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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Laser Scanning (LiDAR UAV)

Description

Over the past decade the use of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as a flexible sensor platform for agro-environmental mapping and monitoring has evolved rapidly. Initially from a research perspective but increasingly commercial UAV applications are starting to be developed for operational use. Recently, Laser Scanner systems known as the Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technique have also become available for UAVs. The Shared Research Facilities of Wageningen University and Research has acquired the Riegl RiCopter Unmanned Laser Scanning System.

From this LiDAR system, detailed and precise 3D models of objects can be collected and mapped: e.g., plants, trees, buildings, infrastructure such as dikes, and the ground surface.

Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) works by sending laser pulses into an array of accurately defined directions in fast succession. Measuring the travel time it takes for each laser-pulse to be reflected from the targets and returned to the LiDAR-scanner allows reconstruction of distances and directions of surfaces surrounding the scanner. Attaching a LiDAR scanner to a moving platform like a UAV allows 3D mapping of larger surface areas as the UAV platform is moving ahead.

The acquired Unmanned Laser Scanning datasets can either be provided as raw datasets or as processed end-product (3D point cloud x,y,z data, and gridded surface models). The delivery format and processing level will be agreed on with the user of the instrument. For all flight operations of the Laser Scanning UAV can a certified pilot and a trained operator are required.

Technical Details

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The components of the Unmanned Laser Scanning system can be summarized as follows:

  • RIEGL RiCOPTER remotely piloted aircraft system equipped with RIEGL VUX-SYS complete miniaturized, lightweight ALS System
  • RIEGL VUX-1UAV lightweight airborne laser scanner fully integrated, providing 230° FOV, an effective measurement rate up to 350,000 meas./sec, and 10 mm accuracy
  • fibre-optic gyroscope and GPS/GLOSNASS receiver integrated
  • compact control unit with various interfacing options
  • mounting options for highly flexible aircraft installation
  • prepared for remote control via low-bandwidth data link
  • operates up to 2 digital cameras

Riegl RiCopter Aircraft technical data

Main dimenisions (ready to fly) 1920mm x 1820mm x 470mm
MTOM (maximum take-off mass) < 25 kg
Maximum payload (batteries and sensor load) up to 16 kg
Empty weight 8 kg
Maximum flight endurance with 8 kg sensor load: up to 30 min
Cruise speed typical 20-30 km/h
Take-off / Landing Vertical Take-off and Landing

Riegl VUX-SYS Sensor system technical data

System components Riegl VUX-1UAV LiDAR sensor, IMU/GNSS unit with antenna, control unit, up to 2 cameras
   
Riegl VUX-1UAV LiDAR sensor
Field of View (FOV) 230°
Max. effective measurement rate up to 350,000 meas/sec
Max. range @ target reflectivity 20% 550 m
Minimum range 3 m
Range accuracy 10 mm
Laser Safety Class Laser Class 1 (eye safe)
IMU/GNSS Unit
Accuracy Roll, Pitch / Heading 0.015° / 0.035°
IMU sampling rate 200 Hz
Position accuracy (typ.) 0.05 m – 0.3 m
Cameras
Type Sony alpha 6000
Interfaces 2x trigger and event marker

Applications

The UAV Laser Scanning system allows the creation of diverse datasets, ranging from basics like point cloud data (LAS format) and high-resolution RGB imagery, to more advanced products like Crop Height Models (CHM), point density distribution maps and forestry parameters.

Applications include mapping the structure of crops (phenotyping and precision agriculture), trees (orchards and forestry), and infrastructure (construction and safety but also can be extended to terrain mapping for applications like archaeology and coastal management. In addition, other applications can be brought in and discussed.

Complementary Techniques

We also offer access to other UAV mounted camera systems (multi-spectral, hyperspectral) as part of the Unmanned Aerial Remote Sensing Facility and access to a Terrestrial Laser Scanning system as part of the Laser Scanning Facility of Wageningen University and Research.


Last edited by Mascha Rasenberg on 2023-05-15

Our expert(s)
Lammert Kooistra
Contact our expert(s)
Brand

Riegl

Organisation

OW ISRIC
Shared Research Facilities

Subdivision

Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing



To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.

This Shared Research Facilities equipment database offers researchers from universities, research institutes and companies, including start-ups, the opportunity to find research equipment with their relevant expert and to use it, generally on a pay-per-use basis. The equipment is available at different locations at Wageningen Campus or other (company) locations. If you want to share your own research devices or if you need more information, please contact us.

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