Airborne LiDAR production fully integrated with Leica HxMap workflow

(Heerbrugg, Switzerland, 11 October 2017) – Leica Geosystems, industry leader for reality capture and measurement technology, announced today the release of LiDAR data processing capability in the Leica RealCity solution package. Leica Geosystems partnered with international asset integrity and geo-intelligence solutions provider, Fugro, to begin acquiring and processing data over multiple cities and coastal regions across the US.

Using CityMapper, Fugro conducted aerial surveys over some of North America’s most densely populated urban centres, in support of their geospatial mapping services. As the world’s first hybrid airborne sensor combining oblique and nadir imaging as well as a LiDAR system into one instrument, the CityMapper enables significant time and cost savings by flying once to collect both imagery and LiDAR data. All collected LiDAR and imaging data can be processed in the one unified workflow solution, Leica HxMap.

“We have a long history working with Leica Geosystems sensors, because they are so reliable. CityMapper has proven no different,” said Mike Wernau, Fugro program manager. “The platform's superior design, coupled with Leica Geosystems’ newest version of HxMap, amplifies our ability to create highly accurate, feature-rich geospatial content.”

Upgraded end-to-end workflow
The results of the airborne surveys were post-processed using the latest version of Leica HxMap, the unified high-performance multi-sensor workflow. Within a single and familiar interface common to processing other Leica Geosystems airborne sensors, all typical data products, from orthophotos and oblique images to point clouds, 3D meshes and models, can be quickly and efficiently produced.

“The added enhancements enable users to work more efficiently while saving on training and IT costs,” said Belai Beshah, VP Software, Leica Geosystems, Geospatial Solutions Division.

The latest update of the common-sensor post-processing software sees the addition of LiDAR point cloud generation, calibration, strip matching and viewing to the current image processing capability. Leica HxMap version 2.2 also incorporates enhanced noise filtering for both CityMapper and Leica SPL100 single-photon LiDAR sensors.

“HxMap v2.2 is extremely powerful, as it establishes a single environment to process our CityMapper oblique and nadir imagery, point cloud and terrain data all at once,” said Wernau. “The products derived from the Leica RealCity workflow serve as the foundation for our land and property solutions, delivering real value to our customers in state and local government, insurance, and land-use management.”

For more information about Leica HxMap, please visit leica-geosystems.com/hxmap

Image: Fugro used the HxMap high-performance multi-sensor workflow to process oblique imagery, nadir imagery and LiDAR data of Denver, Colorado, USA captured with the Leica CityMapper hybrid airborne sensor.

Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading, independent provider of geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions. Fugro acquires and analyses data on topography and the subsurface, soil composition, meteorological and environmental conditions, and provides related advice. With its geo-intelligence and asset integrity solutions Fugro supports the safe, efficient and sustainable development and operation of buildings, industrial facilities and infrastructure and the exploration and development of natural resources.

Fugro works around the globe, predominantly in energy and infrastructure markets offshore and onshore, employing approximately 10,500 people in around 60 countries. In 2016, revenue amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
Revolutionising the world of measurement and survey for nearly 200 years, Leica Geosystems creates complete solutions for professionals across the planet. Known for premium products and innovative solution development, professionals in a diverse mix of industries, such as aerospace and defence, safety and security, construction, and manufacturing, trust Leica Geosystems for all their geospatial needs. With precise and accurate instruments, sophisticated software, and trusted services, Leica Geosystems delivers value every day to those shaping the future of our world.

Leica Geosystems is part of Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B; hexagon.com), a leading global provider of information technologies that drive quality and productivity improvements across geospatial and industrial enterprise applications.

For further information please contact:

Fugro
Keith Owens
Phone: +1 301 948 8550
[email protected]
www.fugro.com/geospatial

Leica Geosystems AG
Penny Boviatsou
Phone: +41 41 727 8960
Fax: +41 (0)71/726-5511
[email protected]
www.leica-geosystems.com