The BLK2FLY captured a dense, complete dataset on this 10-story building in less than two hours.
• What accuracy is required? Autonomous flying laser scanner technology captures data at plus or minus 1 to 2 cm, or .05 ft. If you need a quarter inch or better accuracy, you’ll want to use a terrestrial laser scanner for reality capture instead of or as a supplement to the aerial scan data. • How quickly do you need the data? When productivity is paramount, an autonomous flying laser scanner is an order of magnitude faster than even the fastest terrestrial laser scanners. • What are the site conditions? The autonomous operation of the technology provides significant safety benefits when cap - turing data in potentially hazardous situations. • Are there airspace restrictions? Unlike other UAVs, which typically fly a few hundred feet off the ground for data cap - ture, autonomous flying laser scanners operate within 25 feet of the structures being scanned. This proximity minimizes issues due to airspace restrictions. Built-in AirMap func- tionality lets you quickly check to see whether an airspace authorization is required. • Is your project indoors or outdoors? Because the technol- ogy uses GNSS for navigation, it is limited to outdoor use. For projects requiring indoor data capture, consider using a robot- The entire dataset for this 1,000-ft-long duct bank was captured with the Leica BLK2FLY autonomous flying laser scanner in just 30 minutes.
mounted autonomous solution or a handheld or stationary laser scanner instead. • How much detail do you need? Capturing a point cloud with lidar gives you a higher level of detail than generating a point cloud from photogrammetry, especially for objects with vertical spacing. If your project requires a high level of detail, an autonomous flying laser scanner provides an advantage over other UAVs. (Explore sample datasets here.) • What size is the project? Because they fly at low altitudes, autonomous systems are not suitable for capturing large- scale topographic data. However, they are ideal for capturing smaller areas and structures where productivity, safety and detail are paramount. • Is there a better way to capture the data? Autonomous flying laser scanners might not be the best solution for every application—but they provide a distinct advantage compared to traditional UAV systems and, in some cases, terrestrial laser scanners. Whether used alone or in combination with other technologies, these full lidar UAVs make it fast and easy to scan inaccessible areas, stay safe on the site and capture all the data you need. With their simple operation, impressive data quality and broad us - ability, autonomous flying laser scanners make it possible to harness the power of 3D digital data to deliver tremendous value. Finally, the vision of a UAV on every project is within reach. To learn more about laser scanning and other solutions to maximize your surveying and engineering potential, get in touch with a surveying and engineering expert at Leica Geosystems . BRYAN BAKER is the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) sales manager for Leica Geosystems in the US and Canada. He has been in the geospatial industry for his entire career and has a passion for aviation and technology. He’s an ASPRS certified mapping scientist, an instrument-rated commercial pilot, and a small UAS remote pilot. He’s also a factory-certified UAS trainer and an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. In his spare time, he volunteers as an FAA Safety Team representative and is a designated “Drone Pro” for the southwestern US. Bryan can be reached at bryan.baker@leicaus.com.
The BLK2FLY easily and autonomously navigates around structures such as cooling towers to create its own flight path.
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July 2022
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