAS Mapping Explained 5
Plan & Load the mission Simplified Workflow Fly Capture images Process, Provide Output 6
UAS vs. Conventional Mapping Higher Speed of Capture Smaller Crew size More Data Points Less Cost Higher Efficiency Safer Less Impact on Operations Comparable accuracy (w/ground Control) 7
Use Cases / Outputs 8
Orthomosaic 9
Stockpile Volume Calculations 10
Topographic 11 11
3D Model 12
Inspections 13
Inspections 14
UAS Mapping: Technologies 15
UAS Mapping Requirements UAS System (fixed wing or multirotor) Image capture app Tablet or laptop for field use Pix4D Processing software Desktop or hi end laptop for processing Training (UAS, image capture, post-processing) FAA Part 107 certification for commercial ops 16
Typical Mapping Platforms DJI Inspire 1 Robota Eclipse DJI Phantom 4 SenseFly ebee 17
Multitorotor vs. Fixed Wing 18
Multirotor vs. Fixed Wing Attribute Multirotor Fixed Wing Size of Project Up to 100 ac (~30 ac /flt) 1200 ac + (~400 ac / flt) Learning Curve Easiest + smaller datasets More complex (+ larger datasets) Landing/takeoff area Vertical (Very small) Larger clear area for takeoff/landing Altitude / detail Lower alt / higher detail / less coverage Flt times ~21 mins ~50 mins Higher alt / less detail / greater coverage Cost of entry $2000 - $3000 $12,500 - $34,000 19
Flight Planning / Image Capture 20
Post-Processing Software Pix4D Virtual Surveyor 21
Ensuring Accuracy Ground Control Points Professional Grade GPS Ground Control Kit 22
Training Methods 23
How We Learned Self-Taught Prior knowledge as springboard Scour tutorials, forums, groups Trial & Error Research, Guess, Purchase Aircraft, software, accessories Buy, Fly, Crash, Fix Repeat. 24
How We Teach Determine client s goals / experience / budget Customized, individualized training Face-to-Face Best for initial systems, flight and software training Able to teach basics in one day Ground school, flight, image capture, post-processing Follow-up with remote training Using remote PC / MAC screen access (recorded session) Assist in processing client s first projects Teach advanced processing / different output types / other software Follow-up with clients as technology improves 25
Implementation Strategies 26
Questions to ask In-House or Outsource Familiar with technology/ convinced of benefits? How much UAS mapping work anticipated? Staff available to train? Ability to invest? Desire to keep up with technology Already in related business (natural progression of capabilities?) Outsource at first prior to making decision 27
UAS Mapping Strategy Initial Consult with expert Start small Consumer or Prosumer Quadrotor / register with FAA Train one to two individuals Learn systems / image capture / post processing Obtain FAA Part 107 Drone certification Obtain Liability Insurance Annual around $800-$1,000 for $1M On Demand (e.g. Verifly) - from $10/hr for $1M Capture sample missions Topographic, orthographic, volume measurement, 3D modeling, etc. Work with Ground Control points (team up with surveyor at first) Learn end-to-end workflow Simple single battery missions migrate to multi-battery missions Produce deliverables for projects <100 acres 28
UAS Mapping Strategy - Mature Add fixed wing platform Larger areas / datasets Learn additional software tools Global Mapper / Virtual Surveyor Dedicated processing computer More complex deliverables (additional workflow) Add additional staff separate image capture from back end processing 29
Emerging Technologies Increasing Accuracy Proliferation of Real Time Kinematics (RTK) Accurate measurements without GCP Obstacle Avoidance Transponders / Collision Avoidance Automation: Standoff / vertical patterns / 3D modeling Airborne LIDAR Software Improvements Post Processing Flight control / Image capture Terrain Awareness Increased battery capacity / flight times Camera improvements zoom, thermal, multispectral 30
Jeff Campbell Mark Paulson www.verticalaspect.com or e-mail us at support@verticalaspect.com 31