Leica Geosystems announces major performance increase in airborne bathymetric survey

The new Leica Chiroptera-5 bathymetric LiDAR sensor provides 40% higher point density, a 20% increase in water depth penetration and improved topographic sensitivity for generating more detailed hydrographic maps.

(Heerbrugg, Switzerland, 31 May 2022) – Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, announced today the introduction of Leica Chiroptera-5, the new high-performance airborne bathymetric LiDAR sensor for coastal and inland water surveys.

This latest mapping technology increases the depth penetration, point density and topographic sensitivity of the sensor compared to previous generations. The new system delivers high-resolution LiDAR data supporting numerous applications such as nautical charting, coastal infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring as well as landslide and erosion risk assessments.

Higher sensor performance enables more cost-effective surveys
Chiroptera-5 combines airborne bathymetric and topographic LiDAR sensors with a 4-band camera to collect seamless data from the seabed to land. Thanks to higher pulse repetition frequency (PRF), the new technology increases point density by 40% compared to the previous generation system, collecting more data during every survey flight. Improved electronics and optics increase water depth penetration by 20% and double the topographic sensitivity to capture larger areas of submerged terrain and objects with greater detail. The high-performance sensor is designed to fit a stabilising mount, enabling more efficient area coverage which decreases operational costs and carbon footprint of mapping projects.

Leica Geosystems’ signature bathymetric workflow supports the sensor’s performance. Introducing near real-time data processing enables coverage analysis immediately after landing, allowing operators to quality control the data quickly before demobilising the system. The Leica LiDAR Survey Studio (LSS) processing suite provides full waveform analysis and offers automatic calibration, refraction correction and data classification, as well as advanced turbid water enhancement.

Expanding bathymetric application portfolio to support environmental research
Combining superior resolution, depth penetration and topographic sensitivity, Chiroptera-5 provides substantial benefits for various environmental applications like shoreline erosion monitoring, flood simulation and prevention and benthic habitat classification.

Bundled with the FAAS/EASA certified helicopter pod, the system enables advanced terrain-following flying paths for efficient river mapping and complex coastlines surveys. Owners of previous generation systems are offered an easy upgrade path to Chiroptera-5 to add capabilities to their existing sensor and leverage their initial investment.

“The first generation Chiroptera airborne sensor was flown in 2012. During its ten years of operation, the system has seen constant evolution that continuously improved the productivity and efficiency of the entire bathymetric surveying industry,” says Anders Ekelund, Vice President of Airborne Bathymetry at Hexagon. “By collecting detailed data of coastal areas and inland waters, Chiroptera-5 provides an invaluable source of information that supports better decision making, especially for environmental monitoring and management, in line with Hexagon’s commitment to a more sustainable future.”

For more information please visit: leica-geosystems.com/chiroptera-5

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
Établi depuis plus de 200 ans, Leica Geosystems, membre du groupe Hexagon, est un fournisseur de confiance de capteurs, logiciels et services d'excellence. Créant chaque jour de la valeur pour les professionnels de la topographie, de la construction, de la cartographie, des infrastructures, des mines, de même que pour d'autres secteurs tributaires de données géospatiales, Leica Geosystems guide son industrie avec des solutions innovantes qui poussent vers un futur plus autonome.

Hexagon est un leader mondial des solutions de capteurs, logiciels et systèmes autonomes. Nous mettons les données au service de l’efficacité, de la productivité et de la qualité dans les applications industrielles, de fabrication, d’infrastructure, de sécurité et de mobilité.

Nos technologies façonnent les écosystèmes urbains et de production pour qu’ils deviennent de plus en plus connectés et autonomes, assurant ainsi un avenir évolutif et durable.

La division Geosystems d'Hexagon propose une gamme complète de solutions numériques qui capturent, mesurent et visualisent le monde physique, et permettent par ailleurs une transformation basée sur les données dans les écosystèmes industriels.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm : HEXA B) emploie environ 24,500 personnes dans 50 pays et réalise un chiffre d’affaires net de près de 5.4 milliards d’euros. Consultez le site hexagon.com et suivez-nous sur @HexagonAB pour en savoir plus.

Contact :
Leica Geosystems AG
Filiale du groupe Hexagon
Reka Vasszi
reka.vasszi@hexagon.com

leica-geosystems.com

Contact :
Équipe Communication
Leica Geosystems AG
CH-9435 Heerbrugg
Suisse
media@leica-geosystems.com

Leica Chiroptera-5

Combining bathymetric and topographic solution that provides seamless data from water to land.
Combining bathymetric and topographic solution that provides seamless data from water to land.