- Increasing Returns for Aerial Geophysics SurveyorsOver the last 30 years, airborne resource exploration has advanced significantly with airborne geophysics companies collecting data using techniques such as magnetics, radiometrics, gravity, gravity gradiometry and time and frequency domain EM.? Separate aerial surveys are normally undertaken to collect geospatial data using LiDAR, RGB / NIR imagery, hyperspectral, IFSAR and satellite information. However undertaking separate geophysical and geospatial surveys is costly and time consuming with a higher risk of technical challenges when amalgamating multiple datasets.Combining the capture of both geophysical and geospatial data together in a single aerial survey is therefore highly desirable, particularly if both datasets can be effectively amalgamated at the time of survey.The Brumby LiDAR, by Klau Geomatics, has been developed specifically for this purpose and is therefore a game-changer for airborne geophysics surveyors, with significant benefits of:
- Increasing revenue;
- Saving time and money;
- Reducing complexity;
- Increasing fidelity of data; and
- Increasing competitiveness.
- The Brumby is a low cost, high accuracy integrated LiDAR/Camera. It comes with a very clever camera pod and is aimed at the gap in the market between drones and big expensive geospatial mapping systems. It can be easily installed on all air frames and is easily integrated with other data collection systems. This means that existing geophysical mapping setups can be simply augmented to collect and integrate geospatial data at a lower cost. The Brumby comes with the backup of Klau Geomatics’ support team with extensive expertise and experience in aerial surveying, ground surveying and hardware and software development.Technically SpeakingThe Brumby LiDAR is a short range ultra-high resolution ALS/MLS integrated with GNSS/IMU tightly coupled INS powered by our hardware integration and OEM tech from NovAtel. As a LiDAR for geophysical surveys the features and benefits of Brumby include:
- Super high point density;
- No base station required (with high accuracy NovAtel Terrastar PPP);
- 0.03 degree high frequency roll/pitch/yaw correction data for sensor position and orientation (not just the LiDAR sensor, think magnetometers, receiver birds etc);
- Real-time LiDAR altimetry;
- Super simple and rapid data processing to LAS (point cloud) to generate a highly dense swath of accurate terrain below the survey aircraft;
- Designed and built “like a tank”, IP67 rated;
- Expandable, RGB/NIR, hyperspectral cameras and other sensors can be added;
- Significant data testing and validation has been completed to support all assertions of quality, resolution and accuracy.
- Simple Installation and OperationThe Brumby LiDAR or Brumby + Cameras / Sensors can be mounted as a modular system in an aircraft or in the Klau Geomatics wing strut pod for strutted fixed wing aircraft or helicopters or on towed arrays etc. It is designed for simple installation and operation. Sensors can include the following (and more):
- LiDAR;
- RGB Camera;
- NIR Camera;
- Multispectral Sensors;
- Hyperspectral Sensors; and
- FLIR/MWIR/Gradient Thermography.
- Why Add Brumby LiDAR?There are many compelling reasons why LiDAR is already applied to geophysical surveys. Technically, the Brumby systems offer the following additional benefits:
- Better processing and interpretation due to: Higher resolution, fidelity and accuracy; and IMU roll/pitch/yaw outputs for other sensors; and
- Improved safety and flight efficiency from real time laser altimetry.
- In business terms the Brumby Lidar opens up a massive opportunity for aerial geophysics surveyors:
- Now spatial data can be collected in the same flight as the geophysics capture;
- Close to zero acquisition costs as no second mobilisation is required to acquire geospatial data;
- Better data, better analytics, better interpretation as the data has significantly higher (LiDAR) point density with very high GSD when compared to traditional imagery captures; and
- One contract for the end client, one audit, one engagement and a data set that is spatially and temporally contiguous.
- Financially SpeakingOur financial modelling shows that a Brumby LiDAR/Capture System would bring additional revenue of between $22 and $55 per line km - at virtually no extra cost!? An airborne geophysical data company could pay back the investment on a Brumby system in somewhere between 1 week and 4 months depending on activity.Please contact Brett Johnson, Director, Klau Geomatics for more information and for testimonials. Brett has worked in airborne geophysics and airborne geospatial data collection over the last 30 years.Klau Geomatics has developed the Brumby LiDAR system. They are innovators, developers and integrators of survey grade GNSS positioning and mapping systems and played a significant part in the drone-as-a-survey-instrument avalanche. Their focus is now on developing and implementing aerial survey systems for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters and to continue to build their world class reputation in this area.For any further assistance on options, on prices, specifications and performance please contact;Brett Johnson[email protected]+61 400 154 109 (UTC +8)??