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- How-To Price a Drone LiDAR Job: A Guide to Value-Based Pricing for your Surveying Business
Understanding how to properly price your services is crucial to the success of any business. In the world of Drone LiDAR Surveying, two popular methods dominate: cost-based pricing and value-based pricing. But which is the right one for your business, and how do you implement it effectively? Let's delve into it! Cost-Based Pricing Vs. Value-Based Pricing First, it's important to understand the difference between these two methods. Cost-based pricing involves calculating the cost of each aspect of a job – materials, labor hours, and other expenses – and then adding a profit margin. This approach is straightforward but can leave money on the table, especially in a high-value industry like drone LiDAR surveying. Value-based pricing, on the other hand, bases the price on the perceived value of the service to the client. It’s about selling the outcomes and benefits, not just the raw service. In an industry as dynamic and high-tech as drone LiDAR, value-based pricing can more accurately capture the worth of the service being provided, leading to potentially higher profits. So, how can you switch to value-based pricing for your drone LiDAR business? Let’s break it down... Determining the Value of Your Drone LiDAR Service In a nutshell, the value you provide to your clients comes down to four key areas: Time Saving Increased Accuracy Safety Improvements Access to Difficult Areas Let’s consider the ROCK R3 PRO LiDAR camera for drones as an example. This advanced piece of technology can capture over 1,000 acres per day, compared to the 5 acres a traditional 2-man survey crew can cover. This staggering increase in productivity equates to significant time savings for surveying firms. Moreover, the accuracy of the R3 Pro is superior to traditional methods. Where a survey crew might take measurements every 25 feet, the R3 Pro captures over 300 points per square meter with an accuracy of 1-3 cm. In terms of safety, using a drone-mounted LiDAR like the R3 Pro allows surveyors to avoid hazardous areas and wildlife. Finally, drone LiDAR has the ability to access difficult, sometimes inaccessible, terrain. The R3 Pro can fly above dense vegetation and still generate a precise topographic surface using ROCK Cloud. To price your service, you need to evaluate how much these benefits are worth to your clients. For example, how much time and money can they save by using your service? How much is the increased safety worth to them? These are the factors that should guide your pricing. Discovering Your Pricing While setting value-based pricing, the next big challenge is to discover the right price that captures the true worth of your services. Here are some practical ways to do so: Reach Out to Local Survey Firms: A straightforward way to gauge the value of your services is by directly contacting local survey firms. They can provide insights into how much they're willing to pay for the benefits that your service offers. Engage in Industry Groups: There are online communities where professionals in your industry exchange information. For example, the Drone Mapping and Surveying Group on Facebook is a hub for experts to discuss industry trends, technologies, and pricing strategies. By participating in these discussions, you can get an idea of what companies are currently charging for similar services. Estimate the Cost of Traditional Methods: Another method of discovering your price point is by comparing it to the cost of traditional surveying methods. This can give you a baseline for setting your price. For instance, let's look at the cost of surveying a 300-acre area using traditional methods. It would take a 2-man crew approximately 30 days to complete the survey, considering they can cover 5-10 acres per day. If they are paid an hourly salary of $20, that equates to 30 days x 2 crew members x 8 hours/day x $20/hour = $9,600. In addition to field work, there is also desk time required to process the data. Let's say it takes one person three days at $45 per hour to process the data. That's an additional 3 days x 8 hours/day x $45/hour = $1,080. Add to this the transportation costs, equipment costs, and other overheads, and the total cost of the project can easily reach $15,000 to $25,000. Remember, this is the cost to the firm, not what they are charging their clients. Given this, if your drone LiDAR services can accomplish the same task in less time, with better accuracy and safer conditions, you can see how the value you provide can justify a premium price. This approach not only ensures that your prices cover your costs, but also allows you to capture the full value of your service. By effectively communicating this value to your clients, and showing how your services can save them time, money, and mitigate risks, you will be well on your way to setting a profitable, value-based price for your drone LiDAR services. Communicating Your Value to Clients Once you've established your value-based pricing, it's essential to communicate that value effectively to your clients. Focus on the benefits they'll receive from your services – the time savings, the increased accuracy, the improved safety, and the ability to access difficult areas. Showcase your technology and its capabilities. Using advanced tools like the ROCK R3 PRO and the ROCK Cloud platform for LiDAR data processing not only demonstrates your commitment to cutting-edge technology, but also the tangible benefits your clients can expect. Incorporate case studies or examples that demonstrate these benefits in real-world scenarios. For instance, you could point to instances where drone LiDAR surveying helped surveying firms save time and money, or highlight a project where your services were instrumental in safely accessing hazardous terrain. Consider adding such stories to your blog or including them in your project proposals. Conclusion Embarking on the journey of value-based pricing for your drone LiDAR business can be a transformative process. Not only can it increase your profits, but it also allows you to articulate the value you deliver to your clients more effectively. Discovering the right price can be a challenge, but by leveraging resources like local survey firms, online communities such as the Drone Mapping and Surveying Group on Facebook, and comparing costs to traditional methods, you can better understand and set your price. When you use state-of-the-art technology like our ROCK R3 Pro and the ROCK Cloud platform for LiDAR data processing, you're showing a commitment to delivering the best possible value to your clients. To learn more about drone LiDAR surveying, explore our ROCK Blog, or check out our ROCK Community page for answers to your pressing questions. To see the ROCK R3 PRO in action, be sure to visit our YouTube channel, Indiana Drones, where you can find plenty of useful tutorials and impressive demonstrations. We at ROCK Robotic are excited to partner with you on your journey into value-based pricing. Together, we can push the boundaries of drone LiDAR surveying, offering superior value to clients and shaping the future of the industry. Remember, at the end of the day, your goal is to provide your clients with the best possible service while recognizing the value of your hard work. Let us help you elevate your business to new heights. Ready to get started? Schedule a meeting with our team today to learn more! Visit rockrobotic.com now to learn more about the best technology available for aerial data collection.
- Vegetation Penetration: The #1 Reason for Drone LiDAR
The #1 Reason for Drone LiDAR is Vegetation Penetration. In this article I will show you how the ROCK Ecosystem™ from the ROCK R3 Pro, ROCK Desktop, and ROCK Cloud work seamlessly together to enable surveyors to work faster, safer, and more accurately. Laying the Groundwork For our study, we zeroed in on a 66-acre woodland terrain south of Atlanta, GA in the full summer of 2023. The vegetation here is very dense! To walk this site it would take a 2 man crew approximately 2 weeks to survey and build a Topo. It was above 90 degrees with full humidity. No one wants to walk this entire site and get poison ivy all over while risking dehydration. GCP Prep: Total Station Traverse To establish a baseline of accuracy we had control points captured using a total station, performing a traverse around the perimeter of the survey area. These points, set within the thick vegetation, aimed to provide an accurate benchmark against which the LiDAR's capabilities will be assessed. Taking to the Skies With the preparatory work complete, the ROCK R3 Pro took center stage. Mounted on the DJI M300 drone, it ascended above the dense canopy. What would typically demand weeks of on-foot surveying was seamlessly completed in just an hour. The captured data was reviewed onsite with ROCK Desktop to ensure a successful capture. Then back in the office we uploaded to a new project on the ROCK Cloud for processing. In quick time, a comprehensive surface model, detailed with precise contours, was generated. The Proof is in the Precision Upon analyzing the processed data against the control points, the results were AMAZING. The ROCK R3 Pro demonstrated a remarkable accuracy of 0.081 FT – inside the dense vegetation! This is a testament to its unmatched vegetation penetration capabilities and accuracy. But the system's prowess wasn't solely in its accuracy. The density of the captured data brought to light terrain features often missed by traditional methods. One such revelation was the intricate terracing patterns, masked for years beneath the forest's thick canopy. Look at the video below and you will see on the surface model, clear terracing. You would have walked right over this feature with a RTK GPS or Total Station! See the Data in the Cloud The ROCK Cloud is like the superhero of LiDAR data handling. Picture it as your trusty sidekick, helping you master and play with LiDAR data like a pro. Imagine a toolkit filled with gadgets for visualizing, analyzing, and storytelling—making data exciting and understandable. In the world of industries like mining, construction, and forestry, ROCK Cloud swoops in, providing accurate spatial insights at lightning speed, making projects a thrilling adventure with better outcomes! 🔎 See the Data in the Cloud: https://cloud.rockrobotic.com/share/d1e62a17-cceb-4093-b427-eb89c51999f8 Weighing Tradition Against Technology The ROCK R3 Pro is the new best tool in the surveyor toolkit. The technology is here today, and with ROCK Robotic you can perform your Topos: faster, safer, and more accurate. ROCK Robotic offers a complete end-to-end solution and seamless workflow. We get you the best hardware, software, training, and support on the market. In the ROCK Ecosystem™, you are in good hands. Contact us today to learn more about the ROCK Ecosystem and how it can transform your LiDAR mapping business!
- Introducing ROCK Cloud Business PLUS: Unleashing the Power of LiDAR Processing
At ROCK Robotic, our mission is to transform the world of LiDAR technology, making it more accessible and cost-effective for everyone. We are excited to unveil our latest development - the ROCK Cloud Business PLUS, a revolutionary upgrade designed exclusively for all new ROCK R3 PRO customers. “ROCK Cloud Business PLUS is set to change how you leverage LiDAR technology. With enhanced features and impressive affordability, it's here to redefine your LiDAR experience.” Amplify Your Capabilities The ROCK Cloud Business PLUS plan is not just an upgrade; it's a revolution, aimed at turbocharging your LiDAR data processing prowess. With this exceptional plan, you can now undertake up to 5 ROCK Surveyor projects every month, covering up to 20 acres per project. Should your project exceed this limit, don't worry, we've got you covered for the first 20 acres free of charge! This translates into an impressive $200 worth of processing included for free. For additional acreage, the fee is only $2 per acre for the ROCK Surveyor. This not only makes LiDAR data processing more cost-effective, but it also facilitates the management of larger projects with ease. Here's the Advantages The benefits of using ROCK Cloud Business PLUS extend beyond its cost-effectiveness and processing power. Here's why this plan is your best LiDAR partner: Quality Control and Assurance By LiDAR Experts One of the standout features of ROCK Cloud Business PLUS is that each of your ROCK Surveyor projects is QC/QA by our team of LiDAR Experts. This guarantees that the data you receive is meticulously vetted, perfectly processed, and of top-notch quality. By reducing errors, it saves you valuable time and resources. Dedicated Support for Your Deliverables At ROCK Robotic, we offer a complete solution to our customers. That's why, along with QC/QA, we also provide dedicated support on your deliverable. Our team of experts will guide you through your data, answer your queries, and provide insights to ensure that you understand every aspect of your deliverable. This level of support means you're never left guessing about your data and its implications. An Extension of Your Team With ROCK Cloud Business PLUS, you're not just choosing a software solution - you're choosing an extension to your team. Our LiDAR experts work closely with you, offering advice, expertise, and personalized service to ensure your project's successful completion. This level of partnership provides not just data but perfect results, every single time. Are you ready to enhance your LiDAR data processing capabilities? Embrace the future of LiDAR technology with ROCK Cloud Business PLUS. Visit our pricing page for more information and feel free to reach out to our support team if you have any questions. “With ROCK Cloud Business PLUS, you're not just investing in a processing software - you're investing in a partnership for perfection.” From surveying tricky terrain to inspecting power lines, ROCK Robotic provides the ultimate drone LiDAR solution. Visit our blog to learn more about the innovative ways our customers are using our technology in various industries. For those interested in expanding their capabilities even further, consider our ROCK R3 PRO LiDAR or ROCK R3 PRO w/ SLAM LiDAR. And don't forget to check out the store for the latest accessories to boost your LiDAR experience. Check out our various case studies to see how ROCK Robotic has helped businesses like yours transform their data collection and processing capabilities. And if you're new to the world of LiDAR, don't miss our comprehensive guide on LiDAR and surveying terms. "Together, let's redefine the way we leverage LiDAR technology. With ROCK Cloud Business PLUS, you're not just investing in a processing software - you're investing in a partnership for perfection."
- Unlocking Drone Compatibility: ROCK Robotic's Universal Mount for the R3 Pro LiDAR
ROCK has an exciting announcement that will transform your mapping operations — the R3 Pro LiDAR now works with any drone! No more limitations, a lot more options. Read the article to learn more about the new ROCK Universal Mount and see it in action on the Freefly Systems Astro drone. Unleashing the Power of LiDAR LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has significantly advanced the field of surveying and mapping. Its ability to generate highly accurate 3D models of terrain, structures, and environments has been a game-changer for various industries such as agriculture, forestry, construction, and environmental monitoring. However, to truly unlock the potential of aerial LiDAR and the ROCK R3 Pro (previously only compatible with the DJI M300 & DJI M350), a reliable and efficient mounting system is crucial. This is where the ROCK Robotic Universal Mount steps in, designed to seamlessly integrate with the R3 Pro LiDAR. Introducing the ROCK Robotic Universal Mount The ROCK Universal Mount is a state-of-the-art mounting solution designed for optimal integration with the R3 Pro LiDAR system. This mount is engineered with precision and durability in mind, ensuring stability and accurate LiDAR data capture during flight. Also included is a high-quality LEMO to XT60 Cable for seamless connectivity. Here are the Key Features: 1. Compatibility: The ROCK Universal Mount is specifically designed to work with any drone that can handle the LiDAR payload. There is also a kit specifically for the Freefly Astro drone, providing a seamless integration that ensures stability and accuracy during LiDAR mapping missions. 2. Versatility: This mount is adaptable to various drones, making it versatile for a range of mapping applications. Its universal design enables easy attachment and detachment, allowing you to use it with multiple drone models effortlessly. 3. Robust Construction: Crafted from high-quality materials, the ROCK Universal Mount is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor usage. It ensures your LiDAR equipment is securely mounted and protected throughout the mapping process. 4. Stability & Precision: With a focus on stability, this mount minimizes vibrations and movements during flight, resulting in highly precise LiDAR data collection. Achieve the level of accuracy you need for your mapping projects. Click here to learn more about the R3 Pro's accuracy. Pairing with Freefly Astro Drone The Freefly Astro drone is a fantastic platform for aerial data collection. Its exceptional stability, flight capabilities, and payload capacity make it an ideal match for the Universal Drone Mount and the R3 Pro LiDAR. Not to mention it is NDAA compliant. Together, they form a powerful tool for efficient and accurate LiDAR mapping. Click HERE to see the ROCK Universal Mount in action on the Freefly Astro drone! Elevate Your Mapping Experience Incorporate the ROCK Robotic Universal Mount for the R3 Pro LiDAR with the Freefly Astro drone into your mapping workflow and take your projects to new heights. Experience enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in LiDAR data collection, providing valuable insights for your business. Elevate the way you map, survey, and analyze with ROCK Robotic and Freefly Systems. Contact us today to learn more about the ROCK Robotic Universal Mount and how it can transform your LiDAR mapping business!
- The Rise of Drone-Based LiDAR: Pioneering Change with ROCK R3 Pro
The realm of spatial data collection and processing has been undergoing a transformation in the past few years, steered by the game-changing developments in drone-based LiDAR technologies. At the center of this revolution, ROCK Robotic has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the industry, offering simple yet highly accurate LiDAR systems that are affordable. With our third-generation system, the ROCK R3 Pro LiDAR, we have reached a new pinnacle in the realm of drone-based LiDAR technology, outpacing our earlier iterations - the ROCK R2A and ROCK R360. ROCK R3 Pro LiDAR: A Paradigm Shift in Drone-Based LiDAR ROCK R3 Pro LiDAR, a cutting-edge solution, brings forth unparalleled capabilities: High precision: It captures data with accuracy down to a few centimeters, guaranteeing the quality of data. Simultaneous Photogrammetry: Alongside LiDAR data, it captures high-resolution photogrammetric data in a single flight, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Portability and Versatility: Its compact size and ability to be mounted on drones, vehicles, and handheld make it ideal for a variety of use cases. "Accuracy is not a luxury, but a requirement when capturing drone-based LiDAR. The precision of the data collected determines the effectiveness of the final output." — ROCK Robotic, About Best Practices for Capturing Drone-Based LiDAR In leveraging drone-based LiDAR, particularly with the ROCK R3 Pro, we have a few recommendations that can ensure optimal data capture: Prepare for the Mission: Ensure your LiDAR equipment, such as our ROCK R3 Pro LiDAR, is properly calibrated and the flight path is well-planned. Accurate Data Processing: Use reliable LiDAR data processing software like our ROCK Cloud to convert raw LiDAR data into actionable insights. Support: Utilize the extensive resources available on our LiDAR support page to ensure smooth operation and to troubleshoot any issues. Drone-based LiDAR Market Opportunities Drone-based LiDAR is unlocking new opportunities across sectors, such as surveying, construction, forestry, and public safety. For instance, our ROCK R3 Pro LiDAR has successfully surveyed large and challenging terrains, ushering new possibilities for surveyors and engineers. Learn more about this in our blog post about surveying tricky terrain. The ongoing growth and advancements in drone-based LiDAR are poised to bring this technology into the mainstream, benefitting various sectors. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting journey, check out our jobs page. In summary, the rise of drone-based LiDAR, spearheaded by systems like ROCK R3 Pro LiDAR, is revolutionizing the way we capture and interpret spatial data. It's also opening up new market opportunities across industries. Stay updated with the latest in LiDAR technology by subscribing to our blog, and check out our store for all your LiDAR needs. For more information about our products and services, you can request a quote through our R3 PRO quote request page.
- Four Crews? Four Weeks? Forget that! ROCK can help get the job done in one day.
We received some amazing feedback from one of our ROCK Cloud users. He had nothing but great things to say about how helpful, accurate and quick our LiDAR processing software is. And here's why: • Manual Classification • Stockpile Calculations • TOPOs in a day. ONE DAY. Boom! Take a look at what else he had to say... "I have to say this scanner is incredible! My contours were perfect. They matched the surveyors ground points within hundredths. Even the gravel driveways. They had 4 crews working for 4 weeks and we did cam up with the data in 2 days. I’m going to like doing this…" — John Triska, 3D Data Prep Inc. Want to see what you can accomplish in a day? Take a look at this free dataset. Contact ROCK Robotic to learn how we can help. hello@rockrobotic.com
- Easily calculate Volumetrics with the ROCK Cloud Stockpile Tool.
Good news... we have added a new feature to the ROCK Cloud! Now, you can quickly draw a polygon around an object to calculate the "Cut & Fill" volumes. It's super fast, easy and works with any LiDAR data. Watch the video above to see how simple it is. Visit learn.rockrobotic.com for more information about the ROCK Cloud. "They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say the point cloud generated by the fantastic ROCK Robotic R2A sensor is priceless. Well, maybe not priceless since we are billing the client... but you get the idea. We have been flying this R2A sensor for a little over a month now and we have mapped a 1700 acre ranch, 400 acres of a water treatment plant, 20 miles of distribution lines and 4 miles of transmission for 2 new switch/substation sites. I can’t say enough about the guys at ROCK Robotic and the product they have put together, both the R2A sensor and the ROCK Cloud software." — Josh Burge PLS - sUAS Pilot Gorrondona & Associates, Inc. Not using the ROCK Cloud to process LiDAR data? What are you waiting for?! Sign up now for a 14-Day free trial of ROCK Cloud.
- Turn your LiDAR data into stunning animations using the ROCK Cloud.
It just keeps getting better! We absolutely love this new Drone LiDAR 3D Mapped dataset. Now you can easily export videos of your LiDAR scans using the ROCK Cloud. All you have to do upload your data, set the animation points and export to video. It's a great opportunity to show off your work to clients and the community. Follow this tutorial to learn how to export animations. "As a professional Drone Services provider, we have had a great experience working with Rock Robotic. They have a responsive, helpful support team that always goes above and beyond!" — Empower UAV & CODE 3 Drone Use the ROCK Cloud to process your LiDAR data. Start your free ROCK Cloud trial now!
- Improving Accuracy of DJI Zenmuse L1 with ROCK Cloud 3D LiDAR Data Processing Software
Drone LiDAR Accuracy Aerial Drone LiDAR has never been more accessible than now. A new generation of LiDAR hardware has hit the market and spans a large range of both price and quality. This puts even more pressure on the post-processing workflow to extract the good data from the bad. ROCK Robotic developed the ROCK Cloud software to answer this call for the growing community of 3D Point Cloud users. Boasting a large array of toolsets, the ROCK Cloud can also improve data by reducing the noise in entry level LiDAR systems. In this article we specifically discuss the new DJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR, but the same processes apply to all LiDAR data in the ROCK Cloud. Read on to discover how the ROCK Cloud optimizes fuzzy datasets to improve your final deliverable accuracy. DJI Zenmuse L1 DJI released the Zenmuse L1 LiDAR system in 2021. The LiDAR system is compact, inexpensive, and is carried by the DJI M300 drone system. The L1 brings a new idea for form factor and simplicity for 3D point cloud data acquisition. However, the data produced by the L1 can oftentimes be very “fuzzy” measuring from 10 cm to even up to 50 cm. Several factors contribute to the final point cloud being this fuzzy, but the main culprit is the IMU. So what can be done? Let's discuss the ROCK Cloud, and what we put together to help improve the accuracy of the L1 system. ROCK Cloud The ROCK Cloud was developed by ROCK Robotic with a completely new take on LiDAR processing. The tool combines secure backed up storage, visualization, analysis, and sharing functionality into 1 cloud platform. With the ROCK Marketplace, users have an affordable way to quickly get survey grade deliverables from their raw LiDAR data. ROCK helps all LiDAR users get access to the best deliverables no matter your experience level. When a user uploads DJI L1 data and orders the ROCK Surveyor package, a series of processes are initiated. The end user will see their data and a final deliverable. But what they can't see is the magic that ROCK has put together to make those final deliverables so appealing. ROCK Surveyor & ROCK A.I. ROCK Surveyor is our 1-click deliverable engine to produce topographic surfaces. The deliverables include a classified LiDAR dataset, contours, topographic surfaces, and an accuracy report. The Surveyor engine is powered by ROCK A.I. and the ROCK QC/QA team. The internal process of ROCK uses to generate these deliverables is what sets apart a ROCK deliverable from any other software. This is also what enables the improved accuracy from DJI L1 data. How It Works First, the ROCK A.I. engine finds the bare earth points and removes all other obstructions. This includes trees, vegetation, cars, buildings, signs, etc. Once the ROCK A.I. finds the bare earth, the engine looks for the best representative points. These points fall in a Gaussian distribution about the fuzzy data. Now that it has stripped down the data and found the points that best represent the ground, a surface is generated with contours. These surfaces include TIN models and DEMs. This final deliverable allows the accuracy to be effectively assessed. What we find is the random noise of the original point cloud can be very high, often over 20cm! With the ROCK Cloud, this error can be significantly lower. The specific improvement rate varies from flight to flight, but we observe a systematically lower error rate on deliverables from ROCK surveyor when compared to the original noisy point cloud. ROCK Surveyor - Contours The Results Oftentimes, this will increase the accuracy of the RAW point cloud from 20+ cm down to 5 cm. In the example below (Fig. 1), there is a cross section of an airport runway captured with the DJI L1. The thickness of the fuzz is roughly 0.4 ft (12 cm). After running ROCK Surveyor on the dataset, we compared it to 178 GCPs that were captured across the site. The error with respect to the ROCK Cloud Surveyor deliverable is reduced to 0.193 ft (5.8 cm), a decrease in error of over 50%! Fig. 1 - DJI L1 - Cross Section Other Issues with the Zenmuse L1 The "fuzz" isn’t the only issue commonly found in these datasets from the L1 LiDAR system. In addition to the high frequency noise that affects each point and causes this fuzz, there is also a long-term measurement error that can occur throughout the dataset, causing undulations up and down across large regions. This noise is extremely difficult to remove. Users who experience this noise will see their ground control points above the surface in some locations and below the surface in other locations, and no amount of moving the dataset will remove this noise. As you can see, the ROCK Cloud makes a significant difference in the overall quality of DJI L1 datasets and their resulting deliverables. With a World-Class Support Team to help guide you through the ROCK Cloud and the ROCK Development Team that keeps improving your ability to manage your data, the ROCK Cloud is the obvious solution! To learn more about the undulations, check out this video. Visit www.rockrobotic.com to learn more about our products and services.
- Capturing Aerial Drone LiDAR & Photogrammetry in a Single Flight (Earthworks Demo)
It doesn't get much better than this: Photogrammetry and LiDAR in a single flight with ROCK Robotic! Now, with the ROCK R2A and ROCK Cloud, we've got you covered from points to orthos. In this article, we are showcasing a recent demo job that the ROCK Support Team helped deliver. The Backstory ROCK Robotic was called to provide a demo of the ROCK R2A LiDAR + Photogrammetry hardware combo, along with the ROCK Cloud data processing solution. The client wanted to compare the workflow to their existing Phantom 4 RTK + Propellor workflow. ROCK’s job was to provide an accurate 3D topographic surface to calculate cut / fill on a large earthworks project and a high-resolution orthomosaic to track the construction progress. This article will focus on the results from the R2A LiDAR + Photogrammetry solution, alongside the output deliverables from the ROCK Cloud. We will discuss and compare the results from the two separate workflows in an upcoming article. The Job The location was a 90 acre job site, with roughly 25 acres recently cleared and large earth moving underway. The remainder of the project area was still covered in dense vegetation. The job site posed no unusual risks or challenges — a fairly straightforward mission. The Flight The ROCK R2A was flown on the DJI M300 drone at an AGL of 200 ft, with a 50% side overlap and a camera interval of 2 seconds in order to capture both LiDAR 3D data and photogrammetry. The R2A is a precision LiDAR instrument with industry-leading high precision hardware. The LiDAR collects up to 720,000 points per second, with a 70 degree field of view. The max range is over 1400 ft — although our recommended flight height is between 200 and 400 ft. The system also comes with a co-aligned 24MP camera for both colorization and ortho photo acquisition. When flying the R2A for a dual-purpose LiDAR + photogrammetry mission, it is recommended to fly at 50% or higher overlap for accurate photogrammetric reconstruction. For LiDAR-only missions, an overlap of 30% is sufficient. The 90-acre site was flown with 1 battery set and completed in under 25 minutes. ROCK R2A LiDAR x DJI M300 Data Processing Once the flight was complete, a high-resolution point cloud (LAS) was generated using the ROCK Desktop pre-processing software (PCMaster) and uploaded to the ROCK Cloud for post-processing. The ROCK Cloud is a complete post-processing solution that delivers full 3D data results in a user-friendly and efficient interface. With the ROCK Cloud, you can quickly produce survey-grade surface models from raw point cloud data. Additionally, the ROCK Cloud is your hub for 3D data and now it includes orthomosaic data. The ROCK Cloud makes it simple to store, visualize, analyze, and share your data. Once the LiDAR data was uploaded to the ROCK Cloud, the data was reprojected into the local coordinate system and contours and a surface model were generated using the ROCK Surveyor deliverable. The deliverables beat the, “1-2 business day” estimated turnaround time and were complete in only 11 minutes! While the ROCK Cloud computed the surface deliverable, the orthophotos from the ROCK R2A were loaded into Pix4D to produce an orthomosaic. Once completed the ortho was uploaded to the ROCK Cloud and then the results were visible with the contours generated from the 3D LiDAR data. In addition to the visualization of the ortho, you can now order 2D Planimetrics on all ortho data. ROCK will soon be adding even many more features to further unlock the insights in your captured data. The Results The R2A LiDAR + Photogrammetry along with the ROCK Cloud produced an accurate surface model that was free of the defects typically found when photogrammetry data is used alone. A clean surface was generated that removed all unwanted surface features including trees, trucks, bushes and all other non-ground features. The data was delivered to the client the next day so they could continue the cut / fill process. Check out the video and data examples below to see how awesome this is! ROCK Cloud - Earthworks Demo - Map to LiDAR ROCK Cloud - Earthworks Demo - Data Examples Visit www.rockrobotic.com to learn more about our products and services.
- Get 1.65 cm Accuracy Results with the ROCK R2A Drone LiDAR & ROCK Cloud 3D Data Processing Software
ROCK Robotic's R2A LiDAR with the ROCK Cloud processing software can produce 1.65 cm accuracy! Bold statement, I know. So, let me break down this accuracy test flight and the procedures I used to achieve this stellar accuracy. Don't worry — you can do it too. And of course, all of the data is openly shared for you to review. 👍 The ROCK R2A combines the best of LiDAR with photogrammetry. A lightweight solution weighing only 1.2 kg and capturing up-to 720,000 point measurements per second. With a recommended flying height (150 ft. to 400 ft.) you can capture over 2,000 acres in a single days work. Attached to the R2A LiDAR is a co-aligned 24MP Sony camera. The camera is used to both colorize the LiDAR Point Cloud and produce detailed Orthomosaics. The R2A LiDAR and Photogrammetry system is a survey machine. When used together with the ROCK Cloud, a user can easily capture data and get a Survey Grade Topographic Surfaces, Contours, and Accuracy Reports generated in a single day. This isn't the only thing you can get ... use the ROCK Cloud for Break Lines, Stockpile Volumetrics, Planimetric Line Work, or a multitude of deliverables for Power Lines. The ROCK Cloud is packed full of 3D A.I. that combs through your datasets and delivers unparalleled 3D deliverables from your LiDAR data. Use the ROCK Cloud to store, share, analyze, and process 3D Data. Not to mention — Orthomosaic support! In this article, an accuracy test is conducted with the ROCK R2A and the ROCK Cloud to generate a topographic surface. The flight was conducted over an abandoned airport runway of approximately 48 acres. The airstrip was selected because of its hard and flat surface. Also, the surface is covered with highly reflective lane markings and runway numbering. The reflective lane markings were used to capturing a network of GCPs (Ground Control Points). I went a little overboard… capturing 178 control points on all the paint striping. 😳 Ground Control Points A network of 178 GCPs is captured using two Emlid Reach RS2 GNSS systems in an RTK base and rover configuration. The base station was placed over a known monument. The location was found from the NGS database. The data sheet (Fig. 1) for the monument is pictured below. This known coordinate was entered into the base station, then RTCM3 corrections were broadcasted via 3G using the Emlid Caster service. You can learn more about the service here. Once the base station was placed, the 178 GCPs were captured on several lane marking features on the runway. All GCPs were captured with RTK Fix and with 5 second observations per shot. This provides an average of 1-2 cm accuracy for each GCP. Fig 1. GCP Data Sheet Flight Overview The ROCK R2A LiDAR was mounted to the DJI M300 drone through the quick connect Skyport. Through the Skyport connection, the R2A LiDAR gets power to operate. UGcS mission planning software was used to create an automated flight plan that was flown at an above ground level (AGL) of 50 m (164 ft), a side overlap of 30%, and a flight speed of 6 m/s (13.4 mph). The mission was flown in one battery set from the M300 drone. This flight was very simple, and nothing special was done to conduct the flight. ROCK Cloud & The Data As the mission was flown, the ROCK R2A captured LiDAR and orthophotos. A colorized point cloud was generated using the ROCK Desktop software - PCMaster and PCPainter. The production of the point cloud is very simple and no post calibration or strip alignment is necessary. This process took approximately 30 minutes to complete. Now that we have the LAS file, we create a new project in the ROCK Cloud and upload our data. The ROCK Cloud offers a complete post processing workflow for LiDAR data as well as the ability to host, share, and analyze, and now orthomosaic support! After uploading and selecting the local state plane projection and vertical datum: AD83(2011) / California zone 3 (ftUS) and NAVD88 height (ftUS) ROCK Surveyor ROCK Surveyor is a complete topographic deliverable producing engine. In one click, your data is analyzed by the ROCK A.I. engine and ground classified LiDAR dataset with digital elevation, model surface, contours, and an Accuracy Report is produced. ROCK Surveyor uses a combination of ROCK A.I. and the ROCK QC / QA team to produce final deliverables — with no user intervention. It's very simple, just click order and allow the data to process. Accuracy Report Here is where the story gets good! The Accuracy Report. The Accuracy Report utilized 178 GCPs from the RTK measurements and does a vertical accuracy assessment from the GCPs to the surface generated from the ROCK R2A LiDAR and the ROCK Surveyor. The results: 57 points per square ft ( 613 pts/m^2 ), 48 acres, 0.054 ft ( 1.65 cm ) Vertical Accuracy RMS, 0.054 ft Standard Deviation, and a -0.001 ft Delta Deviation. The big number to pull is the Vertical Accuracy RMS of 0.054 ft or 1.65 cm. This is truly astounding🥹! This is why so many surveying professionals are turning to ROCK Robotic for their high accuracy needs. The remainder of this article will discuss more on the data quality. More notes of interest about the ROCK R2A and the ROCK Cloud: Strip Alignment Pictured below (Fig. 2), we can see the dataset is colored from orange to purple in stripes. This is how the ROCK R2A LiDAR was flown. The variety of colors represent the time when the data was captured, allowing us to see how well the overlap is aligned. This is a very important feature of any LiDAR system. If the system quality is too poor or the system is not calibrated, then you will see mis-alignment from color to color. In the photo, you can see a cross-section profile view of the dataset. In the cross section, it is noted that there is very good alignment from strip to strip. This is a huge feature of the R2A, giving strong confidence in the solution's quality. Next, let's talk about intensity quality. Intensity Quality Another notable finding is the intensity view resolution quality of the data. Intensity measures how much light was returned on each measurement from the ROCK R2A LiDAR. The R2A emits a pulse of laser light that each pulse travels to the subject and reflects back to the sensor. The round trip time is used to calculate the distance from the R2A and the subject. There is additional information included in the measurement. This information is the intensity, or how much light returned. This is very important feature, as it helps differentiate objects from one another. Intensity also helps with the calibration of RGB photos to the 3D point cloud in the factory calibration during the manufacturing (or if you drop your system and need to recalibrate.). Conclusion Here, we’ve demonstrated an Accuracy Test of the ROCK R2A LiDAR with photogrammetry payload over an airport runway. The data was processed using the ROCK Cloud to produce the ROCK Surveyor deliverable. A network of 178 ground control points were captured with a L1/L2 RTK base rover pair to provide a trusted comparison. The Vertical RMS was calculated to be 0.054 ft (1.65 cm) verifying that the R2A and ROCK Cloud really are all that and a bag of chips. Visit www.rockrobotic.com to learn more about our products and services.
- Breaking Down 20 Common LiDAR and Surveying Terms
If you’re just getting started using LiDAR to create 3D models and maps, there is a ton of terminology to learn. Here's a glossary of the most helpful LiDAR and surveying terms you need to know. Accuracy Report A report detailing the accuracy of any LiDAR points in relation to known coordinates. Bare Earth Model A model of the area you are surveying that removes buildings, trees and any other surface objects. Bare earth models are generated in digital elevation models (DEMs), one of the key deliverables in ROCK Surveyor. Breaklines Lines that are marked to indicate a sharp break in elevation. This can include a curb, wall, ridge or stream. These lines improve the accuracy of contours. (Related: What are breaklines?) Contour Lines Contour lines illustrate the difference in elevation at a set interval on a topographic map. Learn how to order contours through the ROCK Cloud here. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) A digital elevation model (DEM) is a visual depiction of the bare ground (bare earth) topographic surface of the Earth that removes trees, buildings or any other surface objects. Digital Surface Model (DSM) or Digital Terrain Model (DTM A digital surface model (DSM) or digital terrain model (DTM) captures the natural and built features on the Earth’s surface. Flightline (or Trajectory) A preprogrammed or manual drone flight and altitude path when capturing data. Ground Control Points (GCPs) Marked points on the ground with known coordinates. GCPs are normally marked with an aerial target. These points serve as baselines to align physical points to the digital data produced by your LiDAR system. Learn about GCP best practices here. LAS The industry-standard file format that is designed for storing LiDAR point cloud data. LiDAR software, like ROCK Cloud, allows you to view and interact with LAS files. LiDAR LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a remote sensing method of measuring ranges to the Earth using light in the form of a pulsed laser. Orthomosaic Mapping An orthomosaic map is an aerial map made from many stitched-together still images. This map looks similar to what you would see in Google Maps. Planimetrics / Line Work A planimetric map shows manmade and natural objects from an aerial view outlined with 2D or 3D features. This often includes parking lots, buildings, utilities, sidewalks, fences, roads, water features, vegetation and building footprints. To learn about planimetric maps in ROCK Cloud, click here. Point Cloud In LiDAR, a point cloud is a collection of individual points plotted in 3D space with X, Y and Z coordinates. Normally, point clouds are in LAS or LAZ file formats. Point Density A ROCK R360 or R2A unit mounted to a drone can capture a high number of points per square foot or square meter on the ground through the canopy of trees and plants. Capturing high-density data is incredibly difficult to capture using traditional surveying methods. Pulse Rate The number of laser pulses per second. For example, the ROCK R360 emits up to 640,000 pulses per second. Return Number The total number of point returns from any given pulse. RMSE Believe it or not, LiDAR data isn’t perfect (although ours is pretty darn close). RMSE stands for root mean square error, which is the margin of error for accuracy in a LiDAR dataset. The ROCK R360 system has a range accuracy of 0.5 cm. ROCK SLAM ROCK SLAM (Simultaneous Localization Mapping) upgrades your existing ROCK hardware to allow you to walk around indoors, underneath trees, or anywhere you won't get good GPS in order to capture point cloud data. Learn more about ROCK SLAM here. Topographic (Topo) Map A map that uses contour lines to show elevation on the Earth’s surface. Volumetrics Volumetric surveys indicate how much material is being moved from a construction site. Learn how to measure volumetrics and stockpile data in the ROCK Cloud here. Vegetation Management Using drone LiDAR data to help specify danger zones across a transmission or distribution network. For example, ROCK Cloud provides you with a report that identifies problem areas across a transmission line at your set interval. Now that you’re well-versed in the lingo, dive into the world of efficient and easy-to-use LiDAR hardware and software with ROCK Robotic. We are reimagining the way 3D data is captured and used. Visit rockrobotic.com to learn more about us.