Building Stable UAV Platforms for Photogrammetry Surveys

As in all aviation design, security is the number one concern to deal with. With this in mind, the CS-P.O.C. was built with a high redundancy. The CS-P.O.C. offers a dual flight controller, dual power supply via rechargeable batteries, safety given by six rotors, a dual GNSS board and a dual remote control. Even in case one of these systems stops working, the second one takes over and enables a safe landing or a safe return.

With the latest technology of engines, the six rotor UAV is three times more powerful than what is needed for lift off capacity to weight ratio. For a precise and smooth flight, only one third of the maximum engine power is needed, so if the UAV encounters strong wind conditions, the stability will not be at risk. The stability of the flight is essential, not just for the security of the UAV, but a stabile flight means that the correct overlapping enables the necessary spacing of images, which is needed to make a final orthophoto and at the same time avoid black spots. The success of a photogrammetric flight depends on the stability of the UAV.

To control the CS-P.O.C., CopterSystems use a German- made remote control, which gives an operator complete control of the UAV and camera during the entire mission. The Live View feed from the Phase One camera with its 100MP sensor or its 50MP sensor, can be streamed, and the operator can use it to maneuver the UAV to the correct position when waypoints are not used. Being able to view the exact field of view of the camera is a real benefit when the system is used for inspection. Other camera parameters (e.g. aperture, ISO, shutter speed and more), can be controlled by the remote control as well and enabling the operator to get the best image quality possible while flying.

Beside the interactive control the UAV offers, the UAV was built with a stable camera setup for a pure nadir view or a gimbal mount. This allows an operator to change the camera position from a straight nadir, straight forward and even pointing up. This flexibility to aim the camera at objects over a 180 degree radius, enables operators to point the camera straight up under bridges, for inspection of the lower surfaces of a bridge.