A new LiDAR payload makes aerial surveying more accessible.
Many surveyors are now using UAVs in their daily operations, with drones like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK as an essential part of their toolkit. However, the upgrade to including LiDAR laser scanning has been costly, and previous technology has been known to be difficult to set up and calibrate.
The new DJI Zenmuse L1 sets to change that. A clip-on payload that combines the power of LiDAR and high-quality photography at an affordable price, the L1 provides a glimpse into a more accessible future of aerial surveying technology.
The Zenmuse L1 delivers enhanced 3D data capture capability with a detection range of up to 450m, enabling the acquisition of up to 2 square kilometres of point cloud data in a single flight. It offers point cloud data capture with exceptional centimetre-level accuracy thanks to the high-precision IMU, vision sensor for positioning accuracy, plus GNSS data. It is the first LiDAR payload developed by drone giants DJI, who are recognised for creating accessible technology without compromising on quality.
Tom Goodwin at Ferntech says the new model is a very welcome addition to DJI’s range of surveying solutions. Ferntech’s team are experienced in providing professional measurement solutions to the geospatial industry, specialising in custom drone solutions. “There has always been an enthusiasm from local surveyors to use LiDAR in their operations but it has been unaffordable. The L1 gives more operators the opportunity to generate precise data with the incredible accuracy that LiDAR systems offer.”
Zenmuse L1 LiDAR contour mapping
David Herries of Interpine, a forestry consultant and data management company based in Rotorua, is excited by the possibilities of the new integrated system. Interpine have been using LiDAR since 2008 from manned aircraft. They now operate a DJI Matrice 300 RTK, and the new L1 payload will compliment their land-based LiDAR units to provide a comprehensive suite of sensors.
So far, the L1 is living up to expectations. “From the air, this unit provides high-efficiency LiDAR collection covering 100-200 ha in a single 30-minute flight with 50% to 20% overlap respectively depending on the requirements based on its 70-degree field of view. Supporting up to 3 returns and detection ranges up to 450m, the L1 is able to extract terrain under the tree canopy while extracting forest resource measurement when combined with Interpine’s innovative LiDAR processing solutions.”
He acknowledges that the price point has certainly helped. “Finally, LiDAR at any scale is within economic reach.”
Goodwin says another benefit is the full integration with the DJI Matrice 300 RTK and DJI Terra, so there is no need to invest in a third-party software service. “The bonus is that it is easy to mount to a Matrice 300 RTK, so our customers do not have to upgrade their whole drone system, simply attach it and fly.”
For those who are new to drone technology, Ferntech offers complimentary training and software subscriptions as part of their DJI Matrice 300 RTK LiDAR complete solution. “We know that learning new technology can be daunting, but this solution is designed to be simple. All you need is a few hours for someone to show you how to operate the system and you are sorted.”
For any further information contact us at commercial@ferntech.co.nz or call us on 09 399 2084.
To read more about the M300 with Zenmuse L1 click the button below.