GeoCue Verifies
TrueView Sensor Accuracy to Within 2cm in Deep Quarry
GeoCue recently undertook a challenging project to determine if their TrueView systems could deliver accurate and precise data from the depths of a rock quarry. The customer required the ability to conduct rapid monthly aerial surveys of their 167-acre quarry, necessitating a long-range data collection capability.
To meet this requirement, GeoCue employed two advanced TrueView systems: the TrueView 540 and the TrueView 535.
TrueView 540: Elevating Mid-Range LiDAR
The TrueView 540 represents a significant leap forward in GeoCue’s mid-range sensor lineup. This system boasts enhanced point density, improved accuracy, and superior precision, culminating in the creation of an exceptional point cloud. The TrueView 540 is designed to provide engineering-grade quality at a mid-range price, making advanced LiDAR technology more accessible and efficient for users.
TrueView 535 Version C: Advanced Imaging and Flexibility
Building on the success of the TrueView 515, the TrueView 535 Version C features three new 26 MP cameras and a third LiDAR beam return to enhance vegetation capture detail. This system includes two 26 MP oblique cameras and a third 26 MP nadir camera, improving photogrammetry deliverables. Its extended LiDAR range enhances operational flexibility, making it ideal for diverse mapping scenarios.
The Flight Challenge: Surveying a Deep Quarry
To cover the entire 167-acre area, GeoCue performed two, 12–14 minute flights with each system. The flights were conducted at an altitude of 100 meters from takeoff, at a maximum speed of 14.75 m/s. However, the true test lay in the fact that the quarry’s bottom was 250 meters below the drone, raising concerns about whether the sensors could maintain coverage and accuracy at such depths. Unfortunately, at flight preparation, the high level of activity and heavy machinery movement posed significant safety risks, preventing the team from establishing ground control in the pit.
Data Processing and Accuracy Verification
Upon returning to the office, the GeoCue team processed the collected data and was pleased with the initial results. However, the team knew the importance of verifying accuracy. They contacted the quarry supervisor and arranged for a quick GPS control shot at the bottom of the pit. With permission granted, the team managed to obtain four shots, confirming a vertical accuracy of less than 2 cm.
“It doesn’t matter if you can paint it with LiDAR if it isn’t accurate,” said Chuck Snow, the Eastern Regional Sales Manager for GeoCue. “When we reached out to the supervisor, he gave us a tight window of just five minutes to take a few shots. I told our GPS technician to lock onto the network before getting into the supervisor’s truck, ensuring he was fully prepared. Against the clock, he nailed it—capturing four shots and verifying the data’s vertical accuracy of less than 2 cm for both systems.”
The successful demonstration not only met but exceeded expectations. The client was pleased with the results, which will enable them to obtain precise monthly measurements of stock movement quickly and efficiently.
This project underscored the reliability and precision of GeoCue’s TrueView systems in challenging environments. The ability to collect accurate data from significant depths expands the potential applications for these advanced LiDAR systems, providing invaluable tools for industries requiring detailed and accurate spatial information.
For more information on how to add drone LiDAR into your workflow get in touch with one of our LiDAR Experts today.