Reliability. microdrones systems are made from German-engineered components and assembled in North America, so they offer superb reliability. “These aren’t thrown together in the cheapest factories in the world, like so many UASs. And that’s important. Things happen when you’re flying – things fail! But you don’t want them falling out of the sky when they’re carrying a $50,000 payload. Customers certainly don’t want their name associated with a failed mission,” explained Long. “They can prevent that by choosing a well-made UAS they can trust.”
The Results
The microdrones team spent one day setting up two ground control points on each side of the dam and were able to make the 1-2 hour flight the next day. Afterward, the microdrones team was able to create a complete mosaic image from which highly accurate measurements could be taken. From there, they were able to develop a 3-D model of the dam.
With the UAS, the agency was able to:
• Attain the information they needed at the required accuracy levels so they could effectively communicate their needs to engineering firms
• Accomplish their goals safely by not sending surveyors onto the dam
• Acquire aerial data that couldn’t have been procured via boat
• Achieve cost savings, especially when compared with the costs of renting a helicopter
By choosing the microdrones md4-1000 over other UASs, they saved considerable time, money, and hassle. They have since moved forward with a restoration of the dam.
But that’s not the end of the story. The md4-1000 configuration worked so well for this type of project that microdrones has since configured the technology into its mdMapMaster package that is available for immediate order. “We made a few minor changes to the UAS package to make it more efficient and it’s ready to go for those who need it to complete precision mapping missions,” said Long. The mdMapMaster package comes complete with the UAS, a Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II, the Applanix APX-15, and a powerful base station loaded with all the software you need to receive and process video and telemetric data on the ground. It is ideal for completing surveying applications in difficult environments.
missions,” said Long.
The mdMapMaster package comes complete with the UAS, a Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II, the Applanix APX-15, and a powerful base station loaded with all the software you need to receive and process video and telemetric data on the ground. It is ideal for completing surveying applications in difficult environments.
A pilot flies a microdrones UAS over the dilapidated dam, collecting critical data and images from a safe distance.
Using highly accurate data collected using a microdrones UAS, a preservation agency was able to create a 3-dimensional model of the dam that engineers could use when drafting their restoration proposals.
Have a Question? We love talking about this stuff!
Whether you have a specific question about our technology or want to discuss a current challenge, don’t hesitate to contact one of our UAS experts.
E-mail your questions to: Sebastian Long, Sales Manager, [email protected]