Manned aircraft Acquisition
Preflight Setup
It’s important to ensure that your IMU to GNSS antenna offset measurements are within an appropriate range before initiating a mapping mission. If these measurements are not within an acceptable range, it will make it difficult to obtain a proper IMU alignment solution. Before powering on rover, we recommend verifying the IMU to GNSS antenna offset measurements. The easiest way to confirm the offset is to ensure the correct LiDAR profile is set. Each PLS LiDAR comes with manufacturer profiles already defined in SpatialExplorer. While connected to a LiDAR, you can access the SETTINGS tab to confirm the correct profile is selected or change profiles as needed.
Ensure that your rover is set to the correct profile if you have multiple profiles (aerial, ground 30 deg mount, etc.) before the mission begins.
Prior to conducting flight ops, a GNSS reference station (aka base station) should be set up to collect raw static position data. Using a base station, ensure that it is set up in a location with a clear view of the sky, away from buildings and powerlines, and properly configured to log raw observations of at least GPS+GLONASS at 1 Hz during the entire aerial acquisition period. For more information, please refer to GNSS Hardware and Ground Control.
Workflow
After the system is set up on the aircraft we recommend a short test fire of the system WITH THE LENS COVERS ON to ensure proper function. Then reboot the system and leave the aircraft stationary and undisturbed for a five minute static.
After the five minute static, all passengers and pilots can embark onto the aircraft and the pilot can start the main engines of the aircraft and taxi/ takeoff in route to the area of interest (AOI).
After take off and climbing to altitude do a 10 second kinematic alignment (fly straight at a constant speed). When you are nearby the target area perform a dynamic alignment (figure 8 or s-turn maneuver). The system should read “solution good” in the system monitor before approaching the first flight line. For more in depth information refer to our user guide here.
After the last flight line is completed you may deactivate the sensors but DO NOT POWER DOWN THE SYSTEM. Have the pilot perform another dynamic alignment (figure 8 or s-turn maneuver) followed immediately by a 10 second kinematic alignment (fly straight at a constant altitude and speed). After landing and the aircraft is powered down, keep the system on for an additional 5 minute static. Then you are clear to power down the system.
Depending on the aircraft and line spacing you can save time by skipping flight lines and coming back to do them later. Try to line up the turning radius of the aircraft with the next flight line you complete
As stated in our user manual two way communication is key to manned acquisition, listen to your pilot and make adjustments. Do not be afraid to give feedback to the pilot, YOU ARE A TEAM!
Quick start guide
Last updated