itched image and point cloud.
Our 45megapixel RGB payloads take high-resolution images of their targets, which are then stitched together into an orthomosaic. We make sure to fly at particular heights so that a specific resolution can be achieved. For example, a flight for the purpose of examining individual plant species within an area, would want very high resolution and would fly lower.
RGB Drones in action
This image is from a 2022 trip up to Pike Law peatland within Raby Estate. As the site was relatively inaccessible, it required hiking up with a smaller drone. Consequently at this type of site LiDAR data is not easily obtainable, but RGB data is more than collectable.
Perks of the job – special scenery
This image was taken above the site on a cloudy day, where a survey could not be undertaken.
These images show the variety of environments we work in with drones and laser scanners.
This image is from a peat bog at Strathy Point. Laser scans of haggs and gullies were taken to create point clouds, from which exposed peat and fill volumes could then be calculated.
This image shows the TLS within a young sitka spruce plantation in North Yorkshire. Occlusion (blockage via branches, needles, leave etc.) is high in dense plantations such as this, so TLS placement for optimal scanning positions becomes very important to collect quality data. As with the drone, low wind speeds at ground level are important. A moving forest produces a blurry point cloud which cannot be used to form 3D models further along the process.
In the near future, at CSX Carbon, we plan to attach multispectral sensors to our drones, enhancing our ability to analyse vegetation across different sectors. Furthermore, as the BEAMS scientific project expands with wider and more comprehensive data sets, providing the ground-truthing mechanisms from the TLS, collecting imagery via drone alone will be sufficient enough to perform fulfilling surveys.
Our ultimate aim is to make surveys comprehensive – and accessible.
Luke joined CSX in Spring 2022, mainly working across Northern England and Scotland. His role focuses on the collection and analysis of laser scans, whilst also undertaking drone flights for a variety of purposes across the business.
He holds two degrees in Geography and Environmental Management from Newcastle and Lancaster universities, where he specialised in LiDAR analysis.