Product Data Sheet - Aerial Solutions · 2018-01-05 · Product Data Sheet a Klau Geomatics product ... Lens focal length errors affect project elevations and can be managed using

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

Turnkey PPK 3D Geo-referencing System

Product Data Sheet

a Klau Geomatics product

• Plug and play hardware for easy UAV and camera integration• Sophisticated yet simple data management and processing software• Camera Calibration methodology to enable best results from UAV cameras• Custom coordinate systems and geoids• Seamless integration into your existing workflows

Verity Positioning produces high accuracy camera positions using PPK GNSS to increase accuracy and reduce ground control requirements in photogrammetric mapping.

The Verity Positioning geo-referencing system is a synergy of hardware, software and methodology

to add unprecedented accuracy and efficiency to your UAV and manned aerial mapping operations.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

Why Verity Positioning?

To tie 3D photogrammetry projects to the real world, GCPs (ground control points) were the traditional solution. These targets, placed on the ground, visible in photos and surveyed to have accurate coordinates, become the frame of reference for the project.

Aerial geo-referencing, when done correctly, does not require GCPs. Each photo location becomes a precise control point, so your project is blanketed with hundreds of control points distributed evenly across the entire area.

Absolute 3D Accuracy

With Verity Positioning you can achieve highly accurate 3D maps and models, with accurate heights, for absolute 3D accuracy.

Lens focal length errors affect project elevations and can be managed using just one or two calibration points, anywhere in the project area. Calibration points can be captured by landing the UAV on an identifiable point.

Verity Positioning saves time in the field and in the office, is more accurate, and on some sites the only effective solution to create mapping products with true 3D absolute accuracy.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

RTK or PPK?

Other airborne geo-referencing systems implement real time kinematic (RTK) solutions using various grades of GPS receiver. As a real time result is not required in this application, the limitations of RTK make it a less viable solution for direct geo-referencing. • RTK requires a stable radio link to receive base station data which is processed on the fly. • RTK can be prone to GPS signal blockage and radio link outages with UAV flight dynamics,

where signals are obstructed or lost over long distances. • Loss of correction data and initialization results in a smaller percentage of accurate

camera positions being determined.

The better alternative to RTK is post processed kinematic (PPK), where all data is logged in the UAV and processed with base station data after the flight. • There is no data loss or initialization loss as in RTK due to radio link limitations. • All collected data is processed with similar algorithms to RTK, run forwards and

backwards through the data. • This ensures the most robust results possible.

PPK offers greater flexibility in operations, longer range from the base (or no base), is more reliable, more accurate and easier to use.

Comparison to Traditional Alternatives

GCPs or Direct Geo-Referencing?

GCPs may be positioned with RTK or similar survey methods or be smart devices that collect GPS data internally to process their locations.

• Placing GCPs can be time consuming, expensive, often taking much more time than the aerial data acquisition.

• GCPs must be distributed across the entire project area• GCPs are not practical for large and inaccessible sites• Smart GCPs are expensive, prone to damage and require

additional time to recover the GCPs. • Errors grow with distance from GCPs• Photogrammetry processing time is longer with GCPs

The benefits of a direct geo-referencing system over placing GCPs results in improved efficiency, logistics, cost savings and project profitability.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

Verity Positioning System Advantages

The Verity Positioning system offers a complete hardware, software and methodology to eliminate the need for GCPs or RTK systems. It is a non-prescriptive, accessible system that will adapt to your workflows, in the field, in the air, on your desktop or in the cloud.

Our hardware is configured to capture quality data with precise camera timing marks. It integrates with any UAV camera system, configured to capture camera events from event pulses of aerial cameras, flash outputs from DSLRs and complex digital trigger data from DJI drones.

Installation is very simple. Kits are built to suit the UAV (or manned aircraft), to easily mount on the aircraft and connect to the camera and power.

Operation of the system is also very simple and does not disrupt the existing flight systems. Power up the Verity Positioning hardware 10 minutes prior to flying, then execute your flights as you usually would.

Our comprehensive post processing software is sophisticated yet simple to use. Input your base and rover data to process precise camera locations. Its unique algorithm takes the flight dynamics into account to achieve the best possible accuracy in camera positioning.

The software supports worldwide coordinate systems, projections, and height datums including custom datums and coordinate systems such as mine sites or local construction site reference coordinates.

The Verity Postitioning system captures and manages camera calibration points and check points to enable the highest possible absolute 3D accuracy.

Our professional support team provides ongoing support to our clients through installation, operation, PPK processing and photogrammetry, ensuring that the system delivers the required accuracy.

Accuracy achievable with the Verity Postitioning system is better using GCPs, RTK or other PPK systems. Verity Positioning blankets your entire project with control. This is equivalent to having hundreds of ground control points spread evenly across your project area, no matter how big, i.e. each image center acts as a GCP. The system manages camera calibration and survey control to give you the most accurate 3D mapping solution.

Save time and money while producing more accurate 3D mapping.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

Compatibility

CamerasCamera signal capture is achieved from most cameras:

• Aerial cameras such as Phase One and Hasselblad• Any DSLR camera• Light cameras with a flash hotshoe or output• Light cameras with no flash output (requires camera modification)• DJI cameras, X3 and X5• Micasense RedEdge multispectral• other cameras, thermal, multispectral, LiDAR

AircraftCompatible with manned and unmanned aircraft. Plug and Play installation kits available for most UAVs.

• Manned aircraft, fixed wing and helicopter• DJI M100, M600 with installation kit• Multirotor UAVs, typically larger than Phantom or Solo, with any flight

controller,• Installation kits for Falcon 8, Microdrone and others• Fixed wing UAVs, Mavinci Sirius, Event38 and other custom systems• Custom installation on your drone• Handheld gimbal integration….. that’s right, you don’t even need a drone!

Most systems are pre-configured to be “plug-and-play”, with simple installation onto your aircraft. If your system is not listed, we may require your UAV to create a custom installation kit.

OEM systems are also available for UAV manufacturers.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

Data Capture

1. Run a GNSS base station in the vicinity of your project, or source CORS (continually operating reference station) data in the area (ideally within 10-15km). A VRS (virtual reference station) option is available in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, eliminating the need for a physical base station.

Real-time or post processed corrections are available for long range projects (unlimited range) with no base station requirement.

2. Plug the Verity Positioning system in to your camera and UAV and fly your project as usual. The system will automatically capture camera events and GNSS data and store this until the end of the flight.

3. After the flight, land on a couple of ground marks and take a photo. These points will be managed in the Verity Positioning software and used to calibrate your camera to achieve the most accurate 3D modelling.

4. Process the base and UAV data in the Verity Positioning software. After PPK processing, the positions can be exported or written to the photo EXIF.

5. Bring the high precision photo centre coordinates into your photogrammetry software. Mark them as 5cm accuracy and process as normal.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected]

How it Works

ABN 53 132 851 775

Camera Calibration

Verity Positioning system offers a simple, effective methodology to calibrate the camera.

Unlike high-end (expensive) aerial cameras, a typical camera in a UAV does not have the measurement quality characteristics of aerial cameras, it is “non-metric”, has lens distortions, is not calibrated and has moving parts that can affect calibration. Managing these errors with a simple calibration will put every pixel in it’s accurate position which translates to an accurate mapping product that can be used for measurement.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected]

By capturing a couple of identifiable points on the ground, using the Verity Positioning hardware on the UAV to do this, the actual focal length of the camera can be determined. These points can be anywhere on the project where they will be visible in a number of photos.

Our software will manage the calibration points, which can be imported into your photogrammetry software. Here they will be applied directly to correct the camera lens error. From that point on the whole project will be accurately surveyed.

Capturing a couple of calibration points on each project can be a standard operating procedure, or the calibration determined in one project can be used again in future projects, if the camera is found to hold a stable calibration.

ABN 53 132 851 775

Post Processing

The Verity Positioning Processing Software is an integral part of the system, a dedicated, custom developed product for PPK post processing and extraction of photo centrecoordinates. It offers ease of use, with a simple workflow to guide users through the end to end process.

The software supplied free with hardware. See the video of the processing workflow at https://vimeo.com/185524384

• Import your base and rover data files, enter your base station coordinates• Select your coordinate system. We continue to expand our compatibility with global

published systems and geoids. Custom (local) datums can be added.• Select your aircraft type and height measurements between ground, camera and antenna• Save any of the above settings for future use• The processing software will provide rigorous bi-directional GNSS processing of each photo

location, applying timing calibration and IMU data to compute highly accurate photo coordinates.

• Select your photo file to geotag photos (write to EXIF) or export photocenter coordinates as a .csv file compatible with your existing photogrammetry processing software.

Sample Data

Contact us to try our software with a sample dataset.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

Photogrammetry Processing

Desktop

Import your geotagged photos or file of photo coordinates into your usual desktop photogrammetry processing package (Photomodeler, Pix4D, Agisoft etc)

• Import your geotagged photos or photo coordinate file• Set the accuracy of the photos to 0.05m (not default 5m)• Import the calibration point file and select these points as GCPs to

calibrate your camera. • Process your photogrammetry as you normally would. • It is always recommended to have check points or other means to catch

errors and verify the accuracy of your project.

Cloud

Optionally, upload to the 4DMapper cloud (4dmapper.com) for photo to 3D photogrammetry processing, asset inspection, sharing and multi user collaboration.

• Upload your photos from the Verity software• Pick your Camera Calibration Points or GCPs • Select the data deliverables you need (orthophoto, DTM, etc)• Process. Your data will be sent to Autodesk ReCap for processing.• Data will be available in your 4DMapper account

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected]

Verity Positioning offers a non-prescriptive solution set that works seamlessly with your existing desktop workflow or provides an end to end cloud solution.

ABN 53 132 851 775

Manned aircraft ruggedized Direct Gereferencing system

UAV Georeferencing System in carbon fibre enclosure

Hardware Specifications

• Multi frequency GPS (L1/L2/L2C, L5), GLONASS (L1,L2), SBAS, QZSS and L-Band enabled receiver.

• Proven technology from NovAtel• Input voltage: 8 to 28 VDC• Power consumption: 3 W• Shock and vibration resistant• Automated logging of raw GNSS with camera

events• Carbon fibre UAV enclosure: 110 x 70 x 15 mm,

200g typical total weight• Ruggedized metal enclosure for base station or

manned aircraft• Active GNSS antenna for UAV: 51 mm height by

30 mm diameter• Customised brackets and cables for power,

camera and antenna

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775

The Company

The Verity Positioning system was designed by a highly experienced engineering team consisting of:• a PhD photogrammetrist as a team lead with over 16 years enterprise software/hardware

system development experience, • three electronics engineers with over 25 years of military grade electronic intelligence

system design and development experience, and • a registered Surveying Engineer with over 25 years of global experience as Director of the

company.

The Verity Positioning System solution produces reliable and precise survey grade results due to a solid understanding of the following factors:

• GNSS positioning, precisely synchronized with the camera shutter.• Post processing of GNSS data accounting for flight dynamics, coordinate systems and

vertical datums.• Understanding non-metric camera behaviour, lens calibration and internal electronic

delays, then precisely modelling and applying them in the system processes.

At KlauGeomatics we understand practical surveying requirements, image processing and the physics and mathematics behind turning images into survey grade mapping data. We have designed a unique, industry leading, end-to-end solution by taking all of the above aspects into account in a simple and practical package, built on the best quality components, with proven accuracy and efficiency.

Our R&D continues to add more value and functionality to enable a more productive workflow for our customers.

Our professional support team provides ongoing support to our clients through installation, operation, PPK data processing and photogrammetry, ensuring that the system delivers the highest possible accuracy.

PO Box 277, Ulladulla, NSW, 2539, Australia ph +61 401 588 005 [email protected] ABN 53 132 851 775