3DR is proud to officially announce today’s launch of its new Mapping Platforms, the fixed-wing Aero-M and the copter X8-M. Both models come in a package that also includes a Canon SX260 camera -- which is controlled by the autopilot to take the right pictures at the right time and automatically geotag each -- and professional Pix4D image processing software, which we partnered with Pix4D to develop in a special 3DR edition. The software is a complete and fully automatic mapping and modeling solution that can convert and join thousands of those geotagged images into highly accurate geo-referenced 2D mosaics.
Additionally, a Pix4Dmapper Pro upgrade is also available for 3DR mapping platform customers, in which users are enabled to exploit full 3D capabilities as well as agriculture-specific tools. The Pro version can generate point clouds, digital surface and terrain models, create vector objects (polylines, surfaces, stockpiles) and create index maps (e.g. NDVI).
A note about our price point: In keeping with our commitment to democratization and community, 3DR wants to make the most advanced aerial technology available to as many people in as many places as we can. Thanks in no small part to the open global innovation engine of our community, we’re able to deliver these advanced mapping capabilities at a price five times less than that of our nearest technological competitor. We did this to revolutionize the aerial mapping price point, offering advanced and serious aerial data acquisition capabilities at a level of accessibility that will redefine not only the UAV industry, but will help as many people as we can to redefine their industries.
If you’d like to learn more, visit http://3drobotics.com/mapping-drones/ where we also offer a contact form for a free consultation.
About the vehicles and package:
The Aero-M is an all-in-one solution for creating high-resolution visual-spectrum aerial maps. The fixed-wing platform offers endurance and scope of coverage, with 40 minutes of flight time and up to 250 acres of coverage area. It’s a great platform for regularly acquiring highly detailed and actionable data for large-scale operations such as farming, construction and conservation, as well as search and rescue and emergency response. The lightweight and robust foam frame translates to less risk and cost per flight and multiplies the cost-effectiveness of our platform.
Price: $5400
Includes: Aircraft, transmitter, two batteries, spare parts, high-resolution camera, hard case
Software Included: Pix4D Mapper LT
Options: Ground station frequency (413 or 915), FPV (optional), upgrade to Pix4Dmapper Pro 3DR Edition (optional), extra batteries (optional)
Autopilot: Pixhawk autopilot system
Flight time: 40 min*
Area coverage: 250 acres*
Map ground resolution: 2 inches per pixel (5 cm per pixel)*
Orthomosaic accuracy: 3-16 ft (1-5 m)
The X8-M is the perfect tool for creating high-resolution visual-spectrum aerial maps. The platform offers low-flying and high accuracy mapping, with a fully redundant propulsion system for increased reliability. Easy to fly and simple to operate, the X8-M can take off and land even in the tightest areas, which makes the vehicle compatible with just about any type of terrain. And because the X8-M can fly at low altitudes and at slow speeds, it can capture images with a level of detail and precision that’s impossible to acquire with manned flights or satellite imagery.
Price: $5400
Includes: Aircraft, transmitter, two batteries, spare parts, camera, hard case
Software Included: Pix4D Mapper LT
Options: Ground station frequency (413 or 915), FPV (optional), upgrade to Pix4Dmapper Pro 3DR Edition (optional), extra batteries (optional)
Autopilot: Pixhawk autopilot system
Flight time: 14 min*
Area coverage: 25 acres*
Map ground resolution: .7 inches per pixel (2 cm per pixel)*
Orthomosaic accuracy: 3-16 ft (1-5 m)
Comments
Although this second post provides more info on the scope of delivery, unless the inclusion of the Pix4D in the package represents most of the cost, I still find the price carried away, knowing what each individual elements really cost. And this is certainly not justified by an outdated canon sx260 camera...
Replying to David's comment from the other thread.
***
The triggering is done by a relay signal off of the aux port. This was a bit more robust to noise than PWM triggering. As for tagging you can use one of two methods:
Ultimately we'll have much more automated ways of syncing images with a logfile. Using a tlog directly in Pix4D is around the corner. Other cameras are possibility too. We tested all of the higher-end Canon point and shoots and had the best results with the SX260 among other GPS cameras.
And yes, other systems of comparable functionality are on the order of 2x to 10x more expensive--Trimble, Topcon, and Sensefly, to name a few.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
of 4 Next