AIRBORNE 3D MODELING

Airborne 3D models are a natural extension of the 3D models generated with the data acquired from a ground vehicle. Because aircrafts move in three dimensions the key equation for model generation is

Laser Range Scan + GPS + Inertial Navigation System = 3D Model

Recent Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) provide aircraft orientation and acceleration estimates. A video camera may prove useful for some applications, in particular when 3D models are to be matched with survey data.

From the wide span of airborne 3D modelling applications, Albatroz Engineering identified the opportunity for cost-effective clearance inspection of over-head power lines. However, this solution can also be used in other applications.

The first example shown on the right was a terrain profiling demo performed in Brazil. The images show a terrain model with the laser data and the superposition of the data on a GIS software.

Terrain profiling - Brazil

The second example shown on the right was generated from the data acquired during flights at speeds ranging from 15kts to 40kts (28km/h to 74km/h, 19mph to 49mph) over forested areas along the Tagus Valley.

The scale units are in metres. The altitude values were magnified by a factor of five (five times) to enhance the perception in altitude variation. In the AVI animation, altitude is represented at a 1:1:1 scale ratio.

Woods: eucalyptus and cork oak -Tagus Valley, Portugal