Group Airborne and Underwater Scanning

The main research foci of the group are the development of lightweight optical measurement systems for use on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and the adaptation of LiDAR technology for capturing 3D data of large underwater structures. Based on time-of-flight methods, our UAV scanner systems measure distances to objects with high objects with high accuracy from the air. In combination with camera images the systems generate high-resolution 3D structural data. This makes them suitable for condition monitoring of construction sites, buildings, bridges, or vegetation areas. We not only develop, but also install, commission and maintain the systems.

Remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) equipped with our LiDAR systems are used to survey underwater constructions such as pipeline foundations or offshore wind farms. The systems are also able to detect acute damage, for example on bridge piers, caused by natural hazards such as flooding.

Airborne systems

• Measurement systems (laser scanner and cameras) weighing less than 2.5 kg
• Measurement precision 1 cm, typical distances of up to 100 m
• Measurement frequencies of up to 60 kHz
• Position measurement using visual odometry as well as positioning and orientation systems

Underwater measurement systems

• 3D surveying with subcentimeter resolution, even in turbid water
• Measurements irrespective of light conditions and depth
• Measurement frequency up to 100 kHz, scanning frequency 800 Hz
• Measurement distance up to 100 m (depending on the turbidity of the water)
• Stationary and mobile surveying

Signal processing and analysis

• Data reduction in real time for fast and efficient data transmission
• Real-time data analysis
• Fusion of 3D and 2D data incl. positioning and texturizing
• Derivation of metadata from texturized 3D-data
• Complex evaluation and interpretation of backscatter signals