YellowScan Vx: a reliable integrated LiDAR system.
Why YellowScan Xv is a high-precision and long-range Lidar which is reliable and precise, making it fit for demanding UAV applications.
When it comes to high-precision and long-range Lidar solutions for aerial drones, one of the best solutions in the market is YellowScan Xv. In this article, the main key benefits will be examined from a technical perspective.
This turn-key LiDAR system is the result of several years of experience of the French company YellowScan, who is renowned for developing reliable integrated LiDAR systems which are fit for demanding Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) applications such as:
- Forestry
- Civil Engineering
- General Topography
- Corridor Mapping
- Agriculture
- Mining
YellowScan philosophy is to develop easy-to-use solutions. YellowScan Vx is an excellent solution for high flight UAV projects with short-time data processing needs. The product includes the renowned Riegl scanner and Applanix’s best UAV IMU. ‘
Let´s look at the main benefits of YellowScan Vx:
- Long Range
The Riegl Laser scanner which is at the core of the system is based on a rotating mirror scanning mechanism with a FOV up to 360º. The measuring principle is based on the time of flight of a laser pulse which echoes back to the sensor. The laser Pulse Repetition Rate (PRR) is 100KHz. When the target reflectance is more than 60% the scanner can measure a natural target in a range of 250m (150m when reflectivity is more than 20%). Under these conditions, a typical operating flight altitude would be around 100m. This allows to hit up to 5 target per pulse.
The system can penetrate thick vegetation with extreme accuracy while providing an excellent high range which is key for security in uneven landscapes and vegetation.
- Precise
The precision provided by the system is of 1cm. The angle measurement resolution is of 0,001º. Since the YellowScan Xv is equipped with proper inertial navigation sensors, the accuracy depends on the type of built-in IMU provided inside. An Applanixsingle board GNSS-Inertial solution of type APX-15 UAV would give an accuracy of 5 cm, while the APX-20 UAV has provision for an external IMU for highest accuracy and higher altitude mapping and when used can provide an accuracy of 2,5cm. The GNSS receiver is of survey grade type (RTK).
The system performs very well, if one considers that a drone would typically fly up to 25 m/sec, at an altitude of less than 100m and that, for example, when flying at 8m/sec at an altitude of 50m, the sensor provides a point density of 50 pt/m2, it is easy to see why YellowScan has nailed this.
- Ergonomic
Overall the system is easy to use and reliable. It weighs between 2.5Kg-3,5Kg (depending on the inertial sensor), it is compact, robust and yet small: L 330 mm x W 120 mm x H 150 mm. It has a battery autonomy of 1,5h and consumes 25W.
- Autonomous
The product can easily be quickly mounted of any type of professional UAV and can be operated autonomously. It comes with an onboard computer for continuous data acquisition and processing. It comes with the software to produce geo-referenced point cloud and other accessories such as a real-time monitoring station and a 24 MP RGB camera.
Summary
YellowScan Vx is an excellent solution for high flight UAV projects requiring long-range precise sensors which are ergonomic and fully autonomous. The product can be classified as an easy-to-use solution which is very versatile and will help saving time and to provide accurate aerial surveys.
