The use of quadcopter and multiplerotors in lidar mapping and photographs is still at an early stage but growing rapidly. There are great opportunities in different sectors for this technology. This means more job opportunities for trained pilots. Now is also the right time to explore UAVs, lidar, photographs and 3D mapping.
First, what is photogrammetric mapping? It is a new form of surveying using lidar and laser mapping. It works by taking laser marks of objects on a surface and then analyzing them by using a photogrammetric camera. The results show up as a dot on a map, which can then be used by a remote sensing surveyor to constructively survey an area.
A great example of using lidar surveys is with the military. It is used extensively throughout the Afghanistan and Iraq wars to survey terrain and check for IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Using radar scanners, the military can survey a large area and then map it with high resolution. This allows a military helicopter or plane to scan hundreds of square kilometers in a matter of minutes. They can then return to the same area over again, saving massive amounts of money.
A similar application is done by the US navy in Afghanistan. Here, they use high resolution, hand held laser scanners called LIDAR to create digital terrain surveys. These surveys enable the sailors to better define where they are in relation to the sea bed. This allows them to better prepare for their next operation, whether it is a mine sweep or a landing run. It is also important to know where your fellow crew members are at all times as that information will help you get to them quicker in the event of an emergency. Digital terrain surveys can also help with casualty recovery operations, especially if the terrain is rugged and there is a chance of losing a ship out at sea.
Land Surveys – As mentioned above, the military and the Navy conduct land surveys to better understand where there are obstructions on the terrain and prepare for operations accordingly. They do this by creating digital terrain models that represent the terrain as though it was flat. Many modern CAD applications (CAD software for creating 3D models) are based on lidar data and can easily be used to create digital terrain models.
Surveying Large Surfaces – Another major use of lidar scans is to survey large outdoor areas such as fields, deserts, ice, etc. This enables surveyors to better define the terrain ahead of time in order to prevent unforeseen problems. This would not have been possible without the advent of drone technology. The drone can navigate through the site and determine the most suitable parameters for the quadcopter to fly through.
Photogrammetry – Lidar sensors and photogrammetric systems are able to capture detailed photographic images of any area. The images are digitally processed by a computer program to create a three dimensional model from which the flight can be calculated. This method of surveying is commonly used by wildlife photographers to capture specimens. It is also used to construct and furnish museum environments and to identify and preserve objects. Many museums utilize photogrammetrics in order to create accurate display displays and record, entire collections.
Autopilot Scanning – Uses Lidar sensors and photogrammetric systems to scan large areas without human intervention has led to the development of advanced waypoints. Waypoints are virtual points on the map that can be targeted using pinpointed waypoints as well as other geo-locations. Waypoints can then be converted to labels that show people the exact location of the scan subject. This is an ideal way to capture and document historical tours and to help researchers document wildlife populations.
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