The Basics of Surveying with a Drone

In the dynamic field of surveying and mapping, accuracy and efficiency are crucial. Professionals require tools that deliver fast precise data, covering large areas with minimal effort. The Next Generation e-VTOL Fixed-Wing Mapping Drone - Trinity Pro answers this need. Designed for the rigorous demands of surveying and mapping, the Trinity Pro offers unmatched precision, extensive coverage, and advanced automation. 

A drone survey utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with downward-facing sensors, such as RGB or multispectral cameras, and LIDAR payloads, to capture aerial data. The ground is photographed multiple times from various angles, and each image is tagged with coordinates. This data is processed using photogrammetry software to create geo-referenced orthomosaics, elevation models, or 3D models of the surveyed area.

Unlike traditional surveying methods or satellite imagery, drones fly at lower altitudes, generating high-resolution, high-accuracy data quickly and cost-effectively. This makes drones invaluable tools for surveying and mapping professionals, enabling them to conduct surveys faster, safer, and with greater detail.

Capturing topographic data with the Trinity Pro is significantly faster than traditional land-based methods. Surveys that take days with ground equipment can be completed in hours. The drone's advanced PPK (Post Processed Kinematic) geo-tagging system eliminates the need for numerous ground control points (GCPs), further reducing time and labour costs.

Traditional survey tools measure individual points, but a single flight with the Trinity Pro produces thousands of measurements. These measurements can be represented in various formats, such as orthomosaics, point clouds, DTMs (Digital Terrain Models), DSMs (Digital Surface Models), and contour lines. Each pixel of the map or point of the 3D model contains 3D geo-data, ensuring detailed and accurate representations of the surveyed area.

The Trinity Pro can operate in areas that are otherwise inaccessible or unsafe for traditional surveying methods. This includes steep slopes, rugged terrain, and regions requiring high-altitude data collection. The drone's ability to take off and land vertically (e-VTOL) allows it to be used in confined spaces and challenging environments without needing runways or large open areas.

The Trinity Pro, equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, provides various deliverables essential for surveying and mapping professionals. Depending on the camera or sensor and the post-processing software, typical deliverables include:

Orthomosaic Maps: Geo-referenced maps corrected for image distortion and stitched together from multiple images. They provide a detailed 2D view of the surveyed area, allowing accurate measurements of horizontal distances and surfaces.

3D Point Clouds: Dense point cloud models with geospatial (X, Y, Z) and color information, enabling precise distance (slant and horizontal), area, and volume measurements.

Digital Surface Models (DSMs): Models representing the earth's surface, including all objects like buildings and vegetation, providing 2.5D information (X, Y, Z).

Digital Terrain Models (DTMs): Models representing the bare earth, filtered to exclude objects such as buildings and vegetation, offering 2.5D information (X, Y, Z).

Contour Lines: Maps with custom contour intervals generated from DSM or DTM models, providing a clear understanding of the area's topography.

3D Textured Mesh: Detailed 3D models of the surveyed area, useful for visual inspections and stakeholder presentations.

The accuracy of a drone survey is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the drone’s components, camera resolution, flight altitude, vegetation, and the geolocation technology used. The Trinity Pro excels in providing high accuracy, achieving absolute accuracy down to 1 cm (0.4 in) and a ground sampling distance (GSD) of 0.7 cm/px under optimal conditions. This accuracy rivals that of traditional ground survey equipment, making the Trinity Pro a reliable tool for detailed and precise topographic surveys.

Conducting a drone survey with the Trinity Pro involves several steps to ensure accuracy and safety:

Pre-Survey Checks:

- Verify local regulations and obtain necessary permissions.

- Ensure the weather conditions are suitable for flying (no rain, fog, or strong winds).

- Check the battery levels of the drone and connected devices.

- Ensure the memory card has sufficient space for the survey.

Flight Planning:

- Use the Trinity Pro's flight planning software to define the survey area.

- Set flight parameters such as altitude, image overlap, and flight direction.

- Account for tall objects and altitude differences within the survey area.

In-Field Setup:

- Assemble the drone and perform pre-flight checks using an interactive checklist.

- Ensure the take-off area is safe and clear of obstacles.

Flight Execution:

- Launch the drone and monitor its flight in real-time.

- Capture images as the drone follows the predefined flight path.

- Ensure the drone lands safely after completing the survey.

Post-Flight Processing:

- Download the captured images and upload them to photogrammetry software.

- Geotag the images using the PPK system.

- Process the images to create orthomosaics, point clouds, DSMs, and DTMs.

As the demand for precise and efficient surveying grows, the Trinity Pro stands out as an essential asset for GIS professionals. Whether you are involved in urban planning, environmental assessment, or infrastructure development, the Trinity Pro offers a solution that enhances productivity, reduces costs, and delivers high-quality results.

The Trinity Pro distinguishes itself as a leading choice in the surveying and mapping drone market, owing to a combination of cutting-edge features and practical advantages. Its standout attribute lies in its exceptional flight capabilities, featuring an impressive flight time of over 90 minutes and a range of 100 km, enabling it to cover vast areas in a single flight session. Moreover, with a maximum altitude of 18045 feet and a wind tolerance of up to 18 m/s in cruise, the Trinity Pro can navigate challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions with stability and reliability, ensuring precise data collection even in demanding environments.

Further setting it apart is its robust construction and versatile payload capacity of up to 700 grams, allowing for the integration of various sensors and equipment crucial for detailed mapping and surveying tasks. Combined with its comprehensive package, including essential accessories like PPK capabilities, anti-collision lights, and QBase 3D software, the Trinity Pro offers surveying professionals a complete solution for their aerial data collection needs. Additionally, its user-friendly design, lightweight transport case, and dedicated technical support ensure a seamless and efficient workflow, enhancing the overall experience for users in the field. Backed by a one-year warranty, the Trinity Pro stands as a reliable and versatile tool, equipped to meet the rigorous demands of surveying and mapping projects with precision and efficiency.

In the rapidly advancing field of drone surveying, three cutting-edge payloads for the Trinity PRO stand out for their specialized capabilities and contributions to aerial data collection.

Firstly, the Qube 640 LiDAR Scanner, developed in collaboration with YellowScan, is tailored for use with Trinity Pro and Tactical drones. It features a remarkable field of view (FOV) of up to 176°, enabling extensive coverage for detailed landscape and structural mapping. Capable of corridor scanning up to 32 km in a single flight, the Qube 640 boosts productivity significantly with its 300 m laser range and high precision of 3 cm accuracy. Moreover, its integrated 8MP RGB camera allows for simultaneous LiDAR and colour capture, streamlining data acquisition and enhancing visual interpretation during flight.

Secondly, the Phase One P5 medium format camera sets a new standard in high-resolution aerial imaging. With an impressive 128 MP resolution and an electronic global shutter, it ensures minimal distortion and exceptional image quality across large areas. The P5 is equipped with versatile lens options and supports CF Express storage up to 2TB, facilitating extensive data capture with a ground sample distance (GSD) as fine as 0.26 cm per pixel at 60m altitude. This makes it ideal for applications requiring detailed and accurate survey-grade data, offering substantial time and cost savings compared to traditional methods.

Lastly, the Micasense RedEdge-P specializes in multispectral imaging, crucial for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. Featuring five spectral bands and a panchromatic band with resolutions as fine as 2 cm at 60m altitude, it enables detailed vegetation mapping and composite image creation. The RedEdge-P integrates seamlessly with drones like the DJI Matrice 350 and the Trinity Pro, supporting up to three captures per second and utilizing CFexpress for flexible data storage. Factory-calibrated for precision, it delivers reliable results across diverse applications, including crop health analysis, ecological studies, and research.

These payloads offer unique capabilities to meet the demanding requirements of modern aerial surveying.