Abstract
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has revolutionized the surveying field by providing highly accurate and detailed 3D models of landscapes. Engineers are creating LiDAR systems that combine ease of use with excellent capabilities to make this technology available to everyone. The complexity of building such systems, even from accessible and affordable components, requires extensive competencies, so not everyone can master them. Inertial Labs has created RESEPI – a LiDAR system that combines ease of use, the highest accuracy, and inexpensive cost, which is excellent for resellers and users.
The Gen-II release will have even more streamlined workflows and platform integrations in the future. This strategy is designed to make LiDAR technology accessible to many users while ensuring high-quality survey results.
The sections will be covered: Introduction to LiDAR, Why Simplify the LiDAR Survey, Approaches to Simplifying LiDAR surveys, and Future of LiDAR-technology. The conclusion will summarize the benefits of Simplifying LiDAR Survey.
Section 1. Introduction to LiDAR
First, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of LiDAR. The term LiDAR is short for light detection and ranging. LiDAR is a technology based on the emission of infrared pulses reflected from objects and the measurement of the time it takes to travel from the emitter to the receiver. When a LiDAR laser beam hits an object like a tree or building, the light is reflected to the sensor, Figure 1. By timing the return time of each laser pulse, the LiDAR surveying system can calculate the distance to each reflected point. These calculations are based on the time-of-flight (ToF) method, according to which the speed of light is considered constant.
Figure 1. Conditional demonstration of LiDAR operation.
The points collected in this way form a point cloud – a three-dimensional model of the scanned area in the form of points. The resulting data is processed to create accurate maps, terrain models, or three-dimensional images of objects.
Due to the advantages of this technology, LiDAR has found wide applications in mapping, power line analysis, forest and biomass monitoring, construction, mining, and much more.
Section 2. Why simplify the LiDAR survey
The answer to this question is straightforward – to save the user’s or reseller’s time. The main direction of simplifying LiDAR examination is to create maximum user comfort by adding new features according to users’ requirements.
Manufacturers have made significant progress by simplifying LiDAR to the touch of a button. The simplification of LiDAR surveying was primarily made possible by the emergence and popularization of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. However, it is worth mentioning that this complex process affects both hardware and software components. Before the popularization of drones, airplanes or helicopters were used, and they are still in use today, but the cost of renting a small aircraft is much higher than that of a drone. Today, even the cheapest single-engine piston aircraft costs $120-$200 per hour, while the DJI Matrice 300/350 can be rented for $250 per day (data taken from open sources).
Before you continue reading, we recommend the previous articles explaining why LiDAR is integrated with INS [1] And Boresight calibration [2]. This will help us better understand the processes of simplifying the LiDAR examination.
Modern LiDAR surveying systems consist mainly of the following components:
- LiDAR
- INS
- Data Logger
- Processing Software
All these components allow the user to obtain a point cloud with a geographical reference (when using satellites) or unreferenced in a local coordinate system (without satellites) using SLAM algorithms.
An example of such a system is RESEPI, the architecture shown in Figure 2 [3].
Figure 2. RESEPI payload architecture from Inertial Labs.
As you can see, the system was initially designed for use with drones. This is a relatively popular modern solution since scanning huge areas, for example, from an airplane, is not always necessary. Compared to scanners for airplanes/helicopters, lidars used with drones and other drones are a low/middle-cost segment. At the same time, thanks to the efforts of engineers, it was possible to increase the system’s accuracy to a level of several centimeters, which is more accurate than the solution for the aircraft, Figure 3 [4]. At the same time, its cost is much lower.
The part highlighted by red box 1 is the payload. It collects raw data during a flight or trip, which must then be processed to produce a point cloud. Blue Box 2 is the software installed on the user’s computer. However, there is also support for RTK correction using a particular modem. In addition, the system supports SLAM operation, so data collection does not require satellites.
The difficulty in building such systems is, to a lesser extent, coordinating all the parts into a single system. Still, more to achieve the highest possible accuracy that it can provide. This largely depends on the components as mentioned above, particularly boresight calibration and INS quality. Both components are closely dependent on each other. Even if the INS is very accurate, its accuracy is wholly neglected without proper calibration.
On the other hand, you need software for data processing, the writing of which is not a quick and expensive process.
Figure 3. RESEPI TELEDYNE OPTECH CL-360HD. |
Of course, it would be untrue to say that all this would have to be done by the user himself; most manufacturers come with hardware software for working with data. However, difficulties may arise if you must combine the results. In this case, users and manufacturers would have to outsource assembling all components, both software and hardware, which would take time and money.
In this regard, companies such as Inertial Labs have created a turnkey solution engineered for partners and resellers in the remote sensing industry; the Remote Sensing Payload Instrument, or RESEPI™, is a combined Dual Antenna GNSS-Aided Inertial Navigation System, datalogger, LiDAR, camera, and communications system that allows for the real-time and post-processed generation of point cloud solutions. The processing platform contains a WiFi interface, an embedded cellular modem to support RTCM corrections, data logging software, and gigabit ethernet. The device was built with the purpose of white labeling.
Your Logo can be placed on all software: LIDAR surveying calibration software, Bore-sighting software, Point Cloud Software, web interfaces, and hardware. All components are mounted into one compact and lightweight enclosure.
RESEPI is entirely modular. You can supply the GNSS receiver. You can supply the LiDAR. We provide everything for assembling, calibrating, and bore-sighting RESEPI™. This allows you to maintain existing relationships and meet local production requirements. You have complete control over customization.
RESEPI is a complete remote sensing solution – LiDAR, all required cables, mounting brackets, vibration isolator, LiDAR Calibration, Bore-sighting, Post-Processing (PPK), and Point Cloud software. Value Added Resellers can focus on growing their business rather than developing the payload product. We will support and grow the product together to meet the market requirements with a commitment to supplying the best price/performance solution to our Business Partner.
For the user, the purchase of RESEPI allows it to start working almost immediately after pressing a single button to collect data. Now, let’s consider approaches to simplifying the LiDAR examination.
Section 4. Approaches to simplifying LiDAR surveying
Let’s consider the choice of optimal equipment. The specific equipment selection depends primarily on the required accuracy, as discussed below. A lot also depends on the user’s budget. Today, the market offers a wide range of drones, on-board computers, lidars, and software for communication and data processing.
The article [5] considers the development of a UAV-LiDAR system based on the low-cost Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR sensor. The authors used low-cost hardware and open-source software based on ROS. As a result, the authors achieved a “mean squared error of 17.1 cm in survey measurement reliability and 76.6 cm in georeferencing reliability”. Compared to the accuracy of RESEPI VELODYNE VLP-16, Figure 4.
Figure 4. RESEPI VLP-16 System Accuracy.
You can see using the same LiDAR and get utterly different accuracy. Although the free software allows you to assemble all the components and process the data almost immediately, it may not consider many factors that affect accuracy. Or it does it worse than commercial products. The RESEPI data post-processing software integrates a ready-made solution from Novatel – Waypoint, which processes GNSS and IMU data to obtain maximum accuracy, Figure 5 [6].
Figure 5. Accuracy of GNSS and IMU data post-processing.
Note that the receiver integrated into RESEPI supports not only GPS constellations but also dramatically improves the accuracy of payload coordinates. RESEPI also uses a very accurate IMU, Figure 6 [7].
Figure 6. The Inertial Labs Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU-P).
Finally, we use boresight calibration to reduce the lidar and IMU mismatch. All this dramatically affects accuracy, and users who want to assemble their system from ready-made components can perform all the necessary procedures or do not have professional equipment for calibration.
To simplify the data processing process, Inertial Labs has developed PCMasterPro software [8]. This software is straightforward and does not require operations in the command line or configuration files, as with open-source solutions.
As a result, drone surveying is easier than ever before. Now, let’s look at the future of LiDAR surveys.
Section 5. Future of LiDAR-technology
The future of LiDAR technology is closely related to integration with other platforms. Real-time data processing has become possible thanks to the increase in computing power. This allows you to get the finished result immediately during the data collection process, thus significantly reducing the time since post-processing is no longer required.
Also, the rapid improvement of LiDAR surveying technology contributes to improving the quality and lowering the cost of systems. This will significantly boost the expansion of LiDAR applications in autonomous vehicles, robotics, monitoring, construction, agriculture, and many other areas.
In this regard, Inertial Labs announced the launch of its new remote sensing instrument RESEPI™ LiDAR GEN-II, figure 7 [9, 10].
Figure 7. RESEPI™ LiDAR GEN-II.
The GEN-II version will have different operating modes to ensure the best result according to user requirements: air mode for comprehensive aerial data collection, mobile mode for obtaining dynamic data from vehicles, and universal manual/backpack mode for portability and ease of use for ground personnel.
Here are some important innovations compared to the first generation:
* Using Aiding Data to improve the accuracy of INS [11].
* Ability to integrate up to 5 additional cameras for 360 shooting.
* Support mount for various drones.
* Tight integration with drones for data exchange, such as getting RTCM corrections for Payload from the drone.
* Real-time data processing by increasing computing power
The main feature of the GEN-II is its seamless integration with drones or other platforms, which highlights its adaptability in different operational contexts. The sensor-independent design of the instrument allows for easy integration of external sensors, including LiDAR and cameras. This flexibility is further enhanced by the system’s ability to compute point clouds, trajectories, and decisions in real-time, which is a critical factor in time-sensitive missions.
The launch of Gen-II thus marks the first step in transforming RESEPI™ into a full-featured development platform for innovative sensor-based solutions for mapping, inspection, autonomous navigation, and robotics applications.
Conclusion
Modern LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an advanced technology that uses lasers to accurately measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the area. This method lets you quickly and accurately collect data on terrain, buildings, vegetation, and other features. Modern Lidar systems can be used in various applications such as surveying, forestry, urban planning, and archaeology, providing high accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Thanks to the efforts of engineers, the use of LiDAR systems has become simple and accessible to anyone. Now, developers do not need to spend time and money mastering and developing their solutions; users only need to click a button to start working. Unlike open-source solutions, a professional approach ensures reliability, simplicity, and highly accurate data.
Inertial Labs offers a low-cost, high-precision solution for both resellers and users. The launch of RESEPI Gen-II will enable real-time data processing and ensure tight integration with other platforms. Thus, the LiDAR Survey will become not only more accessible but also more functional.
Inertial Labs is committed to providing high-quality solutions with customization and excellent value for money at an affordable price.
References
[1] Mendez, Maria. “How INS Complements LiDAR Technology.” RESEPI, 3 Sept. 2024, lidarpayload.com/how-ins-complements-lidar-technology/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
[2] Mendez, Maria. “A Comprehensive Guide to Boresight and Strip Alignment for LiDAR Data Accuracy.” Inertial Labs, 16 Aug. 2024, inertiallabs.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-boresight-and-strip-alignment-for-lidar-data-accuracy/. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
[3] “RESEPI – LiDAR Payload & SLAM Solutions.” RESEPI, 12 July 2024, lidarpayload.com/.
[4] “RESEPI Teledyne CL-360HD.” RESEPI, 28 Mar. 2024, lidarpayload.com/home/resepi-teledyne-cl-360hd/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
[5] Del Savio, Alexandre Almeida, et al. “Integrating a LiDAR Sensor in a UAV Platform to Obtain a Georeferenced Point Cloud.” Applied Sciences, vol. 12, no. 24, 1 Jan. 2022, p. 12838, www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/24/12838, https://doi.org/10.3390/app122412838. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
[6] Waypoint Post-Processing Software. 2023, novatel.com/products/waypoint-post-processing-software. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
[7] High Performance Advanced MEMS Inertial Measurement Units.
[8] Inertial Labs. “RESEPI Quick-Start Guide – Setting up Your LiDAR Survey System and PCMaster – Inertial Labs.” YouTube, 4 Aug. 2022, youtu.be/AygQTBVNrKw. Accessed 3 June 2024.
[9] Mendez, Maria. “Inertial Labs Unveils the New GEN-II RESEPI Scanning and Mapping Solution.” Inertial Labs, 31 Jan. 2024, inertiallabs.com/inertial-labs-unveils-gen-ii-resepi-scanning-and-mapping-solution/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
[10] Inertial Labs. “RESEPI LiDAR Remote Sensing Payload Instrument GEN-II Revealed at Geo Week 2024.” YouTube, 15 Feb. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5LDiIRv85g. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
[11] Rudenko, Roman. “Summary of Aiding Data Features for INS.” Inertial Labs, Aug. 2020, inertiallabs.com/summary-of-aiding-data-features-for-ins/. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.