High-Altitude LiDAR: Mapping at 150m AGL with the ROCK Ultra (Data Walkthrough)

Introducing the ROCK Ultra, your ultimate solution for high-precision data collection. With the ability to fly at 150 m (492 ft) AGL, the ROCK Ultra captures ultra-dense, survey-grade point clouds in a single pass, delivering razor-sharp accuracy and lightning-fast data collection. Drone LiDAR is evolving—and precision at altitude is finally practical. Let’s dive into the features that make the ROCK Ultra a serious tool for professionals in the surveying and mapping industry.

Key Features of the ROCK Ultra LiDAR System

Extended Range & Altitude

The ROCK Ultra boasts an incredible 1,000 meters of range, allowing for flexible operation without compromising data quality.

*Data point cloud collected at 150 meters (492 feet) above ground level (AGL) with ROCK Ultra*

High-Precision Ranging Accuracy

Achieving 5 millimeters ranging accuracy at 120 meters AGL, the ROCK Ultra is designed for topographic surveys and infrastructure mapping, ensuring survey-grade precision.

** ***Unlock 5 millimeters ranging accuracy at 120 meters AGL with ROCK Ultra *

Lightweight Design with Integrated Camera Options

Weighing just 1.21 kg (or 1.4 kg with the camera), the ROCK Ultra is optimized for drone integration without sacrificing payload capacity. A **45-megapixel camera version **is also available for enhanced photogrammetry applications.

Advanced Vegetation Penetration

With seven returns per pulse, the ROCK Ultra excels in penetrating dense vegetation, capturing bare earth data beneath forest canopies or thick brush—a critical factor in forestry and environmental monitoring.

*With seven returns per pulse, the ROCK Ultra captures bare earth beneath dense vegetation*

High-Density Point Cloud Collection

Capturing up to one million points per second, the ROCK Ultra produces dense, accurate data sets, even when flying at higher speeds and altitudes. This capability supports rapid area coverage and detailed capture for 3D mapping.

*ROCK Ultra captures a million points per second for fast, high-altitude 3D mapping*

Practical Implications for Surveyors and Mapping Professionals

Reduced Terrain Following Constraints

The ROCK Ultra’s extended flying range and high accuracy reduce dependency on highly accurate digital elevation models for terrain following during drone flights. Operators can maintain higher altitudes without risking data loss or collision, improving safety and efficiency.

*ROCK Ultra’s range and accuracy allow safer, high-altitude flights*

Enhanced Productivity in Variable Weather

The ROCK Ultra's ability to fly higher and cover larger areas quickly means survey teams can make the most of limited weather windows, keeping projects on schedule.

*High, fast flights with the ROCK Ultra enable data capture in brief weather windows*

Large Area Coverage

The ROCK Ultra can capture thousands of acres in a single day, making it ideal for expansive projects such as land development, forestry, and utility corridor mapping.

*Map thousands of acres daily with the ROCK Ultra—perfect for large-scale projects*

ROCK Ultra Data Quality Demonstrated: Examples from 150 m AGL

Crisp Structural Detail

Even at 150 meters AGL, the ROCK Ultra data reveals sharp, well-defined features such as retaining walls and curbs, vital for civil engineering and construction site surveys.

*At 150m, the ROCK Ultra captures retaining walls and curbs—crucial for engineering surveys*

Vegetation and Bare Earth Separation

The ROCK Ultra utilizes seven returns, which allows clean differentiation between dense tree canopy and the bare earth surface below to result in a smooth, accurate digital elevation model (DEM) suitable for environmental analysis.

*Seven returns from the ROCK Ultra yields clear ground data for accurate DEMs*

Integrated Photogrammetry for Orthomosaics

The ROCK Ultra's onboard camera produces precise orthomosaics aligned with LiDAR data for accurate XY positioning, enhancing mapping deliverables with integrated aerial photography.

Power Corridor Mapping

*ROCK Ultra’s 90° view covers 240m—ideal for fast utility mapping*

ROCK Ultra’s wide 90-degree field of view allows for single-swath coverage of approximately 240 meters at 120 meters altitude, ideal for fast utility mapping, reducing flight time and data processing overhead.

The ROCK Ultra is a Game-Changer for Your Business

The ROCK Ultra combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, making it the ideal choice for modern LiDAR surveying. Its ability to deliver dense, actionable data at higher altitudes and speeds means you can tackle even the most demanding projects with ease.

Join the revolution in LiDAR Surveying. The ROCK Ultra is not just another tool - it's your partner in achieving precision, efficiency and quality in your projects.

For more details on how the ROCK Ultra can fit into your surveying toolkit, visit rockrobotic.com/ultra.

Contact us today to learn more about ROCK and how we can transform your LiDAR mapping business!

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