In the video “What Does A $350K LiDAR Project REALLY Look Like?” by Dylan Gorman, he takes you through his completed LiDAR project worth $350,000. The project involved capturing 750 acres of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains in under 12 hours for a topographical survey. With the help of a DJI M300 drone, Rock Robotic R2A LiDAR sensor, and other equipment, Dylan was able to complete the project much faster than traditional survey methods. The video showcases the benefits of using drone LiDAR and highlights the ease and efficiency of Rock Robotic products and services for LiDAR projects. The data captured by the drone will be processed in 2-3 weeks, allowing for quick and accurate analysis and mapping of the area. The project demonstrates the capabilities of using drones for large-scale data capture and shows the potential for future applications.
In this captivating video, Dylan Gorman shares his experience completing a $350,000 LiDAR project. With the goal of capturing 750 acres of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dylan explains how using a drone and the Rock Robotic R2A LiDAR sensor allowed him to complete the project quickly and efficiently. The video explores the benefits of drone LiDAR, the process of data capture, and the importance of accurate surveying for future developments. By showcasing the capabilities of drone technology in large-scale data capture, the project highlights the potential applications for LiDAR in various industries.
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LiDAR Project Overview
In this comprehensive article, we will walk you through the details of an impressive LiDAR project worth $350,000. The project involves capturing 750 acres of land in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The client’s requirement is to conduct a topographical survey for future developments on the property. To accomplish this ambitious task, the use of a DJI M300 drone and Rock Robotic R2A LiDAR sensor will be employed. We will explore the advantages of using drone LiDAR and the valuable support provided by Rock Robotic throughout the project.
Project Planning and Equipment
The success of any project relies heavily on meticulous planning, and this LiDAR project is no exception. The team utilized Google Earth Pro for flight mission planning, taking advantage of its powerful features. To further enhance the planning process, KML files were imported into UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software) for mission planning. This combination of tools ensured an efficient and effective approach to achieve the project goals.
The selection of the DJI M300 drone and Rock Robotic R2A LiDAR sensor was a crucial aspect of the project. The DJI M300, known for its reliability, was the ideal choice for this endeavor. Its robust capabilities and advanced flight features made it well-suited for capturing data over vast terrain. The Rock Robotic R2A LiDAR sensor provided the necessary precision and accuracy required for the topographical survey. The integration of these two pieces of equipment ensured the project could be executed flawlessly.
To ensure uninterrupted communication during the drone flight, a satellite connection was set up. This vital aspect of the project allowed for real-time data transmission and control throughout the mission.
Drone Flight Execution
The execution of the drone flight required careful consideration and planning. Automatic flight route creation was employed to streamline the process and maximize efficiency. The drone was programmed to follow the terrain using elevation data, enabling it to adapt to the challenging topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Flight height and speed settings were configured to meet the project’s specific requirements. The drone would fly at a height of 60 meters with a flight speed of 6 meters per second. These settings were carefully calibrated to ensure optimal data capture while adhering to safety protocols.
Considering the vast area to be covered, it was essential to estimate the flight duration accurately. The team projected that the flight would take approximately 24 minutes. This estimation factored in the necessary time for data collection using the LiDAR system and the RS2 device. Additionally, battery swaps during the flight were anticipated to ensure the seamless continuation of the mission.
Data Processing and Visualization
Once the data was collected, it was essential to process and visualize it efficiently. The data processing timeline varied but was estimated to take around 2-3 weeks, significantly faster than traditional survey methods. The team employed PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) alignment and trajectory information to ensure the accuracy of the captured data. This process aligned the LiDAR data with the boundary markers set by the local survey company.
After processing, the data was visualized using specialized software. This visual representation allowed for easy analysis and mapping of the area. The processed data was used to create contour maps, providing valuable information about the topography of the land. These deliverables served as crucial references for the client’s future developments and plans.
Project Conclusion
The completion of the $350,000 LiDAR project marks a significant achievement. The project demonstrated the immense potential of using drone LiDAR for large-scale data capture. By leveraging the capabilities of the DJI M300 drone and Rock Robotic R2A LiDAR sensor, the team successfully captured 750 acres of land in the challenging terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Thanks to the efficient planning, reliable equipment, and diligent execution, the project was completed in less than 12 hours. The client’s requirement for a topographical survey was met, providing them with invaluable data for their future developments. The use of drone LiDAR offered numerous advantages, including obstacle-free flights, accurate topographic mapping, and significantly faster data capture compared to traditional methods.
This successful LiDAR project not only showcases the capabilities of drone technology but also highlights the potential for future applications in various industries. The support and sponsorship from Rock Robotic played a crucial role in the project’s success, underscoring the importance of reliable partners in the field of LiDAR data capture. With the advancements in technology and the continued collaboration between industry leaders, the possibilities for large-scale data capture are endless.
In the context of “What Does A $350K LiDAR Project REALLY Look Like?”
What do you get when you pair a turnkey LiDAR solution and you are a client looking to have an aerial survey completed in 2-3 weeks rather than 2-3 months? This $350,000 LiDAR project I just completed is exactly what ended up happening with my client and me. Check this video out to learn how I was able to capture 750 acres of land in less than 12 hours and provide deliverables to my client in 2-3 weeks’ time from initial data capture!
Thank you Rock Robotic for sponsoring this video! Harrison and his team over at Rock Robotic are a great group of people with a fantastic product and a killer support system to get you up and running with aerial LiDAR quickly.
Learn more about Rock Robotic here.
Resources/ Equipment used
Rock R2A LiDAR: [Rock R2A LiDAR](https://www.rockrobotic.com/drone-lidar/rock-r2a-li…
Emlid RS2 GNSS: Emlid RS2 GNSS
DJI M300 RTK: DJI M300 RTK
DJI D-RTK 2 GNSS: DJI D-RTK 2 GNSS
UGcS Flight Planning Software: UGcS Flight Planning Software
Looking to Fast Track your way to a career in the commercial drone industry? Join many others who have taken this private 4-week mentorship program and see how you can get flying: 4-week mentorship program.
Drones used in the drone industry:
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“Beginner” – DJI Mini 2: DJI Mini 2
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“Beginner” – DJI Air 2s: DJI Air 2s
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“Advanced” – DJI Mavic 2 Pro: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
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“Advanced” – DJI Phantom 4 Pro: DJI Phantom 4 Pro
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“Intermediate” – DJI Inspire 2: DJI Inspire 2
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“Intermediate” – DJI Mavic 3: DJI Mavic 3
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My Camera Equipment!
Canon R5: Canon R5
Canon 24-70 2.8L: Canon 24-70 2.8L
Rode Microphone: Rode Microphone
Drone: Drone
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