Leica Geosystems presents hybrid imaging and Lidar sensor for extensive airborne surveys

Leica Geosystems, a part of Hexagon, has launched the brand-new Leica CountryMapper, its most efficient solution yet for large-area imaging and Lidar mapping. The company unveiled this latest expansion to its hybrid sensor portfolio during the annual HxGN Live event. By integrating a large-format photogrammetric camera and a high-performance Lidar unit into a single system, the CountryMapper enables the simultaneous collection of foundational geospatial data, resulting in the generation of highly accurate data products to support a wide range of customer applications.

The CountryMapper takes full advantage of Leica Geosystems’ expertise in combining industry-leading imaging and Lidar sensor modules into highly efficient hybrid air systems. Leica MFC150 CMOS-based camera modules utilize true mechanical forward motion compensation (FMC) to deliver outstanding image quality, even at higher aircraft speeds and in challenging lighting conditions. The new Hyperion3 Lidar unit has a 60-degree field of view, improving system performance and flexibility compared to previous Lidar modules, while the reduced laser divergence provides greater planimetric accuracy and better leaf penetration. The CountryMapper fully integrates with the Leica HxMap multi-sensor end-to-end processing workflow, enabling distributed processing of images and point clouds to optimize productivity for very large datasets.

Pushing the boundaries of hybrid airborne mapping

The imaging and Lidar systems simultaneously cover the same orbit, ensuring maximum temporal and geometric data consistency. The hybrid system maximizes the accuracy of the information collected and enables the generation of the most comprehensive 2D and 3D products to support applications such as orthophoto generation, terrain mapping, hydrography, forest monitoring and infrastructure management. The CountryMapper eliminates the need to fly with two separate imaging and Lidar systems and collects more data in fewer flight hours, significantly reducing operating costs and environmental impact. Owners of previous-generation sensors can leverage their initial investment and upgrade their systems to the CountryMapper configuration.

“Airborne data providers have had to tailor their Lidar and imaging offerings to emphasize one or the other. The CountryMapper provides both at the highest performance levels in a single system configuration,” said Layton Hobbs, airborne product line director at Hexagon. “With its unmatched efficiency, data accuracy and application versatility, the new sensor is set to transform large-area mapping projects. Building on our success with the Leica CityMapper, the CountryMapper continues to push the boundaries of hybrid airborne mapping, empowering customers with a highly productive and versatile solution that redefines our industry standards.”

On 13 July, Leica Geosystems is organizing a webinar on the Leica CountryMapper hybrid sensor for large-area imaging and Lidar mapping. For more information, see here.