SkEyesBox is a state-of-the-art laser detection and ranging (LADAR) system that creates high-fidelity, accurate three-dimensional representations of landscapes, cities, buildings, transmission lines, pipelines, etc. When mounted under the fuselage of an unmanned aerial vehicle, such as the Yamaha RMAX, the SkEyesBox is capable of autonomously flying the aircraft while mapping the terrain below it. When mounted on a ground vehicle, the SkEyesBox is capable of mapping the vicinity of the vehicle’s path, including any poles, trees, etc. Maps are generated in real-time by the onboard processor without the necessity of lengthy post-processing, and immediately available on a Flash memory card.

SkEyesBox is based on a custom-developed laser rangefinder that computes the distance to each point on the scene. The resolution of the terrain maps generated is as low as 10 cm, depending on aircraft or vehicle speed. Range is on the order of 200 m. It combines the laser enclosure, a rotating mirror that provides the desired scanning pattern, a custom camera, an inertial measurement unit, two GPS antennas, and an onboard computer that processes all the data in real-time; all in a field-tested package that is easily transportable and mountable.

Sample 3D maps generated by the SkEyesBox are available in our Download page.

SkEyesBox specifications

Mapping Capabilities: Range: 200 m Resolution: > 10 cm (dependent on vehicle speed) Maps stored on compact Flash memory card Laser System: First/last pulse time of flight unit Measurement rate: up to 12 KHz Wavelength (typical): 0.9 mm (near infrared) Eye safety class 1M for the unscanned laser beam Eye safety class 1 achievable for the scanned beam Navigation System: High accuracy IMU (angular drift rate of 0.1 deg/h) Two Novatel OEM4 GPS receivers Differential GPS transmitter at ground station Physical and Electrical Characteristics: Weight: 24.5 pounds Power: 7 A @ 14 V (start-up), 5 A @ 14 V (steady state)