Unmanned Aerial Systems

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SIRIUS – UAS

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SIRIUS UASFor Acquisition of Aerial Images, Orthophotos and 3D Models

· Simple automatic fl ight planning· Automatic operation from take off to landing· Autopilot assisted manual control· Safety and emergency actions· Fully operational up to 50-65 km/h wind · Operation temperatures: -20° C to +45°C

Cost efficient· Long life cycle: >200 landings with one body· Maximum fl ight time: 55 min· Low operation costs per fl ight: on average approx. 18 EUR

Flight Planning

Orthophoto or DEM

Post Processing

Flight Planning

Post Processing

Image Acquisition

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Mission WorkflowFlight Planning and Image Acquisition

1. Plan your fl ight with

Choose an area of interest and the fl ight plan ist derived automatically.

3. The UAV is automatically navigated by the

Aerial images are stored automatically on board.

2. Automatic take off by hand launch.

Autopilot assisted manual fl ight control is possible at any time for safety reasons.

2. Automatic take off by hand launch.

Mission WorkflowQuality Check and Data Export

4. Automatic, autopilot assisted or full manual landing.Copy images to your pc after the fl ight.

5. On the fi eld preview andquick quality check

6. Export the image data withMAVinci‘s one-click postprocessing interfaces.

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Mission WorkflowPost Processing Solutions

7. Post processing of the single images on a modern dekstop PC in a few hours.

Fully Automatic Standalone Processing Software:

Processing Service Provider:

Other Compatible Processing Software:· Enso MOSAIC by Mosaic MILL· APS by MENCI

Fully Automatic Standalone Processing Software:

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Mission WorkflowPost Processing Results

Orthophoto

DEMDEMDEM

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SIRIUS UAS – Get jobs done when other UAS struggle

1. Work in mountain areas: Flight plan can automatically adapt to an elevation model.

2. Cover areas that require more than one fl ight: Save up to 30% fl ight time for large UAS missions: Flight plan splits up automatically and

rejoins for post processing.

3. Land in areas where automatic landing is impossible: If obstacles or the small size of the area prevent automatic landing the operator can easily

land autopilot assisted. The UAV is stabilized by the autopilot and manually controlled by simple up/down, left/right commands.

4. Fly with a strong wind: The UAS is fully operational with wind of up to 50 km/h (approx. 7Bft) with gusts up to 65 km/h (approx. 8Bft).

5. Operate the system during hot or cold outside temperatures from -20° C to +45°C.

6. Use the UAS even under rain.

7. Our high quality camera performs exceptionally well under low light conditions.

8. Due to our high safety standards our UAS gets fl ight permission e.g. in Germany, Spain and many other countries.

SIRIUS UAS – Cost Efficiency

· Long life cycle: >200 landings with one body.· Maximum fl ight time: 55 min.· Minimized down time between fl ights.· Replace single parts (e.g. one wing) of the UAV with spare parts.· Use the system with only one operator.· Low operation costs per fl ight: on average approx. 18 EUR.

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SIRIUS UASPackage Content

The UAS System SIRIUS includes:

· SIRIUS UAV with MAVinci Autopilot-System

· Camera kit

· Ground station - Remote control set - Time-unlimited licence for MAVinci Desktop - Connector

· Accessories kit - Ground station battery - Plane battery - Charger for the batteries

· Transport Box for the UAS (weight below 20 kg, 118.2 x 38.5 x 41.2 cm)

· Spare parts

· Optional: Post processing software· Optional: Post processing software

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MAVinci DesktopProfessional Flight Planning and UAV Control

MAVinci Desktop is a professional software that handels all UAV related tasks from flight planningto UAV control. It also functions as an interface to several post processing software solutions. With MAVinci Desktop you are able to handle all jobs from simple up to complex projects intuitively and time efficient.

Choose your area of interest and a ground sample distance, the flight plan will then be calculated automatically.

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MAVinci DesktopProfessional Flight Planning and UAV Control

3D view of the area of interest and flight plan.

Cover areas that require more than one flight: Flight plan splits up automatically and rejoins for postprocessing.

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MAVinci DesktopProfessional Flight Planning and UAV Control

Work in mountain areas: Flight plan is automatically adapted to elevation model.

On the field quality check: Green indicates that the whole area of interest is covered.Display small preview images of your area of interest.

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MAVinci DesktopOther Important Features

Import your DEM after post processing into MAVinci Desktop

Other highlights:

· Flight tracking and control· Fully 3D and 2D View· Waypoints can be edited while the aircraft is airborne· Camera control· Visualization of the area covered by the aerial images· UAV status data such as battery voltage is visualized· Compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac· Enhance the world wide base map with high resolution maps (WMS, geoTIFF) and annotations (KML, Airspace Restrictions)· Offline mission planning· Interfaces and direct upload function to several post processing solutions

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SIRIUS Orthophoto UAV – Form Follows Function

Special long life actuator

Flashing lights below the wings

Detachable tail rudders:Easy exchange of spare parts

Adaptive active cooling ofautopilot electronicsprevents overheating

Length: 1.22 m

Wingspan: 1.63 m

Take off weight: 2.7 kg

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Security switchfor engine control

Extremely leightweightfoam material

White color preventsoverheating

Electric brushless motor

Calibrated camera with large sensor

Single batterypowers UAV (incl. camera)

Folding air screw:protection during landing

Acess to camerastorage card

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SIRIUS UAS – Simple to use

Operation:

When working with the UAS on a daily basis the operation of the system should be as simple as possible. After quick assembly of the SIRIUS UAS the operator chooses his area of interest and the desired Ground Sampling Distance (GSD). The flight planning software MAVinci Desktop au-tomatically creates an individual flight plan. The flight plan can not only be calculated quickly in the field but also in the office before the mission starts. In addition MAVinci Desktop provides the possibility to change the flight plan even when the UAV is currently in the air and flying.

One click in MAVinci Desktop transfers the flight plan wi-relessly to the UAV. For automatic take off, the operator launches the UAV by throwing it into the air without any additional catapult or bungee rope. The hand launch is easy and comfortable. During the completely automatic flight the UAV follows the predefined flight plan. When the mission is finished the landing is carried out: The UAV is able to land fully automatically or if obstacles or the small size of the area prohibit automatic landing the operator can easily land manually with autopilot assistance. The UAV is stabilized by the autopilot and manually controlled by simple up/down, left/right commands. Once you tried this feature you will never want to miss it again! In addition a full manual landing is also possible.

After landing the photo log data (GPS positions and time stamps of the images etc.) will be copied from the UAV to MAVinci desktop wirelessly. The systems has no disturbing cables in the field.

Transport:

The SIRIUS UAS is a light weight system with small pack size. All equipment fits into one single box with a total weight of about 20 kg. The transport box is made of robust aluminium and especially designed for permanent com-mercial use. It protects the UAS perfectly during transport and is resistant to corrosion, weather and temperature in-flucences.

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The safety of the system is one of our main objectives. Therefore we implemented several features that will protect you and the people around you:

Electric Engine Safety Button

Before launching the UAS the electric engine is locked and cannot start by accident. A special release button on the side of the UAV body enables the operator only and no other person to release the electric engine and activate it shortly before launching. After landing a push on the safety button also locks the engine and secures the system.

Autopilot assisted manual control

Automatic take off, flight and landing of a UAS is an innovative and very useful feature. When using the UAS in the field unpredictable things such as a rescue helicopter that is passing your flight area will happen. It is therefore very important that the operator is able to interrupt the automatic flight of the UAV at any time to steer the UAV manually. Our autopilot assisted manual control mode enables the operator to control the UAV assisted by the au-topilot. In this mode the UAV is stabilized by the autopilot. The controller steers the UAV with simple up/down, left/right commands. The autopilot assisted control is very easy to learn within minutes. The UAV in addition always stays in the visual range of sight in this control mode. In some countries the operation of UAS without the option of manual control is not allowed. The assisted manual control enables you to legally operate your UAS in these countries without learning full manual UAV control.

Security Features and Emergency Actions

To prevent emergencies the UAS has several security features. Multiple radio links and an additional manual backup control link that is independent of the autopilot minimize the risk of radio link failure. The UAS has two wireless data links for up to 40 km line-of-sight range (actual frequency and range depends on your local regulations) and an additional RC transmitter with 2.4 GHz ISM link for manual backup control with up to 3 km range.Even if the UAV is outside of radio link range it continues to follow the flight plan and finishes its mission because all important data and the flight plan are stored on board.

The flight planning software MAVinci Desktop shows status data of the UAV during the flight. For example RC link state, GPS state, position of the UAV and battery levels. In addition the altitude of automatic ope-ration can be limited (e.g. to 150 m).

To minimize the damage to the UAS and increase the safety of the system the UAS performs special emer-gency actions if necessary:· In case of engine failure (e.g. due to low battery level): The autopilot still stabilizes the UAV attitude to

prevent a crash and descents.· The operator can send a „return home“ command. Then the UAV will come back to the ground station.· If GPS signal is lost the UAV circles in waiting position.

SIRIUS UAS – Safety

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Advanced Panasonic GX1 Camera

Any UAV payload should be as small and light as possible but deliver high quality data at the same time. For these reasons we integrated the Panasonic GX1 camera into our UAS. It is small and lightweight com-pared to a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and has a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor. The sensor‘s area is only 30–40% smaller than APS-C sensors used in most other DSLRs, and about 9 times larger than the 1/2.5“ sensors typically used in compact digital cameras.Together with the panasonic GX1 camera we use a Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 Lens. The focal length of the lens is fixed to increase the quality of the post processing results. Optionally we offer the calibration of the camera with the lens.

Quality Check on the field

Some of the jobs you will do with the UAV might be in remote areas and a long journey was necessary to reach your area of interest. With our quality check function you can verify the quality of the dataset you acquired directly on the field within minutes. This function checks the overlap of the single images and indicates sufficient overlap with green color.

Accuracy

During calculation of 3D models out of image data a minimization algorithm is used to determine the best mathematical solution for calculation of the 3d model. What is usually referred to as „accuracy of the 3D model“ is the average standard deviation of all tie points in the solution that is found by this algorithm. This standard deviation is in the order of 2 times the ground sampling distance (gsd) in x and y direction and 3 times gsd in altitude of the 3d model (The gsd can be up to 2 cm if flying very low). For further information about quality and results of the data produced with our system please see pages 22-23.

High resolution geo information products

The area that can be covered during one flight with SIRIUS I depends on the GSD. Due to the low flight altitude high resolutions of 2-10 cm GSD are typically achieved. In one 40 min flight one can cover:

Area coverable in one flight with pseudo orthophoto (10% overlap in flight and side direction)at 2 cm GSD and light wind: 170 haat 5 cm GSD and light wind: 360 haat 10 cm GSD and light wind: 670 ha

Area coverable in one flight with DEM/true orthophoto (75-85% overlap in flight and 65% in side direc-tion)at 2 cm GSD and light wind: 55 haat 5 cm GSD and light wind: 120 haat 10 cm GSD and light wind: 200 ha

Please note: The actual imaged area is larger. The values given refer to the area that can be processed at full (3D) accuracy, rather than the area that was imaged. The border of the area where reduced (3D) quality is to be expected is excluded from the given value. Value given is for optimal (3D) quality with side overlap metioned above. Larger areas can be covered with compromises in (3D) quality. Reserve for low wind is included in the calculation.

SIRIUS UAS – High Quality Results

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Detailed topography and visualization of noise barriers in Lummen, Belgium

Planning infrastructure projects requires a vast amount of preparation that almost inevitably starts with an accurate topographic survey. This allows construction engineers to calculate terrain leveling and ensure an exact fi t of newly built into existing infrastructures. On the other hand, full surveys can be labori-ous making them costly and time consuming. The Flemish Roads and Traffi c Agency, upon planning the construction of noise barriers along the E314 and E313 highways in Lummen (Belgium), chose a smart alternative. A full topographic survey was replaced by a limited survey supplemented with a high reso-lution orthophoto and a high density elevation model, derived from UAS data acquired by MAVinci and processed by GeoID. The result: much richer information and on top, a high quality 3D visualization.

In a few hours’ time, three different UAS fl ights were made in three designated zones along both highways, covering over 170 hectares. Each fl ight resulted in 400 to 700 photos. Photogrammetry specialists at GeoID processed these photos into high resolution true-orthophoto’s and elevation models, with a 4 cm pixel size. Since high accuracy in this project is critical, in each zone at least 10 well marked ground control points (GCP’s) were measured to exactly position (georeference) the model.

Assessing accuracy

In error assessment, the most widely applied statistic is the calibration error. Calibration error expresses for each GCP the difference between reference coordinate (from a total station or RTK GPS) and its corre-sponding coordinate from the orthophoto and elevation models. Unfortunately, this is no reliable measure of the accuracy of the entire model as reported calibration errors inevitably underestimate true errors. The reason is that the same GCP’s are also used to georeference the model so that these points are no longer independent validation points. An elegant solution to this problem is a statistic named ‘cross-validation’. In cross-validation, a terrain model is calibrated by leaving out one GCP that is used as an independent validation point. This procedure is iterated many times, each time leaving out another GCP. The resulting cross-validation error is a much more reliable measure of accuracy.

Let’s look at an example. In the southern zone of the project area, calibration errors were 4 cm for plani-metry (X and Y) and 5 cm for altimetry (Z). This is what would normally be reported by automated image processing algorithms. The cross-validation errors were 6 cm for planimetry and 13 cm for altimetry. How reliable is this? For the same zone, an independent set of over 1.700 validation points, distributed along the highway, could be obtained from a related project. This allowed a detailed validation experiment, producing a validation error in Z of 11 cm. This is only slightly smaller than the reported cross-validation error but substantially larger than the calibration error. For other zones, comparable results were obtained. This demonstrates the usefulness of cross-validation as a reliable statistic for accuracy assessment.

Visualization

With an ever growing concern for public participation, no large infrastructure project can go without effective and open communication. And communication and visualization go hand in hand. Instead of reverting to standard communication strategies such as sketches, stills and pre-rendered animations, the Flemish Roads and Traffi c agency chose to openly communicate this project using an interactive 3D visualization. The orthophoto and elevation models of the three sites were combined into a 3D environ-

MAVinci DesktopCase Study: Infrastructure Modeling Using MAVinci UAS Data

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Figure 2. View in 3D of the planned sound barriers using Skyline TerraExplorer. Both orthophoto and elevation data are derived from MAVinci UAS data.

Figure 1. Shaded relief of one project zone. Cross-validation errors in altimetry are grey disks, with errors in centimeters, validation points are black dots, confi -dence bounds as a blue.

Figure 1. Shaded relief of one project zone. Cross-validation errors in altimetry are grey disks, with errors in centimeters, validation points are black dots, confi -dence bounds as a blue.

ment using GeoID Virtual Surveyor Tools within the powerful Skyline TerraExplorer software. Models of the planned noise barriers as well road furniture (guard rails, lights) were imported and correctly positioned along the highways. In the resulting 3D environment, users can choose to freely navigate to any viewing point or fl y or drive along predefi ned routes.

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Worldwide Reseller NetworkDiscover our Presence on four Continents

This map shows the MAVinci reseller network in October 2012. We are still extending the reseller network Find up-to-date information about your local reseller on our webpage: http://www.mavinci.de/reseller. Please contact us directly, if there is no reseller in your country.

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SIRIUS UAS Operator Training

Our customers can attend a UAS operator training. It has the following content:

· Basic knowledge of aerodynamic aircrafts· Battery handling· Assembly and disassembly of the UAV· Exchange of broken parts· Flight planning, mission workflow with pre flight security check lists· Basic knowledge of wind conditions· Influence of wind to flight planning and operation· Behaviour in case of a malfunction or emergency· Technical limits of the UAS (payload, weather conditions, flight time …)· Take off, flight and landing training· Controlling the UAV in normal operation· Assisted mode: launch, flight, landing (with and without side wind)· Emergency situations in limited assisted mode: flight and landing· Instructions how to practice UAV control in general and landing in more difficult areas

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The following ten statements are the basis of our business ethics. Everything we do refl ects these priciples. They are the framework from which we build strong relations to our customers.

1. Build trust by telling the truthWe advertise our products and services with true facts proven in real use cases. Our customers trust into our integrity because we are truly honest and take responsibility for what we say and do.

2. Standing on our own feetWe offer deeply integrated products and the best possible solutions because the MAVinci autopilot is developed by us. Our deep insight into the technology enables us to quickly integrate newly emer-ging technologies into our products in order to always deliver cutting edge technology. This makes MAVinci the innovation marked leader in the fi eld of surveying and mapping UAS.

3. Long product live due to high product qualityBecause high quality cannot be repacled by anything we use durable material and set a high value on product quality. Every UAS is tested in fl ight before delivery and we set a high value on product quality. Even after hundret fl ights our UAS are still ready for operation.

4. Keep high-tech simple and easy to useWe want to save your time. Therefore operating our UAS is highly effi cient. Their straightforward architecture minimizes the ground time between the fl ights. Every detail is optimized for practical handling. In addition the UAS consists of only the necessary parts which makes transportation easier.

5. Form follows functionOur focus lies on the fuctionality of our products. They are designed to work in the fi eld even under diffi cult conditions. Our customers rely on the high performance of our products and benefi t from the practical handling.

6. Security comes fi rstOur products support many security features to ensure a safe operation of the UAS. In our UAS Operator training we educate our customers to become responsible and well trained UAS operators.

7. Global thinkingWith our worldwide reseller network we expand our business around the globe. Our resellers sup-port the customers in the local language and professionally represent MAVinci in other countries.

8. Individual solutions for everyoneAlthough many of our customers share the need for aerial images, their use cases are individual. We want to give you the freedom to serve all possible usecases when doing business therefore we provide different post processing solutions.

9. Challenges are opportunitiesWe like to accept the challenges our customers issue to us because they are opportunities todemonstrate the extensive capabilities of our UAS technology. We are open minded to the needsof our customers and do our utmost to satisfy them.

10. Passion for technologyWe like to deliver high quality products and service to our costumers. Our curiosity and passionfor technology and science drives us to develop innovations and manufacture cutting edge UAS.

ContactMAVinci UG (haftungsbeschränkt)Friedrichstr. 169181 LeimenGermany

www.mavinci.decontact@mavinci.de

phone: +49 (0)6224 59 399 82fax: +49 (0)6224 59 399 87

October 2012Disclaimer: Subject to change without notice