EKINOX-N INS/GPS BY SBG SYSTEMS

A brilliant device that could change many things in the world of Unmanned Air Vehicles

SBG Systems recently came up with a brilliant device that could change many things in the world of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). Cost-effective and weighting only 500 g, it provides survey-grade roll, pitch, heading, and position at 200Hz. Mounted on a UAV, it can be used for LiDAR and Hyperspectral data georeferencing and orthorectification. These words may be unfamiliar to you so much so here is a quick explanation of what the Ekinox-N can do.

Mounted on a UAV, the inertial navigation system is synchronized with both a hyperspectral sensor and a LiDAR. The hyperspectral camera analyzes the spectral signatures of every object within its field of view while the LiDAR measures the field’s topographic relief and transforms it as a 3D point cloud. By giving accurate attitude and position, the SBG inertial navigation system allows point cloud and image orthorectification and georeferencing. At the office, all data is post-processed by Headwall software to get at the end, an accurate digital elevation model.

It then needs to be coupled with an internal navigation system with GPS to provide positioning and orientation data. The information captured and analyzed is recorded in real-time at 200Hz within the onboard computer. So it’s perfect for that kind of UAV. Plus, the Ekinox-N is a great combination of performance and features for its weight and price since it weighs less than 500g!