LiDAR - Light Detection And Ranging, refers to a system that utilizes lasers to measure distances from the sensor (which is mounted on a UAV) to a target. More advanced aerial LiDAR systems utilize many lasers spinning and shooting beams of infrared light at high frequencies, resulting in the capture hundreds of measured points per second. These lasers can pierce through tiny openings in forest canopy, enabling the capture of bare earth terrain models (not visible using image based photogrammetry). LiDAR can be used in the inspection and survey of many applications, such as power lines, towers, buildings, dams, forest canopy, shorelines, etc.
Because LiDAR can pierce through small openings in moderate to heavy vegetation, it has many advantages over simple photogrammetry. As a general rule of thumb; if you can see sunlight on the forest floor on a bright sunny day, LiDAR will map it!
When comparing LiDAR and photogrammetry, remember that 3D models generated from photogrammetry are based on software DERIVED measurements, whereas every point created in a LiDAR model is a result of individual LASER MEASUREMENTS; each with its own X, Y and Z coordinates; having centimeter accuracy and each model can be easily tied to known points on the earth’s surface.
3D maps, models and orthophotos are derived from photogrammetry; and is a cost-effective way to collect and display data. The meta-information contained within these products allows for general measurements and volumetric calculations, and they also make great visualization tools for areas of interest.
Because photogrammetry is based on standard camera systems, they are limited in their ability to see below vegetation and thus can only provide effective bare earth models in areas with little or no vegetation; such as quarries or roads. Likewise, 3D models produced from photogrammetry are generated by using complex modeling software, and the "points" generated within these models are "DERIVED" form computer algorithms and not "MEASURED" points like that of LiDAR systems; therefore photogrammetry derived models are much less accurate than those produced by LiDAR systems.
There are many considerations when deciding if photogrammetry is the right choice for your project. In certain instances, where the information required from an aerial scan is moderate and accuracy isn’t of great importance, it may be cost effective to survey an area using photogrammetry. However, if it is essential that you see “bare earth” in your models and the area of interest is covered in vegetation, OR accuracy and detail is of great importance; then photogrammetry may not be the right choice.
If its photogrammetry you are looking for; at RPM, we can provide high quality surveys and maps quickly and easily to create the product you need.
Likewise, when RPM is contracted to conduct LiDAR scans for clients; many don't realize that we have the ability to capture photogrammetry and LiDAR simultaneously and we can colorize the LiDAR point-cloud by using data (color) from the captured images! This makes viewing LiDAR models friendlier, especially when they are being used to show clients specific features within the LiDAR models.
Working in offshore environments can be challenging enough even when conducting generalized low-risk work. However, performing operations in and around Oil & Gas platforms or off moving vessels presents a unique challenge. At RPM Aerial Services, our team is fully trained and holds all required certificates, including CAPP Medical, Basic Survival Training with HUET-HUEBA and H2S Alive.
RPM also owns & operates high capacity systems proven to perform in the most challenging environments and can perform many tasks including:
- General RGB inspections (ex. Flair Stacks)
- Infrared inspections
- Dimensional scanning
- Video & Picture work / confined spaces
- Unique customized work, to meet specialized needs
- Emergency Services available
Contact RPM today to see how we can fulfill your requirements!
As a leading unmanned aerial service provider and having years of technology development and integration experience; RPM Aerial Services is keen to discover and integrate exciting new technologies to enhance the day to day operations of various industry sectors.
With nearly twenty years' experience in the development and commercialization of technologies in multiple industry sectors, the team at RPM Aerial Services are dedicated to the integration of technologies through forward thinking; to offer superior services or capabilities unlike most other unmanned aerial providers.
We have the ability and desire to put your payloads/sensors in the air!
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are quickly replacing traditional, expensive and risky technologies such as cranes and manned helicopters to conduct inspections. UAVs can easily get in tight areas to obtain information that has traditionally been expensive and/or dangerous to obtain. What has normally been risky and difficult can now be done safely and with ease.
In addition to camera based inspections, UAVs can deliver high quality informational measurements and data using specialized cameras and laser equipment.
UAV inspection services can be used for many different sectors such as:
Call us today to see how our services can help.
RPM supplies and services several commercial grade RPAS and sensor technologies for key clients. Contact us to see how we may be able to help with your professional equipment needs!
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