A Subscription model is a valuable option for users who are interested in testing the waters of drone LIDAR mapping or wish to keep up with the constantly evolving technology. Our True View 410 3D Imaging System (3DIS, Figure 1) is available under two business models; a standard system purchase or as a subscription service. Both options include the sensor hardware/accessories as well as full post-processing software.
The subscription plan includes a mount for either a DJI M600 Pro or a DJI M300 RTK that you return to us with the sensor when the subscription ends. For purchased systems, you can purchase one of these mounts or, if you are using a drone other than a DJI, we can assist you with a custom mount.
NOTE: We have a limited number of refurbished True View 410 systems available for sale. If you want to own a True View 3DIS but are a bit budget limited, contact us about these refurb units. They include all software as well as a 1 year support contract.
Figure 1: True View 410
The True View 410 uses the very high quality Trimble Applanix APX-15 Position and Orientation System (POS). With this system, there are three common schemes for referencing:
- Single Base – this uses a single base station, either locally placed as part of the drone mapping mission or a nearby permanent station such as a CORS. This is, by far, the most common, most accurate and most reliable positioning strategy.
- Applanix SmartBase – This mode uses a network of stations (mostly CORS) in a virtual static configuration. It is available in select areas and eliminates the need for a local base station.
- Trimble PP-RTX – This is a precise point positioning (PPP) solution offered by Trimble. It does not use a base station, is universally applicable but does not have quite as high of accuracy as a local base solution.
These positioning modes are discussed in some detail in our January 23, 2020 issue of True View Bulletin (available on our website). In most work, you will set a local base station. We find the other modes (SmartBase and PP-RTX) useful for salvaging a project if something happens to the local base station.
What Do I Get With a Subscription?
The True View subscription model provides users with the necessary post-processing software and a post deployment portal to provide a fully integrated and complete drone mapping solution. You’ll receive:
- True View 3DIS System ( True View 410 or True View 515)
- True View EVO, Post Processing Software (1 license seat)
- True View Reckon Portal, Data Management Portal (hosted in Amazon Web Services, AWS)
The subscription model allows for any of these three processing modes as they are built directly into True View EVO.
We track system use by the flight minute – kinematic minute or “kinmin.” Subscriptions include 500 flight minutes per month in the base monthly subscription charge.
More minutes can be purchased, if necessary, directly from our True View Reckon portal. The subscription fees are paid in True View Points and managed by our True View Reckon.
Full Technical Support and Software Updates
The subscription system includes full technical support as well as hardware and software updates. If a system under subscription fails, it is replaced with another system. Purchased systems include full technical, software and hardware support for the first year. We offer several support options for year two and beyond.
Do I need a Subscription or a Purchased Unit?
Which model you select depends on your type of business. If you purchase a drone LIDAR system, you should plan on an amortization period no more than about 30 months as the technology is rapidly changing.
n general, we find that companies who are committed to either an internal drone mapping program (so-called “owner-operators” such as mining companies) or companies with a dedicated business line of drone mapping services tend to purchase systems.
Some considerations for a subscription system might be:
- Pay as you go model means less up-front cash outlay
- Great for companies who are only occasionally doing drone mapping
- The one month subscription is an excellent way to “test the waters” of drone mapping
- The True View Point system makes allocation of expenses to direct project cost a simple formula
- Easily scalable for varying loads (“surge” capacity) since you can add a sensor for as little as a one month commitment
I hope that from this information you can see that the True View 410 3DIS is not only a novel sensor from the technology perspective, but also with its flexible business models. Please contact us for additional information when you are considering your next drone mapping sensor.