Lidar News readers are interested in how innovative companies and individuals are leveraging 3D lidar technologies to solve geospatial problems. Lidar News Founder Gene Roe has provided the following interview questions to help GeoLas Systems partners tell their story.
- Can you describe your experience and expertise in supplying airborne LiDAR components and systems?
Our CEO, Dr. Christoph Hug, has over 30 years of experience with airborne LiDAR technology. Before joining a lidar team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in the late 1990s, he conducted research and development of the first imaging (scanning) airborne LiDAR in Europe at the University of Stuttgart, which was also the topic of his Ph.D. thesis. Upon returning to Germany 25 years ago, he started GeoLas Consulting as technology service provider business focused on airborne LiDAR technology. In 2019 this venture led to the foundation of GeoLas Systems GmbH to make the ELMAP series of Airborne LiDAR sensors commercially available.
As for myself, I began my career in 2001 at the German Airborne LiDAR manufacturer and service provider TopoSys (later acquired by Trimble) as a project and sales manager. I then moved on to Leica Geosystems Airborne Sensors, working as a Regional Sales Manager, and later joined Phase One, where I headed the European Sales, Support, and Marketing team. In April 2024, I became the Business Development Manager at GeoLas Systems.
- Can you provide an inventory of some of the primary airborne LiDAR hardware and software that your company currently provides, as well as any other related products?
GeoLas Systems currently manufactures two main models of LiDAR sensors for manned aircraft: the ELMAP-H and the ELMAP-V. Each model is available in two versions with different maximum laser ranges.
The ELMAP-H was designed for use in aircraft with large-diameter camera hatches, on helicopters, gyrocopters, in heli-/belly pods, or even in heavy payload drones.
The ELMAP-V lidar sensor was designed specifically for use in aircraft with small diameter camera hatches, or for integration in stabilizing camera mounts.
Our top-level systems boast a maximum measurement range of 4,300 meters, allowing customers to acquire LiDAR data from up to 3,600 meters above ground level (AGL). Additionally, we provide GNSS/IMU options and software products to generate 3D point clouds, with the capability to output geocoded data in a variety of coordinate systems. We also offer software that automatically aligns the strips and calibrates the LiDAR system.
- How do you support your customers in the integration process of your components into your customer’s mapping systems?
We have a clear strategy to support installations as effectively as possible. Our systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with GNSS/IMU systems, flight management systems, cameras, or other aerial sensors. We utilize standard interfaces and protocols to facilitate this integration. In addition to providing best-in-class documentation, we offer close personal support to ensure a quick and reliable integration process. This includes hands-on assistance and guidance throughout the integration, as well as on-site operator training, to ensuring our customers achieve optimal performance with our LiDAR products.
- What are the typical lead times for your components, and how do you handle urgent or unexpected orders?
Our typical lead times for components vary depending on the specific product and order size but generally range from 12 to 16 weeks. We strive to provide accurate lead time estimates at the time of order placement to help our clients plan their projects effectively.
To handle urgent or unexpected orders, we offer priority processing to expedite production and delivery times. This involves reallocating resources and adjusting production schedules to accommodate high-priority requests. This includes a stock of long-lead key components, inventory management, and a flexible production scheduling which we can provide being a small and highly flexible company.
To offer a proactive communication to our customers is part of our company DNA, keeping them informed of the status of their urgent orders and any potential delays. This helps in managing expectations and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
- How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your components for LiDAR applications?
We ensure the quality and reliability of our components for LiDAR applications through a real multi-faceted approach which includes rigorous testing to ensure it meets high-performance standards.
Additionally, a stringent quality control process from raw materials to final assembly is implemented in our production. This helps in identifying and addressing any issues early in the manufacturing process.
Tight partnerships with our trusted suppliers who provide the high-quality materials and components we need is also an essential part of our product reliability strategy. This ensures that our products are built with the best possible inputs.
Continuous technical improvements, customer feedback and our highly skilled expert team are also part of the idea manufacturing our products in a highly reliable way.
- Can you provide examples of successful integrations of your components into LiDAR systems?
Sure. For example, we have successfully shipped and integrated multiple systems with customers in South Africa and the US and are just about to install the next systems in Brazil. All these deliveries went smoothly and are now being used operationally. One system is currently primarily used for coastal mapping, while the other users operate them for a variety of LiDAR applications including wide-area topographic mapping, mining, forestry, and infrastructure mapping such as power lines. In fact, the whole range of LiDAR applications is covered by the ELMAP LiDAR’s which are currently in the field.
- What is your strategy as a newcomer in this industry and how are your products placed in terms of specifications?
We are currently launching several marketing campaigns to increase our brand visibility in the geospatial industry. Alongside these efforts, we are engaging with integrators to showcase our products in their environments, ensuring our LiDAR systems are top of mind when they interact with their end-users. Additionally, we are directly reaching out to the end users of airborne LiDAR systems to understand their future needs in terms of technology and operation.
Our products are high-end aerial LiDAR systems featuring effective measurement rates of up to 1.400.000 shots per second on the ground and maximum operating altitudes of 3,600 meters AGL. The scan rate can reach up to 250 lines per second, with an adjustable field of view of up to 80°. As mentioned, before we offer two models, the ELMAP-H and the ELMAP-V, optimized for different installation requirements. For customers with specific requirements or limited budget both models are also available at a lower price using an alternative laser source, which reduces the maximum operating altitude to 2,100 meters AGL.
Overall, we offer a comprehensive product line that can be integrated with any GNSS/IMU system, flight planning and management systems, cameras, multispectral sensors, and more.
For additional information about GeoLas Systems CLICK HERE.
