CHC Navigation Introduces the AlphaAir 10: A Combined Lidar & RGB System For Drone Mapping Surveys

China - September 28, 2023 - CHC Navigation (CHCNAV), a global leader in geospatial solutions, has introduced the AlphaAir 10 (AA10), an innovative airborne mapping system that seamlessly integrates high-precision LiDAR technology, accurate GNSS positioning, IMU orientation, and an industrial-grade full-frame orthophoto camera.

The AA10 features a lightweight, compact design and effortless compatibility with a wide range of UAV platforms. The AlphaAir 10 can detect up to 8 target echoes utilizing advanced multi-target capabilities, greatly enhancing its ability to penetrate dense vegetation and acquire precise ground surfaces.

Figure 1. The AlphaAir 10 integrates LiDAR and RGB sensors for high-precision measurements.

"The AlphaAir 10 Airborne LiDAR + RGB system represents an exciting milestone in aerial surveying technology. Its precision, advanced scanning capabilities, highly efficient data acquisition, and user-friendly design underscore CHCNAV's commitment to providing innovative 3D reality capture solutions that empower geospatial professionals," said Andrei Gorb, Product Manager at CHC Navigation. "Combined with CHCNAV's point cloud and image fusion modeling software, the AA10 provides an efficient and cost-effective approach to airborne 3D data collection and processing."

Figure 2. The AlphaAir 10 with  DJI 350 drone for a large-scale aerial terrain mapping project.

PRECISION AND ADVANCED SCANNING CAPABILITIES

The AA10 incorporates a high-precision navigation algorithm that works in conjunction with the CHCNAV LiDAR to deliver 5 mm repeatability and exceptional absolute precision in the 2 to 5 cm range, even in complex environments. Capable of long-range measurements up to 800 m, rapid scanning at 500,000 points per second, and a continuously rotating mirror that enables scanning speeds of 250 scans per second, the AA10 enhances the detail of aerial mapping operations.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY DATA COLLECTION

By integrating LiDAR and a 45MP full-frame orthographic internal camera, the AA10 supports the simultaneous acquisition of point cloud data and a large number of high-resolution images covering a significant area in a single flight. This fusion significantly improves mapping and surveying efficiency compared to traditional fusion solutions that require multiple flights over an area using LiDAR and cameras separately.

Figure 3. Point clouds captured by the AlphaAir 10 system for a digital city project.

EFFICIENT WORKFLOW FOR SEAMLESS DATA FUSION

Complementing the solution, the CoPre and CoProcess software suite streamlines post-processing and feature extraction with an easy-to-use and efficient data workflow. High-quality point cloud data is used to create a mesh model, followed by efficient 3D model reconstruction with realistic point cloud colorization using high-resolution image mapping textures.

USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN AND RUGGEDNESS

The AA10 LiDAR system is lightweight and compact, weighing only 1.55 kg and providing 30 minutes of flight time when integrated with drones such as the DJI M350. In addition, the AA10 is IP64-rated, ensuring the system's ruggedness and providing consistent, reliable performance in a wide range of operating conditions.

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About CHC Navigation

CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) creates innovative mapping, navigation, and positioning solutions to make customers' work more efficient. CHCNAV products and solutions cover multiple industries such as geospatial, construction, agriculture, and marine. With a presence across the globe, distributors in more than 120 countries, and more than 1,700 employees, today, CHC Navigation is recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in geomatics technologies.