LIDAR drone survey: Step by step video guide
This guide and video show how to conduct a LIDAR drone survey with the WingtraOne drone, creating a precise point cloud with high-accuracy geo-referencing.
If you’re ready to master drone LIDAR surveying, this comprehensive guide (with both a video tutorial and detailed steps below including extra tips) will show you exactly how to create a precise LIDAR point cloud with high-accuracy geo-referencing using the WingtraOne Gen II.
In this video guide, Rami Tamimi, a seasoned surveyor and geodetic engineer with over 10 years of experience, walks you through the entire process—from planning and equipment setup to data collection and post-processing.
Whether you’re new to LIDAR drones or looking to refine your skills, this step-by-step approach will equip you to conduct a professional-grade drone LIDAR survey.
Equipment you’ll need
- The Wingtra LIDAR solution (this includes the drone, sensor and post-processing software)
- Your own base station (Rami uses an Emlid base station in this example)
- Your favourite LIDAR analytics software (Wingtra recommends LIDAR360, but is compatible with others such as LiDARMill and LP360)
1. Set up your base station
- Position the base station at the desired location.
- Configure the base marker position using the Emlid Flow app.
- Start logging the base station’s position to create an RINEX file for post-processing correction (PPK) later.
Extra tips for proper GNSS data
2. Set up the WingtraOne drone
- Take out the drone and slide in the middle stand. Place the drone on the ground.
- Slide the LIDAR sensor into place on the drone and secure it using the screws.
- Plug in the USB drive storage inside the LIDAR sensor
- Plug in the sensor’s USB-C cable to the drone to ensure the drone recognizes the payload.
3. Insert the batteries
- Insert the batteries into the top of the drone.
- Connect the micro USB cables to relay battery status information to the drone.
4. Power up the LIDAR sensor
- Power on the LiDAR sensor by pressing the power button on its side.
- Attach the cover over the sensor area for protection during the flight.
5. Open the WingtraPilot app
- Plug-in the antenna to your tablet.
- Create a new mission in the app.
- Select the LIDAR sensor
6. Set home point
- Specify the home point in the app by selecting the current location.
- This ensures that the drone will return here if there’s a loss of connection or low battery.
7. Define the survey area
- Use the map in the app to define the boundaries of the area to be surveyed by specifying corner points.
- Set up the flight altitude between 60 and 90m (200 to 300 feet).
- Adjust the flight direction and keep the overlap settings to 30% for best results.
Extra tip: Enable terrain following
With “terrain following enabled” the drone maintains a fixed height above the terrain to help maintain consistent point density, especially in areas with elevation changes.
Extra tip: Flight parameters for thin structures or vegetation
8. Run the pre-flight checklist
Follow the pre-flight checklist instructions one by one:
- Ensure the LIDAR sensor is clean, and propellers are intact.
- Verify that all system components are functioning properly, including the flaps
- Make sure not people are close to the drone
9. Flight launch
- Once the pre-flight checks are complete, hit the “play” button on the app and slide to confirm the launch.
- The drone will automatically calibrate the LIDAR sensor after takeoff as it flying to the survey area’s starting point.
10. Monitor the flight
- The WingtraOne will fly autonomously according to the mission plan, collecting LIDAR data.
- Monitor the flight and ensure the telemetry connection remains strong.
- The return-to-home (RTH) feature will activate if the drone loses connection for more than 60 seconds or if the battery gets low.
11. Drone landing
- After completing the mission, the drone will land by itself.
- Wait for the data to finish writing to the flash drive before powering down the drone.
12. Retrieve the data
- Disconnect the batteries and other cables
- Remove the flash drive from the LiDAR sensor.
Store the drone safely.
13. Download flight data
- Transfer the LIDAR data from the flash drive to your computer.
- Copy the base station’s RINEX files and place them in the project folder alongside the LiDAR data.
14. Open the WINGTRA LIDAR app
- Launch the app and load the project folder. The app will automatically process the PPK corrections.
- Confirm the latitude, longitude, and ellipsoid height of the base station (usually auto-populated from the observation file).
15. Create the point cloud
- The app will process all the LiDAR data collected during the survey, creating a high-accuracy point cloud.
- Identify the starting and ending points of the useful data (exclude calibration circles).
- Export the processed point cloud as an LAZ or LAS file, depending on your preference.
16. Export and analyze the LIDAR data
- Use your preferred software (Wingtra recommends LIDAR 360) to analyze and visualize the LIDAR point cloud data.
- Check for accuracy and refine the data further if necessary.
FAQ
Can LIDAR penetrate the ground?
No, LIDAR cannot penetrate solid ground. However, it can capture LIDAR point clouds in-between trees and shrubs, allowing drones to map the ground beneath foliage. This makes LIDAR an essential tool for surveying in areas with light to medium vegetation.
How accurate is LIDAR?
LIDAR accuracy is very high. Wingtra LIDAR can achieve vertical accuracy down to 3 cm (1.2 in). Combined with PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) corrections, Wingtra LIDAR provides highly accurate 3D data, ideal for mapping and surveying large areas. High-quality LIDAR sensors and software solutions ensure that your drone survey produces precise results.
What is a drone LIDAR survey?
A drone LIDAR survey uses a UAV equipped with a LIDAR sensor to collect detailed 3D data of the environment. The drone sends laser pulses to the ground and measures the time it takes for them to return, creating an accurate LIDAR point cloud. These surveys are often combined with multispectral and photogrammetry data for comprehensive surveying results.
How to do a LIDAR survey?
To conduct a LIDAR survey, set up your base station, UAV, and LIDAR sensor, then plan your flight. Next, collect data by flying the area with your drone such as the WingtraOne or a DJI drone. After the flight, process the LIDAR data using the Wingtra LIDAR app to create a geo-referenced LIDAR point cloud. For enhanced precision, use PPK processing during data handling. For more detailed instructions, refer to our step-by-step guide above.