Emesent’s autonomy technology

Autonomous mobile mapping for challenging environments

Hovermap’s advanced algorithms combine autonomy, SLAM and LiDAR technologies to deliver smart navigation and survey grade results.

Featuring capabilities such as Omnidirectional Collision Avoidance, position hold, and intelligent Return-to-Home, Hovermap keeps equipment and personnel safe, even in GPS-denied, hazardous, and dark environments.

See Hovermap autonomy in action

Further reading

Stope Scanning

At Barrick’s Bulyanhulu and Kibali sites, surveyors were unable to obtain accurate and complete production data using the traditional pole-mounted CMS scanning method, particularly in larger, more inaccessible stopes.

Mapping a Sinkhole

When a  dangerous sinkhole the size of half a tennis court suddenly appeared at a popular tourist location on the Robe coastline, the council looked to a leading provider of spatial data services, Veris, to safely capture the data needed for accurate decision-making.

Pinpointing a Tunnel Blockage

When a station in Hyltebruk in southwest Sweden was alerted to a surface level sinkhole above a water tunnel, they needed to locate and investigate the rockfall and probable deterioration of the tunnel’s concrete lining.

Emesent’s autonomy levels

Hovermap offers versatile levels of autonomy to suit the requirements of your mapping environment. Starting with a ‘mapping only’ solution, Hovermap is able to adapt as needed, allowing easy, remote upgrading to expand your capabilities. Regardless of level, Hovermap streams a live point cloud to your Hovermap app, providing a real-time preview of captured data (while in communication range).

The Autonomy Solution


The Hovermap Autonomy Solution enables deployment beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and communications range and provides advanced BVLOS waypoint-based mission planning and enhanced Return-to-Home functionality. Hovermap pilots can fly an entire mission, from takeoff to landing, using a tablet. Data is processed onboard in real-time, and a 3D map streamed back to the operator. The Autonomy Solution is suited for data capture of complex assets in challenging, GPS-denied environments in infrastructure, construction, engineering, energy, and underground mining.


The Plus Solution


The Hovermap Plus Solution provides omnidirectional Collision Avoidance and GPS-denied flight capability, acting as a safety bubble for your drone. It comes into its own in challenging environments and is suited for line of sight, pilot-assisted drone operation, for as-built creation, asset inspection, condition monitoring, small area land surveys, and more.


Mapping-only Solution


The Hovermap Mapping Only Solution delivers fast, accurate, and high quality mobile scanning of environments where drone autonomy is not required. Hovermap can be used as a mobile scanner, attached to a drone or vehicle, lowered in a cage, or mounted to a backpack and provides real-time visualization of the point cloud as it is captured.


Emesent’s tiered autonomy levels

Emesent offers three levels of autonomy to suit the requirements of your mapping environment. Starting with a ‘mapping only’ subscription, Emesent allows capabilities to be upgraded as needed.

Autonomy Solution


The Hovermap Autonomy Solution enables deployment beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and communications range and provides advanced BVLOS waypoint-based mission planning and enhanced Return-to-Home functionality. Hovermap pilots can fly an entire mission, from takeoff to landing, using a tablet. Data is processed onboard in real-time, and a 3D map streamed back to the operator. The Autonomy Solution is suited for data capture of complex assets in challenging, GPS-denied environments in infrastructure, construction, engineering, energy, and underground mining.


Advanced Failsafes

Advanced failsafes and behaviors deal with challenging conditions such as dust, thin wires, and communication loss. Smart Return-to-Home finds the quickest way for the drone to return home.

Tap-to-fly operation

Fly an entire mission, from take-off to landing without leaving your safe position. The drone self-navigates to pre-set waypoints and provides a livestreamed 3D map for you to monitor its progress.

Everything In the Plus Solution

Including omnidirectional collision avoidance and GPS-denied flight capability.

Plus Solution


The Hovermap Plus Solution provides omnidirectional Collision Avoidance and GPS-denied flight capability, acting as a safety bubble for your drone. It comes into its own in challenging environments and is suited for line of sight, pilot-assisted drone operation, for as-built creation, asset inspection, condition monitoring, small area land surveys, and more.


Omnidirectional collision avoidance

Keep your equipment and the asset safe with a virtual safety shield around the drone. Avoid the smallest of obstacles with Hovermap LiDAR data processed in real time.

GPS-Denied Flight

Hovermap provides position hold and velocity control even in GPS-denied environments, making it safe and easy to fly.

Everything In The Mapping Solution

Including fast, accurate, and high quality mobile scanning of environments.

Mapping-only Solution


The Hovermap Mapping Only Solution delivers fast, accurate, and high quality mobile scanning of environments where drone autonomy is not required. Hovermap can be used as a mobile scanner, attached to a drone or vehicle, lowered in a cage, or mounted to a backpack and provides real-time visualization of the point cloud as it is captured.


Efficiency and versatility

Scan buildings, infrastructure, and inaccessible areas quickly and easily to produce as-builts, and condition monitoring, inspection, and space management reports.

Integrated workflows

Merge Hovermap’s accurate, dense point clouds automatically and process into your required file type for the products you need using industry standard tools.

Greater insights

Capture shadowless, accurate, and dense point clouds of an entire asset and drop them straight into CAD, GIS, or mine planning systems. Use colorization to enhance
visualization.

Start mapping the inaccessible