OxTS xNAV650 Launch
Press Release
Their smallest, lightest and most affordable INS to date! – OxTS launch the xNAV650
On Monday, 22nd March 2021, Inertial Navigation System experts, Oxford Technical Solutions released the latest in their line of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) – the xNAV650.
Inertial Navigation Systems provide surveyors with absolute position, timing and inertial measurements (heading and pitch/roll) that they can integrate into their survey projects. These measurements, when combined with data from other devices (such as LiDAR sensors and cameras), can greatly enhance the surveying process -leading to a greater survey ROI.
The xNAV650 is OxTS’ smallest, lightest and most affordable INS to date. Combining 20 years of navigation experience with the latest cutting edge MEMS IMU technology and survey-grade GNSS receivers, the xNAV650 delivers the reliability and precision OxTS’ customers have come to expect – all in their smallest enclosure yet!
The xNAV650 provides highly accurate and reliable measurements – even when payload size and weight are imperative to consider. It measures 77 x 63 x 24 mm and weighs only 130 g.
Learn more about the xNAV650 INS
Applications
Small and lightweight, the xNAV650 INS is suitable for a wide range of applications where using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is the preferred data collection method.
Example applications include:
- Bridge Survey
- Building Survey
- Coastal Monitoring
- Forestry Survey
- Map Creation
- Pipeline Exploration
- Rail Survey…..and more!
Example application
OxTS’ partner Dronezone srl used the xNAV650 INS and a Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR on a drone to conduct a scan of an aging bridge to look for structural and potential hazards from overgrown foliage.
By fusing the timing, position and inertial data from the INS, with the raw data of the Velodyne VLP-16 (using OxTS’ LiDAR georeferencing software OxTS Georeferencer), the surveyor was able to produce a highly accurate 3D pointcloud of the bridge.
Pointcloud taken of bridge looking for structural weaknesses. Data collected using and OxTS xNAV650 INS and Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR. Data processed using OxTS Georeferencer
Pointcloud of Bridge Survey used to help identify overgrown foliage. Data collected using and OxTS xNAV650 INS and Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR. Data processed using OxTS Georeferencer
Side view pointcloud of bridge. Data collected using and OxTS xNAV650 INS and Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR. Data processed using OxTS Georeferencer.
Fusing the position and inertial data from the xNAV650 INS with the Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR data provides a fantastic level of clarity. This can be seen in the foliage, electricity lines and side of the bridge.
The resultant pointcloud has enabled the engineers to easily and accurately pinpoint areas of the bridge that need closer attention.
Contact OxTS to discuss your application
One INS – Multiple Integration Possibilities
The survey mentioned in this article was produced using an xNAV650 INS and a Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR. However, the data from OxTS Inertial Navigation Systems can be fused with the data from almost any LiDAR sensor. Using our own LiDAR georeferencing software, OxTS Georeferencer, we can help you georeference pointclouds specifically from Velodyne, Hesai and Ouster sensors.
There is also work underway to integrate new LiDAR sensors from an even wider range of manufacturers into OxTS Georeferencer – allowing OxTS INS users to build a full navigation solution where much of the integration work is already taken care of.
Learn more about OxTS Technology Partnerships
Software
OxTS NAVsuite software is included with all OxTS Inertial Navigation Systems. This full range of software tools allows users of OxTS’ devices to configure and post-process data with ease.
Other optional software features are also available including Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and gx/ix tight-coupling technology.
- PTP allows for a much simpler LiDAR survey set-up over ethernet whilst simultaneously stamping out time-drift by utilizing the high-quality INS clock source – GNSS.
- GX/IX tight-coupling technology, OxTS’ own proprietary navigation engine, ensures that users of OxTS Inertial Navigation Systems receive the most accurate measurements possible even in tough GNSS conditions.
Summary
The OxTS xNAV650 INS enables surveyors to take advantage of highly accurate inertial measurements when payload size and weight is imperative to consider.
This data can be quickly and easily combined with raw data from a range of LiDAR sensors (using OxTS Georeferencer) to output accurate georeferenced pointclouds.
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