Gimbal rangefinding LiDARs:
Precision, flexibility, and freedom for UAV applications
LightWare’s LiDAR rangefinder technology offers unmatched precision and flexibility for UAV operators. Designed to provide accurate distance data, LightWare’s LiDAR rangefinder system works seamlessly with your drone’s camera to provide increased precision in your photogrammetry. Whether you’re flying your drone for aerial surveys, search and rescue operations, or surveillance, the LiDAR laser rangefinder provides the critical distance data you need to make informed decisions.
What does the gimbal LiDAR give you and why use it with a camera?
A LiDAR range finder sensor mounted next to a camera is key to achieving accurate, reliable distance measurements. While cameras provide visual data, they cannot measure distance on their own. By using a LiDAR rangefinder alongside your camera, you gain the ability to determine the exact distance between your UAV and the objects you are focusing on. This crucial data adds depth to your images and ensures the accuracy of visual analysis in real-time.
Why is knowing the distance important?
- Focus in low-light environments
In low-light or monochrome environments, cameras often struggle to find enough contrast to automatically focus on an object. While a camera might fail to focus properly in such conditions, the LiDAR laser range finder provides precise distance data, allowing the camera to maintain clarity and focus even when visual contrast is limited.
- Locating objects with precision
In critical situations like search and rescue operations, knowing the distance to an object is crucial for making informed decisions. For instance, when trying to locate a person in a hazardous environment, understanding how far they are from potential risks allows responders to assess the safest approach. LiDAR ensures you receive precise distance data, providing the clarity needed for these life-saving decisions.
- AI and object recognition
As AI-powered systems become increasingly integrated into UAV applications, having accurate distance data becomes essential for proper object recognition. Without knowing the distance, the size of objects can be misinterpreted, potentially confusing a small object for something much larger. For instance, AI might misidentify a small car as a large vehicle, but with LiDAR providing distance measurements, such errors are avoided.
Why choose LightWare’s gimbal LiDAR?
LightWare’s gimbal rangefinder LiDAR for drones stands out due to its compact and lightweight design, offering optimal flexibility and easy integration with UAVs. Unlike larger LiDAR rangefinders that may restrict the range of motion, the small form factor of LightWare’s LiDAR laser rangefinder allows for greater pan, tilt, and zoom freedom, enabling you to adjust your camera’s focus and alignment more precisely during flight.
- Compact and lightweight
The small size ensures your UAV maintains agility without compromising on performance. A lightweight system allows for greater flexibility and easier handling of your camera and LiDAR payload.
- Easy installation and alignment
With three mounting points, LightWare’s LiDAR gimbal rangefinder can be accurately aligned with the optical camera system, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Ideal laser rangefinders for this application
$399.00 excl. Taxes
The SF30/D microLiDAR® is our most powerful sensor. This 200m sensor is known for its high speed, accuracy and performs well in even the most challenging conditions.
$299.00 excl. Taxes
The SF30/C microLiDAR® is a member of our 20kHz sensor family. This versatile 100m sensor performs well in high-speed drone and Sensing & Automation applications.
$279.00 excl. Taxes
The SF20/C microLiDAR® is well established in the industry and recognized for its ease of integration. This lightweight sensor delivers reliable results at 100m.
$339.00 excl. Taxes
The LightWare LW20/HA microLiDAR® is a high accuracy, ultra compact, LiDAR in an IP67 enclosure.
$299.00 excl. Taxes
The LW20/C microLiDAR® is the industry de facto standard for 100m range capability, reliability, and ease of integration. A robust IP67 rating ensures it is dust and water-resistant.
$399.00 excl. Taxes
The GRF-500 enhances the mid-range rangefinding capabilities of your Electro-Optical/Infrared gimbal system, improving camera functionality and enabling precise localization of observed objects.
$349.00 excl. Taxes
The GRF-250 enhances the mid-range rangefinding capabilities of your Electro-Optical/Infrared gimbal system, improving camera functionality and enabling precise localization of observed objects.
Ideal use cases for gimbal LiDAR with UAVs
- Search and rescue
Whether it’s locating people in distress or assessing dangerous environments, having accurate distance data is essential. The LiDAR rangefinder helps operators know exactly how far objects or people are, ensuring the right action is taken swiftly.
- Border control
Border security operations often require precise and dynamic surveillance. The ability to adjust the camera’s pan and tilt while measuring distance with the LiDAR rangefinder enhances your ability to monitor sensitive areas with flexibility and accuracy.
- ISR (Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance)
For security and tactical operations, accurate distance measurements can make the difference in critical missions. LightWare’s LiDAR gimbal rangefinder ensures you can obtain real-time, precise location information of the target.
- Accurate photography
For aerial photographers, knowing the exact distance to the subject ensures high-quality, detailed images. With the LiDAR laser rangefinder, you can capture images with precision, especially in dynamic environments where distance may change rapidly.
- Animal counting
When conducting surveys of wildlife or livestock, knowing the exact height of your UAV and the distance to the objects helps ensure accurate counts. Whether you’re counting cattle or monitoring wildlife, LiDAR ensures you get the right data for effective management.
Conclusion
LightWare’s LiDAR rangefinder technology offers UAV manufacturers and operators a precise, compact, and flexible solution to enhance the operation and functionality of their gimbals. The LightWare gimbal rangefinder provides the accurate distance measurements to enhance flexibility in flight, ensuring you capture the best data, whether for rescue operations, surveillance, or wildlife monitoring.
Discover how LightWare’s LiDAR solutions can elevate your UAV operations. Explore our full range of applications and learn more about the many ways our LiDAR rangefinder sensors can improve your projects. Visit our Product Section to find the perfect solution for your needs, or check out our Applications Page to see how our technology is being used in a variety of industries.
For more details on how LightWare’s LiDAR rangefinder can improve your UAV operations, check out our detect and avoid and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) applications, or explore how our technology provides above ground level data for precise navigation and decision-making.
Contact Us to learn how LightWare’s LiDAR rangefinder can enhance your UAV capabilities and improve your operational efficiency.
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our clients’ stories
LightWare microLiDAR® is proud to support our pioneering clients as they deliver innovative solutions in their respective industries. Here’s how they apply LiDAR and what they have to say about our microlidar® sensors.
CubePilot Global
Flying for WildLife
