See a demonstration of Quick and Intuitive Offline Hyperspectral Scanning to Support Real-Time Online Inspection Processes by George Killian, Application Scientist. Originally part of Photonics Media's Vision Spectra Conference 2023.
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Integrated Airborne Systems
Fly the Spectrum
A key to success is having the right tools. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have evolved into the go-to platform for many remote-sensing applications. Headwall's integrated hyperspectral sensor drones combine our advanced sensors with a choice of GPS/IMU mounted on a high-performance UAV. LiDAR and active stabilizing gimbals are also available for many configurations. Our solutions are fully data-tested, and training is available at our facility or online.
Outstanding SWaP
Our sensors represent an ideal balance of Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). Small size, light weight and low-power consumption mean longer flight times and easier mission planning. We leverage our own experience flying missions and feedback from customers to offer both turnkey systems that include a UAV, as well as payload packages designed for compatible UAVs.
GPS/IMU
A Global Positioning System / Inertial Measurement Unit (GPS/IMU) keeps track of location coordinates while the IMU accounts for the effects of roll, pitch, and yaw. Headwall offers two GPS/IMU instruments available for use on UAVs: Standard (left) and High-Performance (right). The Standard unit is very compact and lightweight, while the High-Performance unit offers increased accuracy.
LiDAR
Aerial LiDAR is useful for forest mapping and crop-health analytics by providing information on plant height and density. Combining hyperspectral and LiDAR provides a more complete picture of how the landscape looks with respect to structure and vegetation types. Headwall’s LiDAR Tools allows creation of high-resolution, high-accuracy Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) crucial for accurate orthorectified images and flying over areas where the topography is subject to periodic change.
Flight Planning
Successful remote sensing missions start with flight planning. Headwall has several software applications, including a Polygon Tool that allows the user to determine the precise GPS points within which the drone with a hyperspectral camera will operate. This saves storage space, battery life, and assures a more accurate data-collection mission. We also have a Field-of-View Calculator and other useful tools for customers.
Turnkey Systems including the UAV
We are proud to offer complete turnkey out-of-the-box systems that include the UAV. Our experience as both builders and operators of remote-sensing systems has resulted in full-featured platforms that have been flown in regions around the globe. Headwall-made and carefully selected components are extensively tested and characterized so that you can trust the data that you’ve captured.
See what it’s like to fly one of our Hyperspectral UAV systems »
Payload Systems
We also offer payloads that can be integrated onto compatible UAVs and other vehicles such as manned aircraft. Compatible UAVs include: FreeFly Alta X, BFD SE8, and the DJI Matrice 600 Pro. Call us about compact hyperspectral and LiDAR options for the DJI Matrice 300. Our sensors fly onboard manned aircraft such as NASA’s Cessna and Twin Otter aircraft carrying the G-LiHT, EPA's TEROS and Headwall SIF imaging sensor, and P-3 Orion carrying sensors for missions over the Arctic.
