Position Partners’ new SmartSurveyor enables accurate aerial mapping, handheld photogrammetry and survey rover tasks
Position Partners has launched its SmartSurveyor – a compact device that can be used for survey-grade aerial mapping projects in combination with the DJI Mavic 2 or 3 series, as well as the Phantom 4 drone.
The SmartSurveyor can be unclipped from the aircraft and used as a handheld photogrammetry tool with a smartphone camera, or a survey rover to measure ground control points.
Unlike other drone mapping systems that rely on post-processed or real-time kinematic (PPK or RTK) technology, SmartSurveyor works with two or more ground control points (GCPs) and uses an iterative ultra-matching technique. This negates the need for an electrical connection between the camera shutter and GNSS receiver.
“SmartSurveyor transforms your drone and smartphone into advanced photogrammetry tools, with full support for coordinate and datum transformation as well as geoid models,” Position Partners RPAS market development manager Gavin Docherty.
“It takes just a few seconds to clip the SmartSurveyor onto a drone, or attach a smartphone for handheld applications, and users are ready to capture data and create point clouds, orthophotos and digital terrain models without any other external surveying equipment.”
Following data capture, photos and the GNSS file are transferred to a PC and run through the Agisoft UltraMatch workflow. Once accuracy is confirmed using additional check points, results are ready to be exported.
Developed by geospatial technology innovator MetaSpatial, data collected using SmartSurveyor can then be processed and managed either in the cloud or locally on a computer using MapSender software.
“SmartSurveyor also works seamlessly off the AllDayRTK subscription GNSS network service and data can be uploaded to Tokara, Position Partners’ remote access and project management solution, to overlay orthophotos onto the project map,” Docherty says.