Leica Offers Next-Generation Mobile Mapping Platform, Pegasus:Two

June 3, 2014  - By
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photo: Leica

Leica Geosystems has introduced its next generation vehicle-independent mobile mapping platform, the Pegasus:Two. By calibrating imagery and LiDAR point cloud data, the Pegasus:Two delivers highly accurate and economical geospatial data in a 360° spherical view while providing two methods for extracting data — either through LiDAR or via photogrammetry.

With its enhanced sensor platform using six horizontal cameras, plus an optional rear camera and a skyward view camera, a single high-speed LiDAR sensor, and an external output for an additional sensor, the Pegasus:Two enables unlimited mobile mapping applications, from pavement analysis to geo-referencing railways systems, now possible within the same platform, the company said.

From hardware to post-processing, Pegasus:Two allows economic data collection by balancing the largest pixel to sensor ratio on the market (5.5 x 5.5 µm), delivering extremely high image resolution, in a 4-MB camera and using a single low-noise, high-speed profiler. Users can download data via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet, or even faster by using the latest USB3 interface, by means of a multi-core, industrial PC with 1-TB storage and a solid state drive, enabling longer missions. An optional rotation mount, designed specifically for the Leica ScanStation P20, also makes mounting the terrestrial scanner upside down or right side up while also enabling left or right rotation.

The Pegasus:Two in its new streamlined housing with aerodynamic design.

The Pegasus:Two in its new streamlined housing with aerodynamic design.

Expanding on the success of Leica Geosystems’ mobile mapping software, the latest software now offers semi-automatic object extraction features, which enable easy-to-use two-click GIS metadata extraction or calculation of distances on-the-fly directly into ArcGIS for Desktop software.

Leica Geosystems also introduces an external timing output and trigger signal for use with a variety of additional sensors, from a thermal camera, to ground penetrating radar, sonar, or even a pollution monitor. The External Trigger feature synchronizes time stamping and coordinates user data with one simple click, making 3D mobile mapping very user-friendly.

Urban canyons. Equipped with the NovAtel’s ProPak6 high-precision receiver for the most demanding city or rugged environments, the Pegasus:Two offers users a truly global system. It is a future-proof investment that tracks signals of all available constellations, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou as well as L-band, SBAS, and QZSS band coverage to ensure the best signal even when moving through urban canyons. The system provides a low noise, 200hz Inertial Measurement Unit for tracking the vehicle path thereby ensuring data is positioned accurately.

Aerodynamic design. The Leica Pegasus:Two mobile mapping system now comes with a new streamlined and compact look and continues to fit in only two travel cases. A convenient handle surrounding the unit enables easy mounting on and off your vehicles. The Pegasus:Two is a vehicle-independent system with a rechargeable 11 hour battery, and can be used on any moving platform.

“The Leica Pegasus:Two platform is a unique complete solution,” said Stuart Woods, vice president for Leica Geosystems Geospatial Division. “By providing software and hardware designed to seamlessly work together, users not only receive the latest in mobile mapping technology but also optimal performance and faster workflows. By keeping the platform vehicle independent and adding new sensor options, we encourage our customers to find new ways, to try out different sensors, new revenue models, and new places to measure. ”

Along with the Pegasus:Two, the advanced prototype, Pegasus:T2, a trolley based mobile system weighing less than 20 kilograms will also be on display at the HxGN LIVE 2014 Conference in Las Vegas.