Published in LiDAR News: July 13, 2020
GeoCue adds RIEGL Solutions to the True View Product Line
The exciting news on the True View front is the addition of the new RIEGL miniVUX2 laser scanner to the product lineup. This new system falls into the domain of what are typically called “survey-grade” drone LIDAR scanning systems. Of course, being a True View 3D Imaging Sensor, it offers much more than just a point cloud generating engine.
True View 615/620 System
Like the True View 410, these systems (see Figure 1) are fully qualified 3D Imaging Systems (“3DIS™”). A 3DIS produces colorized, 3D point clouds using a carefully matched combination of laser scanner and cameras. The True View 615/620 employ the same GeoCue Mapping Cameras as the True View 410. However, the laser scanner is upgraded to the survey grade RIEGL miniVUX2-UAV. The True View 615 using the Applanix APX-15 as its Position and Orientation System (POS). The True View 620 adds a high accuracy external inertial measurement unit (IMU), forming an APX-20.
Figure 1: True View 615/620
The True View 615 can be upgraded to the True View 620 configuration via the addition of the external IMU and an internal interface board. Thus, if you are not entirely sure that you need the enhanced accuracy of the 620, start with a 615 and upgrade should you need.
Packaged with True View EVO
The True View 615/620 include a desktop version of Applanix POSPac UAV for processing the position/orientation data. Our own True View EVO software is included for point cloud generation, colorization and a myriad of post-processing data creation and analysis tools. As with the True View 410 workflow, the interface for POSPac is built into True View EVO, making this a simple wizard-driven step. While processing with a local base station does not incur any additional charges, we do make SmartBase and Trimble PP-RTX processing available on a pay-as-you-consume basis.
A 3D image (colorized point cloud) from the True View 410 is depicted in Figure 2. I think this is a beautiful data set, especially considering its post-processing time is less than the time for collecting the data! Notice the clarity of the scene and fidelity of the colorization.
In Figure 3, it is a depiction of the same scene (acquired at a later date) from the True View 615. Notice the greatly enhances sharpness of this point cloud as compared to the True View 410. The improved accuracy and lower noise of the Riegl laser scanner (as compared to the Quanergy M8 Ultra used in the True View 410) is readily apparent. I don’t know about you, but I think the data set of Figure 3 is simply stunning!
The systems use the same dovetail mount as the True View 410, making installation very quick and easy. It can be installed on any drone that can carry about 3.2 kg for the True View 615 and 3.6 kg for the True View 620. When comparing the mass of our systems to others, be sure to note that ours include dual cameras!
A new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for these new systems is available here. We will also be putting together information on how to choose between the True View 410, the True View 615 and the True View 620. The True View 615/620 product was revealed in a June webinar. If you missed the presentation, you can link to a recording here. We are very pleased to add RIEGL-class systems to the True View product line. We think you will be as well!
About GeoCue
GeoCue Group Inc. is a small business located in the Huntsville, Alabama area that offers software, hardware, training, support and consulting services for LIDAR mapping, including production and exploitation, and drone mapping, including data collection, processing and management.
GeoCue is the largest supplier of kinematic LiDAR processing tools in North America and LP360 is one of the world’s most widely used tool for exploiting point cloud data. In 2014, GeoCue Group started a division focused on using small Unmanned Aerial Systems for high accuracy mapping. Leveraging our expertise in production, risk reduction, and point cloud processing tools, we are continuing to bring new services and products to market to provide surveyors and other geomatics professionals exciting tools for geospatial data extraction using low cost drones including Loki, our plug-and-play PPK direct positioning system, and now our new True View® LIDAR/Imagery fusion sensors.
About RIEGL
RIEGL is an international leading provider of cutting-edge technology in airborne, mobile, terrestrial, industrial and unmanned laser scanning solutions.
RIEGL has been producing LiDAR systems commercially for over 40 years and focuses on pulsed time-of-flight laser radar technology in multiple wavelengths.
RIEGL’s core Smart-Waveform technologies provide pure digital LiDAR signal processing, unique methodologies for resolving range ambiguities, multiple targets per laser shots, optimum distribution of measurements, calibrated amplitudes and reflectance estimates, as well as the seamless integration and calibration of systems.
RIEGL’s Ultimate LiDARTM 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing “Innovation in 3D” for the LiDAR industry.
From the first inquiry, to purchase and integration of the system, training and support; RIEGL maintains an outstanding history of reliability and support to their customers.
Worldwide sales, training, support and service are delivered from RIEGL’s headquarters in Austria; main offices in the USA, Japan, China, and Australia; and by a worldwide network of representatives covering Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and Africa.