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Automated Ground Control for Hovermap
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Unrivalled SLAM accuracy and automated georeferencing
Emesent’s Automated Ground Control is an innovative feature that further increases the accuracy of Hovermap point clouds and enhances the capabilities of its SLAM-based mapping. It enables new scanning opportunities and use cases, including long, large, and feature-poor assets such as roads, and tunnels – which were previously a challenge for SLAM-based mapping.
Using machine learning, Automated Ground Control detects reflective ground control targets and uses these to both georeference the point cloud and improve accuracy. Targets are detected without needing to stop or place Hovermap on them, enabling non-stop scanning – a first for SLAM-based mobile mapping. Scanned survey coordinates are input for processing by simply selecting the file, minimizing manual error and streamlining the workflow.
Why use Automated Ground Control?
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Improved local and global accuracy
Using control points as constraints improves SLAM accuracy, removing drift or slips to deliver survey-grade results.
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Extend the capabilities of SLAM
SLAM robustness is increased with control points, allowing you to scan long, linear assets and large or feature-poor environments that were previously challenging for SLAM-based systems.
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Automated georeferencing
Automated georeferencing via non-rigid transformation to survey control accurately positions and improves the point cloud.
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Reduce manual error
There is no need to manually locate targets in the point cloud or enter survey coordinates. Targets are automatically detected, and coordinates can be input into the processing workflow at the click of a button, saving time and reducing the risk of manual data entry error.
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Non-stop scanning
Automated target detection enables you to run continuous scans without the need to stop and place the Hovermap on each target. Whether a handheld, drone, or vehicle-mounted scan, Emesent Automated Ground Control streamlines your workflow.
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Get the full picture with ease
Easily and accurately merge multiple scans to get a complete picture, with minimal manual processing.
Emesent Products
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Streamlined workflow
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1. Place your targets
No more fading painted crosses or easily damaged foam spheres! Emesent’s ground control targets are durable and easily placed and left in place for repeated scanning. Emesent’s spigot-mounted discs are available, or the reflective disc targets can easily be sourced or made.
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2. Survey the targets
Use a total station or GPS rover to survey in new target locations. Placing Emesent’s spigot-mounted targets into existing survey collars ensures the target centers coincide with existing survey prism locations, avoiding the need to resurvey.
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3. Conduct a non-stop scan
Machine learning is used to detect targets automatically in the scan during processing, so there is no need to stop or place Hovermap on the target, minimizing your scan time.
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4. Process the data
Select to input the raw scan data and survey coordinates into Emesent’s Aura software. Ground Control automatically detects the survey targets and applies a non-rigid transformation of the point cloud, giving you the most accurate results.
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5. Confirm the results
Processing can be run automatically end-to-end without interaction, or the target detection and constellation matching results can be visualized in Emesent’s point cloud viewer in Aura for confirmation or adjustment.
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6. Output survey grade results
An accurate, georeferenced Hovermap point cloud is ready for use.
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Further reading
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Achieving survey grade with SLAM-based LIDAR Mapping
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Getting the most out of your Hovermap vehicle scans
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Sports field captured with M350 Drone RTK
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Want to learn more?
