Georeference LiDAR sensor data with OxTS Georeferencer 2.0
LiDAR surveyors must georeference the raw data their LiDAR sensor creates to produce 3D pointclouds. They can then use these digital 3D models to repeatably analyse the world around them. Furthermore, it is possible to use a selection of pointclouds created over time to understand environmental changes.
Having the ability therefore to create clear and precise pointclouds is important. There are a number of factors that will directly affect the precision of a pointcloud. These include the accuracy and reliability of the inertial measurements used to georeference the LiDAR data and sensor hardware calibration, amongst others.
OxTS Georeferencer is OxTS’ own LiDAR georeferencing software application that surveyors can use alongside any OxTS Inertial Navigation System (INS). Using OxTS Georeferencer, surveyors can quickly and easily georeference LiDAR data from multiple sensors to create precise 3D pointclouds.
Georeferencer 2.0 is now available!
Almost two years since OxTS Georeferencer was launched, and after several updates in between, OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 is now available.
Previous iterations of OxTS Georeferencer saw over 20 new sensors integrated, as well as multiple user experience improvements. Take a look at the development timeline below for a reminder.
OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 includes several key improvements particularly for professional LiDAR surveyors. These include:
Global coordinates – OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 users have the ability to process data in a range of coordinate systems. These include local coordinates, ECEF, and LLA (latitude, longitude and altitude).
New processing options – Users of OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 can maximise the usability of their pointclouds and minimise data size through a range of processing options. Users can:
- Filter points by position uncertainty keeping every point within a specified accuracy
- Maximise the accuracy of the data while minimising data size with a Voxel sampling algorithm
- Filter points by intensity and azimuth and elevation angle of the LiDAR
- Filter points by speed and range from vehicle
Easier to create map files – OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 can add the direction from which each point is surveyed into the pointcloud, allowing mesh surfaces to be easily reconstructed. Furthermore, OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 gives surveyors the ability to add point normal information into the pointcloud and view the vehicle trajectory as a pointcloud.
Processing advances – New revisions of the OxTS Georeferencer processing algorithms give the best performance yet. Using version 2.0, users can process pointclouds faster than ever before and take advantage of improved precision and consistency of the boresight calibration feature which now utilises target dimensions.
You can try OxTS Georeferencer for yourself, using test data here – Try OxTS Georeferencer
Download the OxTS Georeferencer Infosheet
Download and share the OxTS Georeferencer infosheet to learn more about how OxTS Georeferencer can help you confidently produce highly accurate 3D pointclouds.
By combining OxTS INS data with the data from your choice of LiDAR sensor, you can quickly and easily produce your own stunning pointclouds.
Included in the infosheet is more information about…
- LiDAR integrations
- Boresight calibration
- Key OxTS Georeferencer features
Development Timeline
OxTS Georeferencer launched
Version 1 of OxTS Georeferencer was launched in January 2020 to provide LiDAR surveyors with a quick and easy way to georeference LiDAR data.
The first sensor integrated was the Velodyne VLP-16.
Version 1.2 released
Version 1.2 was released towards the end of the same year.
This release focused on integrating several new sensors into the software, giving users even more choice when deciding which hardware to use to survey their environment.
The new sensors included additional Velodyne sensors alongside sensors from Hesai and Ouster.
Version 1.3 / 1.4 released
Another Hesai model was introduced in the minor 1.3 release, quickly followed by a number of usability improvements in version 1.4.
These included the introduction of a time-overlap chart, a new hardware setup viewer that accurately represents the user’s chosen LiDAR model.
Version 1.5 released
Version 1.5 again focused on introducing new LiDAR sensors into OxTS Georeferencer taking the total number of sensors integrated to almost 30!
A new family of sensors made an appearance into OxTS Georeferencer in this release – Livox.
OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 is here!
The latest release, OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 includes a number of major enhancements that improve the LiDAR Survey experience for its users.
Enhancements to the Boresight Calibration process make it more robust, whilst the addition of a range of coordinate systems gives surveyors even more flexibility when it comes to choosing how they work.
Watch the OxTS Georeferencer 2.0 Webinar
Join OxTS Survey Product Engineer, Jacob Amacker, as he walks attendees through the latest enhancements to our LiDAR georeferencing software, OxTS Georeferencer 2.0.
Since its launch nearly two years ago, OxTS Georeferencer has gone through some major changes. From the addition of a number of new LiDAR sensors to a range of usability enhancements, OxTS Georeferencer makes it easier than ever before to georeference LiDAR data.
During the webinar, which took place on Tuesday, 15th March attendees had the opportunity to learn more about:
- How OxTS Georeferencer has evolved since launch
- What the new features mean for professional LiDAR surveyors
- Using OxTS Georeferencer alongside an OxTS INS
