Product Application | Application of Epson IMU Products in Lidar Surveying

Jun 26,2024
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With the rapid development of radar applications, LiDAR surveying and mapping technology has also developed rapidly. It integrates three technologies: laser ranging system, global positioning system (GPS), and inertial navigation system. The lidar measures the distance from the reflected object to the lidar by emitting scanning laser and detecting laser reflection. By knowing the three-dimensional coordinate system and laser scanning direction, it is possible to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional spatial information around the measurement system in real-time.

This technology is mounted on drones and is widely used in fields such as power line patrol, terrain exploration, and mining surveying.

Why do we need an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

Firstly, inertial navigation systems generally have inertial measurement units (IMUs) that can be used to accurately measure the attitude data of the LiDAR itself, thereby calculating the scanning direction of the LiDAR.

Secondly, during the measurement process, it is usually achieved by satellite systems (BDS/GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO)+inertial navigation systems to measure the spatial coordinates of the LiDAR itself. However, satellite systems do not have signals in certain areas (such as tunnels), and the position signals of satellite systems are relatively slow signals. Calculating position information requires faster coordinate information updates, so inertial measurement units (IMUs) are needed to provide more position information every second.

The Impact of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) on Accuracy

The indicators of LiDAR surveying equipment include system parameter indicators, LiDAR unit indicators, inertial navigation system indicators, and other units. The accuracy of the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) determines the attitude and position accuracy, thus directly affecting the system accuracy. Using Epson's M-G370, after post-processing, the accuracy of the inertial navigation system of the laser surveying radar can reach:

In addition to high precision, Epson's Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) also features small size, light weight, and low power consumption, which helps meet the requirements of miniaturization and lightness for customer applications; And the product design is compatible with hardware and software, with more stable performance and easy maintenance and upgrading for customers.