Phoenix LiDAR Systems User Manual
  • Welcome
  • SpatialExplorer 8 & 9
    • Introduction
    • Installation
      • System Requirements
      • SpatialExplorer-Compatibility
      • Licensing
      • Change Log
    • User Interface
      • Windows
        • AGL Oracle
        • Classify On Selection
        • Coordinate Reference System
        • Corrections
        • Main View
        • Picks
        • Messages
        • Mission Guidance
        • Photo Viewer
        • Project
          • Rover
            • Cameras
              • Camera Acquisition Settings
              • Camera Calibration Settings
              • Camera Processing Settings
              • Camera Tools
                • Load sensor transform/extrinsics from file
                • Calibrate Sensor Manually
                • Edit Receptor Masks
            • IMU
            • GNSS
            • Lidars
              • Lidar Acquisition Settings
              • Lidar Calibration Settings
              • Lidar Processing Settings
              • Lidar Tools
                • Load sensor transform/extrinsics from file
          • Reference Stations
          • Flightplans
          • Geometry
            • Modifying Geometries
          • Grid
          • Ground Control
          • Images
          • Intervals
          • Trajectories
          • Pointclouds
          • Terrains
        • Project Player
        • Sensors
        • SLAM
          • SLAM Processing Profile
        • System Monitor
      • Toolbars
        • File
        • View
        • Selection
          • Cloud Script Tool
        • Workflow
          • NavLab Embedded
            • Processing Options
            • Estimating Primary Antenna Lever Arm
          • Create Intervals
          • Disambiguate Lidar Ranging
          • Create Cloud
          • LiDARSnap
            • Sensor Calibration
            • Trajectory Optimization
              • Aerial Trajectory Optimization
              • Mobile Trajectory Optimization
            • Ground Control with LiDARSnap
              • Vertical Only Adjustment
              • Full Adjustment
            • LiDARSnap Tuning and Parameters
            • Control Point Clouds
            • Example: Optimizing Data from Multiple Scans
          • CameraSnap
            • Auto-detect without review
            • Auto-detect with manual review
            • Manually-Created Matches
            • CameraSnap Reports
          • Colorize Cloud
          • Align to GCPs
            • Adjusting Automatically to GCPs (Vertical Only)
            • Manual Adjustment (Horizontal and Vertical)
          • Reports
          • Export
        • Analytics
          • Classify
            • Classify By Class
            • Classify Noise
            • Classify Statistical Outliers
            • Classify Ground
            • Classify Powerlines
            • Classify Moving Objects
          • Create
            • Create Maps
            • Create Floorplans
            • Create Contours
            • Create Mesh
            • Compute Normals
            • CloudClean
            • Resample Cloud (Delaunay)
          • Calculate Distance
          • Measure
            • Std. Dev. Along Surface Normal
            • Surface Area and Point Density
            • Volume
          • Compute SOCS
        • LiDARMill
          • Positions
          • Manage Grids
          • View GNSS Antennas
        • Rover
          • Connect to Rover
          • Disconnect from Rover
          • Rover Settings and Profiles
            • Navigation System
            • Sensors
            • Camera Settings
            • LiDAR Settings
          • Shutdown Rover
        • Tools
          • Navigation
            • Plot Trajectories
          • Camera
            • Edit Camera Events
            • Create Camera Sessions from Data
          • Licensing
          • Create Transformation...
    • Workflows
      • Data Processing Workflows
        • Airborne Lidar Processing
        • Mobile Lidar Processing
        • Backpack and Pedestrian Lidar Processing
        • SLAM Lidar Processing
        • LAZ Processing
        • Field Data Check
    • FAQs
  • LiDARMill Cloud
    • Introduction
    • Login/Register
      • User management
    • Quick Start Guide
    • Overview
    • Post Processing Workflow
      • Create New Project
        • Details
        • Project Reference Setup
        • Summary
      • Create New Mission
        • Uploading a SpatialExplorer Mission
        • Uploading a RECON Mission
        • Uploading a Pointcloud Processing Mission
      • Adding Reference Station Data
      • Adding Ground Control Points and Polygons
        • Ground Control Points (GCPs)
        • Polygons
      • Processing Tools
        • NavLab Pipeline
        • Spatial Fuser Pipeline
        • Pointcloud Optimization Pipeline
      • Cloud Viewer
      • Additional Tabs
    • FAQs
  • FlightPlanner
    • Introduction
    • User Interface
      • FlightPlanner Interface Tools
        • Change Theme
        • Feedback, Help, and Changelog
        • Flight Info
        • Delete All
        • Measurement and Reset View
        • Upload Google KMZ file and Delete All KMLs
        • Take off Location
        • Reverse Waypoint Order, Undo, and Auto Update mission flightlines on setting change
        • Address Search
    • Workflow
      • Missions Library
      • Basic UAS LiDAR Mission Planning (FP 9.0)
      • Mission Type
    • Overlap
    • FAQs
  • Hardware and Interfaces
    • Warnings and Safety Notices
      • LiPo Battery Safety
        • General Guidelines and Warnings
        • Pre-Charging Guidelines
        • Charging Process Guidelines
        • Storage/Transportation Guidelines
        • Battery Care Guidelines
      • Laser Safety
        • Class 1 Lasers
        • VUX-240 Laser Safety
      • Aircraft/Rover Operational Safety
    • Connecting and Interfacing with Phoenix Lidar Systems
      • Connect via Rover's Web Interface
      • Connecting via SpatialExplorer
        • Base Station (Notebook) Setup
          • Configure Windows
            • Disable Automatic Updates
            • Change Active Hours
            • Install Latest NVIDIA Drivers
          • Modify Hosts File
          • Wired Ethernet Network Card Setup
          • Install Software Tools
            • 7-Zip
            • Filezilla
            • Teamviewer
            • PuTTY
            • NovAtel Connect and NovAtel Convert4
        • Connect to Rover
          • Connect to Rover as a UDP Client
            • Connect via Wi-Fi
            • Connect via Ethernet
              • Connect via 900 MHz Radio
            • Connect Via Ground-Station-Wi-Fi (Groove)
              • Connect via Ground Station Wi-Fi (Bullet M5)
          • Connect to Rover using a Serial Port
          • Connect to Rover via Connection Service
            • Connect via Cellular
        • User Interface
          • Settings
            • Rover Settings
              • General
              • Navigation System
              • Network
            • Local Settings
          • System Monitor
          • Sensors
          • Satellites
      • Downloading Rover Data
        • Log Files
      • Updating Rover
    • NavBox
      • FLEXPack
        • Specifications
        • Ports and User Elements
        • Status LED
        • Using the CPU button
        • Preparing the System
        • Recording Data
        • Questions & Troubleshooting
      • Air
        • Specifications
        • Ports and User Elements
        • Status LED
        • Using the CPU Button
        • Preparing the System
        • Recording Data
        • Questions & Troubleshooting
      • Scout
        • Specifications
        • Ports and User Elements
        • Using the CPU/Sensor Button
        • Preparing the System
        • Recording Data
        • Questions & Troubleshooting
      • RECON Series
      • Alpha 3
        • Ports and User Elements
        • IMU-32/IMU-33/IMU-34
        • IMU-41/IMU-52
        • IMU-14/IMU-27
    • Camera
      • Sony Mirrorless Cameras
        • Specifications
        • Camera Settings
        • A7R4 Warning Messages
      • A7R4-Lite
        • Sony A7R4-Lite SD card folder setup procedure
      • A6K-Lite Camera
        • Highlights
        • Specifications
        • Warnings
        • Ports and User Elements
        • Status & Activity LED
        • Settings Wheel
        • Mounting
        • Powering ON the Camera - Self-Check
        • Operating with Spatial Explorer
          • Changing the Trigger Interval / Distance
          • Initial Camera Setup
          • Dual A6K-Lite Setup
        • Changing Camera Settings
        • Troubleshooting
      • Ladybug5+ and LadybugCapPro
        • Pre-Procedure
        • Data Acquisition
    • Lidars
      • Real-Time Point Clouds and MTA Disambiguation
    • Inertial Navigation System
      • Orientation and Offsets
        • IMU
        • GNSS Antennas
        • LiDARs and Cameras
      • Wheel Sensor
    • Miscellaneous Hardware
      • Mobile Roof Rack
        • RFM2-Dual LiDAR Mobile Accessory
      • Backpack Lidar Mount
        • Backpack Telescoping Boom
      • Wi-Fi Range Extenders
      • Accessories
        • Cables
          • SMB to SMA GPS Antenna Cable
          • MCX to RP-SMA WiFi Antenna Cable
          • LiDAR / Camera Cable
          • micro USB to USB Type A Female Cable
          • RJ45 Ethernet Cable
          • HDMI Cable Type D to Type A
          • SMA to TNC Ground Mount GNSS Antenna Cable
          • 7.5” Rover GPS Antenna Cable
          • 24” Rover GPS Antenna Cable
        • Power Supply Parts
          • Power Splitter Cable
          • AC Power Supply
          • XT30 3" Extension Cable
          • XT60 Female to XT30 Male Adapter
          • XT60 Male to XT30 Female Adapter
          • XT60 Female to EC5 Male
          • XT60 Extension Cable
        • Antennas
          • Rover GNSS Antenna
          • UHF Rubber Duck Antenna
          • Ground Mount GNSS Antenna
          • Bullet Long Range Module
          • Omni 12dBi Antenna for Bullet Module
          • Rover 5.8 GHz Wi-Fi Antenna RP-SMA
        • Other Components
          • LiDAR/IMU Cable
          • LiDAR Cable
          • IMU Cable
          • AL3 Power Cable with Integrated Splitter
          • EC5 to XT60 Adapter Cable
          • LiPo with EC5 Connector
          • LiPo Charger
          • 5.8 GHz Directional Panel Antenna
          • TNC 90 Degree Adapter
        • Miscellaneous
          • USB Drive
          • USB to Ethernet Adapter
          • Suction Cups w/ Clamps
          • Multi-Tool
          • SMA Wi-Fi Terminator
          • LiDAR Sensor Cover
          • LiPo Guard Battery Bag
          • Cable Accessories Bag
          • Storm Case
          • Foam Divider
  • Data Acquisition and UAV Piloting
    • Flight Planning
      • UAS LiDAR Hot Swapping
    • UAV Data Acquisition
    • Mobile Acquisition
    • Backpack Acquisition
      • Ranger FLEX Initialization and Acquisition Workflow
      • Recon XT Initialization and Acquisition Workflow
    • SLAM Acquisition
    • Navigation System Configuration
      • Navigation System Basics
      • Real-Time and Post-Processing Differences
      • Further Reading
        • GPS Time Status
        • Navigation Procedures
        • IMU Alignment
        • Navigation System Stabilization
    • RECON UAV Acquisition
    • RECON Series Quick Start Guides
      • RECON-XT M300/M350
      • RECON-XT-A FreeFly Astro
      • RECON-A
    • Calibration Flight Strategy
    • Acquisition FAQs
    • Post Acquisition Checks
  • MissionGuidance
    • Introduction
    • Flightplans
    • Heightmaps
    • Setup
    • Operations
  • GNSS Hardware and Ground Control
    • Reference Stations
    • Downloading Reference Station Data
    • Ground Control - Best Practices
    • Stonex S-900 and Cube-A
      • Cube-A project set up
      • Configure base station
        • Configuring Harxon HX-DU8608D radio
      • Configure rover
      • Surveying ground control points
      • Post processing
        • Post processing base station observations
        • Change base coordinates to a post processed position
        • Export points from Cube-A
  • Reports
    • Processing Report
    • Project Report
    • Trajectory Report
  • 3rd Party Software Documentation
    • Bathymetric LiDAR Processing in RiProcess
      • Creating a Project in RiProcess
        • Adding a Navigation Device
        • Adding a Trajectory
        • Adding a Scanner
        • Adding a Camera
        • Adding Control Objects
        • Processing Parameters
          • Exponential Decomposition
          • Page
        • Adding Records
      • Data Processing Wizard
      • Visualize Data
      • RiPrecision
      • RiHydro Workflow
    • RiParameter
    • TerraSolid and Spatix Install
    • Orthomosaic Production with Pix4D
    • InertialExplorer Desktop 8.70 - 8.90 Processing
    • Hyperspectral Data Processing
    • SDCImport Filter Options
      • MTA (Multiple Time Around)
      • Region of Interest
  • Image Processing using PhaseOne IXCapture
  • Converting HEIF and Raw Images to JPG using Sony's IEDT
  • General FAQ
    • Accuracy Standards & Quantification
      • Precision
      • Relative Accuracy
      • Absolute Accuracy
      • Further Considerations
    • Mapping Terms and Definitions
    • Abbreviations
    • Examples: How to ensure accurate Georeferencing of Trajectories and Pointclouds
      • Example 1: Static Datum
      • Example 2: Dynamic Datum
    • Clock bias adjustment
    • General FAQs
  • Legacy Documentation
    • Offsets, Rotations, and Reference Frames: SpatialExplorer Version 4-7
    • Legacy TerraSolid Documentation
    • Legacy SpatialExplorer Documentation
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On this page
  • Why am I getting a sensor error message with my M300/M350 when using a miniRanger?
  • Do I need to fly figure-eights before and after scanning?
  • How far can the GNSS base station be from the location where data will be collected?
  • I collected data with the wrong rover profile or incorrect configuration settings. Can this be corrected in post processing?
  • I mounted the system on backwards. Can this be corrected in post processing?
  • Why can’t I connect via ethernet to rover to download rover data?
  • Why won’t SpatialExplorer connect to rover-wire or rover-wifi?
  • I updated my IMU to antenna offset values in SpatialExplorer. Why didn’t the changes immediately update on rover?
  • What is the rover’s main source of power?
  • Do I need to connect the Wi-Fi antennas on the rover if I’m only using 3G/4G cellular service?
  • What is the recommended system maintenance/boresight frequency?
  • What are the advantages of using a dual GNSS antenna system?
  • How can I directly access the web server of a Velodyne LiDAR sensor?
  • How can I view a direct livestream of information from a Velodyne LiDAR sensor?
  • How can I find my Phoenix LiDAR Systems connection service License Key?
  1. Data Acquisition and UAV Piloting

Acquisition FAQs

Acquisition: Frequently Asked Questions

PreviousCalibration Flight StrategyNextPost Acquisition Checks

Last updated 11 months ago

Why am I getting a sensor error message with my M300/M350 when using a miniRanger?

Please follow the instructions in the photo below.

Do I need to fly figure-eights before and after scanning?

Yes, ALWAYS fly figure-eights before scanning. Flying figure-eights minimizes the covariance values (uncertainty position/attitude) and allows the navigation system to better estimate the current IMU drift and noise. If you intend to post-process the trajectory for increased accuracy, you must fly another set of figure eights after the scan is complete.

How far can the GNSS base station be from the location where data will be collected?

The accuracy of corrections will degrade with distance at approximately 1 ppm as a rule of thumb. This means that for each 1 km from the GNSS reference station, there will be an expected 0.1 cm loss of accuracy. For missions that span long distances it is recommended using multiple reference stations if possible. Adding data from public stations can also be a good option.

I collected data with the wrong rover profile or incorrect configuration settings. Can this be corrected in post processing?

Yes, you can correct IMU or sensor rotation and translation values when post processing. IMU to Antenna lever arm offsets and the Body to IMU Rotations can be corrected when processing the trajectory using Inertial Explorer or in a NavLab LiDARMill pipeline. Other sensor rotations and translations/offsets for LiDAR or Cameras can be corrected in SpatialExplorer or a SpatialFuser pipeline in LiDARMill. Contact support@phoenixlidar.com if you need assistance obtaining the correct values.

I mounted the system on backwards. Can this be corrected in post processing?

Yes, you can correct IMU or sensor rotation and translation values when post processing. IMU to Antenna lever arm offsets and the Body to IMU Rotations can be corrected when processing the trajectory using Inertial Explorer or in a NavLab LiDARMill pipeline. Other sensor rotations and translations/offsets for LiDAR or Cameras can be corrected in SpatialExplorer or a SpatialFuser pipeline in LiDARMill. Contact support@phoenixlidar.com if you need assistance obtaining the correct values for backwards installation.

Why can’t I connect via ethernet to rover to download rover data?

Why won’t SpatialExplorer connect to rover-wire or rover-wifi?

I updated my IMU to antenna offset values in SpatialExplorer. Why didn’t the changes immediately update on rover?

Any changes made to the rover Navigation System, i.e. changes to the IMU to antenna offset values, requires restarting the rover. Restarting SpatialExplorer is not necessary. To restart the rover with SpatialExplorer use the "Shutdown Rover" command and leave the box next to “Power off onboard computer" unchecked. To manually restart rover, utilize the CPU button on the side of the NavBox.

What is the rover’s main source of power?

The rover can obtain power through the Power Cable with Integrated Splitter from two sources: external and battery. The rover’s primary source of power is derived from the vehicle (external). The XT60 (yellow) connector from the Power Cable with Integrated Splitter connects to the vehicle’s power source, typically an XT60 female connector. Additionally, the rover can also be powered by a LiPo battery by connecting the EC5 (blue) connector on the Power Cable with Integrated Splitter to the corresponding EC5 connector on the battery. While both power sources can be connected simultaneously, we recommend only using the battery power in “hot swapping” scenarios that require the rover to remain powered on for maintenance purposes.

Do I need to connect the Wi-Fi antennas on the rover if I’m only using 3G/4G cellular service?

If you are only going to be using 3G/4G cellular service to connect to the rover, it is not necessary to connect the Wi-Fi antennas. However, it is necessary to install the Wi-Fi terminators on the Wi-Fi antenna ports. The Wi-Fi terminators attach to the Wi-Fi antenna ports and protect the Wi-Fi interface when Wi-Fi is not in use. If you don’t install the Wi-Fi terminators on the Wi-Fi antenna ports of the rover navigation box when Wi-Fi is not in use, you could destroy the Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver.

What is the recommended system maintenance/boresight frequency?

Phoenix LiDAR Systems recommends biennial (once every two years) maintenance/boresighting of each system to ensure accuracy and functional integrity.

What are the advantages of using a dual GNSS antenna system?

All IMUs suffer from 'drift' - an ever-increasing difference between where the system thinks it is located and the actual location. This constant error in acceleration results in a linear error in velocity and a quadratic error growth in position. A dual GNSS antenna setup is utilized to assist the navigation system with minimizing positional and heading error by maintaining a constant base line between the two antennas. With the two antennas at fixed distance apart, and the relationship between this baseline axis and the vehicle heading axis known, you can better correct for trajectory position and heading inaccuracies.

How can I directly access the web server of a Velodyne LiDAR sensor?

Accessing the Velodyne LiDAR sensor web server will allow you to upgrade the firmware on your Velodyne LiDAR sensor. However, be aware that changing the current configuration will most likely render the LiDAR sensor unusable for scanning.

Phoenix LiDAR Systems will not be responsible for any sensor failure as a result of a user firmware upgrade

Proceed to update the firmware at your own risk.

  1. First connect to rover via ethernet or Wi-Fi. We highly recommend connecting to rover over ethernet for any firmware upgrades.

  2. Open your web browser of choice and type the following into the address bar to connect to the Velodyne LiDAR sensor, “rover-wire:8080” (no quotes) if connecting over ethernet or “rover-wifi:8080” (no quotes) if connecting over Wi-Fi.

  3. If your rover system only has a single LiDAR sensor, skip this step. Otherwise, If your system has a second LiDAR sensor, you must open a new web browser window/tab and type the following into the address bar, “rover-wire:8081” (no quotes) if connecting over ethernet or “rover-wifi:8081” (no quotes) if connecting over Wi-Fi.

  4. Once you’ve accessed the web server home page, you can proceed to change any settings and upgrade the Velodyne LiDAR sensor firmware.

How can I view a direct livestream of information from a Velodyne LiDAR sensor?

  1. Connect to rover via ethernet.

  2. Open your web browser of choice and type the following into the address bar to connect to the first LiDAR sensor, “rover-wire:8080” (no quotes).

  3. If your rover system only has a single LiDAR sensor, skip this step. Otherwise, to connect to the second LiDAR sensor, open a new web browser window/tab and type the following into the address bar, “rover-wire:8081”.

  4. Once you’ve accessed the web server home page, change the source port from 2368 to 2369.

  5. Launch VeloView and initiate the direct livestream of information from the Velodyne LiDAR sensor.

  6. When you are done live streaming information from the Velodyne LiDAR sensor, navigate back to the web server home page and change the source port back from 2369 to 2368.

How can I find my Phoenix LiDAR Systems connection service License Key?

To locate the rover’s License Key, you must connect to rover over ethernet (rover-wire or 192.168.200.10) or via Wi-Fi (rover-wifi or 192.168.20.10) and navigate to Settings→ Rover. Locate the License tab and you will find the rover’s corresponding License Key.

Your computer does not have the correct alternate IP configuration. Field computers configured by Phoenix LiDAR Systems will default to an alternative IP configuration of 192.168.200.20 when no IP address is obtained through DHCP on the primary ethernet port within 3 minutes. This will allow a computer to establish a connection to the rover via ethernet after the DHCP acquisition times out. Refer to for more information.

Your computer’s hosts file does not contain the correct entries to connect to rover. All Phoenix LiDAR Systems rovers are pre-configured with static IP addresses that can be reached via an ethernet (192.168.200.10) or a Wi-Fi connection (192.168.20.10). To avoid typing in the IP addresses, field computers configured by Phoenix LiDAR Systems contain individual entries in the Windows hosts file that map the ethernet and Wi-Fi IP addresses to specific names, rover-wire and rover-wifi respectively. Refer to for more information.

To view a livestream of information from a Velodyne LiDAR sensor, you must connect to rover using a wired ethernet connection. In order to establish a wired connection between your computer and rover, your computer should have an IP address of 192.168.200.20. This can be set either as a static IP address or as an Alternate Configuration IP address. Refer to for more information. Additionally, make sure to disable the Windows Firewall. If the Windows Firewall is active, you will not be able to view a direct livestream of information from the Velodyne LiDAR sensor.

Wired Ethernet Network Card Setup
Modify Hosts File
Wired Ethernet Network Card Setup
M300/M350 with sensor correctly covered.