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Aerial Mapping using UAS Jeff Campbell

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Agenda

1. Introduction2. UAS Mapping

Explained3. Use Cases /

Outputs4. Technologies

5. Training Methods6. Implementation

Strategies7. Emerging

Technologies

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Vertical Aspect

• Specializing in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAS) Mapping– Services– Consultation– Training (Face-to face and Remote)

• Offer related hardware / software– Robota Eclipse Fixed Wing – Texas Dealer– Pix4D Pro Mapping / Virtual Surveyor Software– V-Map Ground Control Targets

• FAA Certification, Insured

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Our Background

• Jeff Campbell– Navy Rotary Wing Pilot– Lockheed Martin Program Manager– Involved in UAS since 2012

• Mark Paulson– Registered Professional Surveyor– Private Pilot– Sales / training of UAS since 2013

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UAS Mapping Explained

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Plan & Load the mission

Fly – Captureimages

Process,Provide Output

Simplified Workflow

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UAS vs. Conventional Mapping

• Higher Speed of Capture

• Smaller Crew size• More Data Points• Less Cost• Higher Efficiency

• Safer• Less Impact on

Operations• Comparable accuracy

(w/Ground Control)

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Use Cases / Outputs

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Orthomosaic

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Stockpile Volume Calculations

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Topographic

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3D Model

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Inspections

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Inspections

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UAS Mapping:Technologies

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UAS Mapping Requirements

• UAS System (fixed wing or multirotor)– Image capture app

• Tablet or laptop for field use• Pix4D Processing software• Desktop or hi end laptop for processing• Training (UAS, image capture, post-processing)• FAA Part 107 certification for commercial ops

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Typical Mapping Platforms

Robota EclipseDJI Inspire 1

SenseFly eBeeDJI Phantom 4

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Multitorotor vs. Fixed Wing

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Multirotor vs. Fixed WingAttribute Multirotor Fixed Wing

Size of Project Up to 100 ac (~30 ac /flt) 1200 ac + (~400 ac / flt)

Learning Curve Easiest + smaller datasets More complex (+ larger datasets)

Landing/takeoff area Vertical (Very small) Larger clear area for takeoff/landing

Altitude / detail Lower alt / higher detail / less coverage

Higher alt / less detail / greater coverage

Flt times ~21 mins ~50 mins

Cost of entry $2000 - $3000 $12,500 - $34,000

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Flight Planning / Image Capture

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Post-Processing Software

• Virtual Surveyor• Pix4D

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Ensuring Accuracy

• Ground Control Points• Professional Grade GPS• Ground Control Kit

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Training Methods

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How We Learned

• Self-Taught– Prior knowledge as springboard– Scour tutorials, forums, groups

• Trial & Error– Research, Guess, Purchase

• Aircraft, software, accessories– Buy, Fly, Crash, Fix

• Repeat….

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How We Teach• Determine client’s goals / experience / budget• Customized, individualized training

– Face-to-Face– Best for initial systems, flight and software training

• Able to teach basics in one day– Ground school, flight, image capture, post-processing

• Follow-up with remote training– Using remote PC / MAC screen access (recorded session)– Assist in processing client’s first projects– Teach advanced processing / different output types / other software

• Follow-up with clients as technology improves

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Implementation Strategies

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In-House or Outsource

• Questions to ask– Familiar with technology/ convinced of benefits?– How much UAS mapping work anticipated?– Staff available to train?– Ability to invest?– Desire to keep up with technology– Already in related business (natural progression of capabilities?)– Outsource at first prior to making decision

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UAS Mapping Strategy– Initial• Consult with expert• Start small – Consumer or Prosumer Quadrotor / register with FAA• Train one to two individuals

– Learn systems / image capture / post processing– Obtain FAA Part 107 Drone certification

• Obtain Liability Insurance – Annual – around $800-$1,000 for $1M– On Demand (e.g. Verifly) - from $10/hr for $1M

• Capture sample missions– Topographic, orthographic, volume measurement, 3D modeling, etc.– Work with Ground Control points (team up with surveyor at first)

• Learn end-to-end workflow• Simple single battery missions – migrate to multi-battery missions• Produce deliverables for projects <100 acres

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UAS Mapping Strategy - Mature

• Add fixed wing platform• Larger areas / datasets• Learn additional software tools

– Global Mapper / Virtual Surveyor• Dedicated processing computer• More complex deliverables (additional workflow)• Add additional staff – separate image capture from

back end processing

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Emerging Technologies• Increasing Accuracy

– Proliferation of Real Time Kinematics (RTK)• Accurate measurements without GCP

• Obstacle Avoidance• Transponders / Collision Avoidance• Automation: Standoff / vertical patterns / 3D modeling• Airborne LIDAR• Software Improvements

– Post Processing– Flight control / Image capture– Terrain Awareness

• Increased battery capacity / flight times• Camera improvements – zoom, thermal, multispectral

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Jeff Campbell Mark Paulson

www.verticalaspect.comor e-mail us at

support@verticalaspect.com