Tag - mission planning

11Apr

UgCS Introduces the Automatic Vertical Scanning Tool for Drone Inspection Mission Planning

UgCS's new automatic Facade Scan tool for drone inspection mission planning is a time and cost saver for construction, engineering and mining industries. Tools for surveying horizontal surfaces — even uneven ones — are widely available on the market and have been for some time. However, inspecting vertical surfaces is a completely different story.  Previously, vertical surface inspection was a burden for professional drone users because it required a lot of manual work. But, thanks to the automatic Facade Scan tool from UgCS, that burden is no more.  

Vertical Scan Tool

The new Facade Scan tool has many applications for construction, architecture and other industries. The tool creates accurate digital models of buildings or cultural heritage objects. Plus, it identifies heat leaks and damage to walls. Facade Scan allows the drone operator to draw a vertical plane, specify the distance to the wall as well as side and forward overlap. Once complete, it automatically calculates the optimal flying path. UgCS also supports the import of 3D objects and custom DEM data using the terrain-following function.  

Mining Applications

The tool makes it possible to examine open quarries for mining applications. These inspections via drone provide cost savings measures and keep humans from dangerous work.  Drones can survey even unstable pits from a safe distance; the data gathered is much more accurate compared to other methods that don’t involve workers climbing down the pit. As mines often change due to work and natural conditions, repeated drone inspections bring data up-to-date in a fast and convenient way. “With its choice of automatic and manual tools, UgCS is extremely versatile and suitable even for the most specific needs,” says one mining professional. “We can use several different drones for the same mission, or a number of different drones with different kinds of sensors. If a drone runs out of battery, there is no need to start a new mission — it can be resumed where it was interrupted. We also appreciate the terrain following mode that allows drones to follow the surface accurately. We use it for both horizontal and vertical surveys.” Facade scan is part of the UgCS 3.2 release. It joins the family of other automatic UgCS tools: the Photogrammetry tool, Search Pattern tool and Area scan. It is available under a lifetime license, or a subscription based license of 1 and 3 months. UgCS supports most DJI drones, as well as MAVLink compatible and other UAVs. SPH Engineering continues to support and update the Facade Scan tool and welcomes comments from professional drone users across all industries.   Find out more about UgCS Mission Planning Software at Unmanned Systems Source.
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10Aug

UgCS Unveils New Search Pattern Planning Feature for UAS

UgCS, provider of mission planning software for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), together with public safety and disaster response UAS experts Airborne Response, developed a comprehensive search capability for drones. The new feature allows remote pilots to more effectively conduct search and rescue operations using the UgCS platform.  

Software Enhancements

The new enhancements provides users with a variety of quickly customizable search patterns. Such patterns include the “expanding square” and “creeping line” which can easily deploy in emergency and non-emergency situations. Based on the flight altitude input by the operator, the UgCSsoftware automatically calculates key variables. These variable include, the course heading and track spacing necessary to provide the prescribed coverage area for a search target. “The new enhancements to the UgCS mission planning software allow remote pilots, at every skill level, to quickly plan and implement a professional search mission with a UAS,” said Tom “Oaty” Oatmeyer, Chief Pilot at Airborne Response.  

Expert Lends Expertise

Oatmeyer is an air rescue expert with 28 years of experience piloting helicopters for both the U.S. Air Force and the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue department. Oatmeyer worked directly with the UgCS development team to bring the new features to fruition. “The new UgCS search feature is designed to make searching for a target with a drone as simple and reliable as possible,” said Janis Kuze, Sales Director of SPH Engineering. “We look forward to our continued work with Airborne Response to further enhance capabilities and implement additional features.” Airborne Response and UgCS reached an agreement for Airborne Response to offer the UgCS mission planning software, and associated training, to public safety and emergency response professionals throughout the U.S. “When lives are on the line, every second counts,” asserts Oatmeyer.“UgCS now represents another valuable link in the UAS technology chain to enhance the public safety mission.”
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09Nov

SPH Engineering Releases Updates for UgCS v2.12 and UgCS for DJI v2.8

SPH Engineering released updates for both UgCS and the mobile companion, UgCS for DJI. The update enhances the overall end-user experience as well as features for professional UAV survey mission planning.  

Enhanced features

In order to acquire more precise aerial data, a double grid option is now available for Area scan and Photogrammetry tool. When a new Photogrammetry area is added to the survey mission, the action Camera by time (with auto flag) is added by default. Many mission planning features now offer a more friendly end-user experience. Enhancements include: the option to move and rotate route, manage common actions for selected segments and display calculated path leg length on cursor-hover. Additionally, polygon side length and calculated area size are now displayed. “Data import, flight planning and control are features that characterize UgCS. Adding the desktop geo-referenced image processing software, UgCS Mapper, to our portfolio provides a nearly complete ground control and mapping platform for UAV professionals," said Janis Kuze, Sales Director at SPH Engineering. "For our customers UgCS Mapper provides significant insight to acquired data quality on site. This will save time and ensure better result. It's truly a PRO solution for PRO’s.”  

Added upgrades

Furthermore, SPH Engineering announced the release of the UgCS Mapper (beta). UgCS Mapper is a geo-referenced image processing software for the desktop. It creates preliminary ortho-photo map in-field, requiring no internet connection. While in beta UgCS Mapper is available for all users, after official release it will be a part of the UgCS PRO and UgCS ENTERPRISE packages. Additional Ardupilot features include: the option to connect over UDP, an added command and action SET_SERVO and REPEAT_SERVO. Plus, the ability to set constant heading (disable yaw to next waypoint). Some of the new UgCS for DJI features, include: drones with multiple video feed option to select video source added, zoom control widget improved and a notification is displayed when a waypoint is reached and left.  

Update links

Download the latest version of UgCS v2.12 and UgCS for DJI v2.8 below. Shop UgCS line of software packages at Unmanned Systems Source.
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23Mar

UgCS Mission Planning Software Now Available at Unmanned Systems Source

UgCS Mission Planning SoftwareMarch 23, 2017 – Unmanned Systems Source is pleased to announce a new distribution agreement with SPH Engineering. SPH Engineering is the creator of the popular UgCS Mission Planning Software which provides central management of all types and manufacturers of UAVs. It supports both fixed wing and multi-rotor platforms. Supported platforms, include: DJI Phantom 4 / 4 Pro, Phantom 3 and Phantom 2, Inspire 2, Inspire 1 / 1 Pro / Raw, Mavic Pro, A3, N3, Matrice 600 / 600 Pro, Matrice 100, A2, Naza-M v2, WooKong-M, Vision2+, Ace One. Currently, supported autopilots, include: Ardupilot, Px4 and other MAVLink compatible; InnoFlight: Jupiter JM-1; Mikrokopter; Micropilot; Microdrones; LockheedMartin: Kestrel, Indago. "UgCS software is a great addition to our site," said Andrew Osbrink, Business Development Director at Unmanned. "Whether a customer operates a fixed wing or multi-rotor, many crafts or just one, UgCS' flexible licensing model means organizations can purchase the license that works for their situation."  

The UgCS Desktop Solution

UgCS software has convenient tools for areal and linear surveys and provides direct drone control. Its modular architecture means ease of integration and simplifies adding support for new vehicles or payloads. Other features include easy route creation, an immersive 3D mission planning environmental and No-Fly zone support. In addition, it has built-in photogrammetry and geotagging tools, map customization, and more. Users can control one or a fleet of drones on a single mission, in multi-operator mode and in multi-platform environments.  

UgCS Mission Planning software options

OPEN is the free version of UgCS software. It offers limited capabilities in terms of the range of operations, functionality and support. However, it allows users insight into the software before making a purchasing decision. For UAV hobbyists and non-professional users, the ONE license is recommended. It provides unlimited range of operations with some limitation of the advanced functions. The PRO license is recommended for UAV professionals and land surveyors. It is the fully functional, multi-drone ground control software for professional UAV mission planning. Includes photogrammetry tools, digital elevation model (DEM) and KML file import to enable map customization. It also offers ADS-B receiver support to ensure flight safety. And finally, the ENTERPRISE license is for companies that operate a fleet of different manufacturer drones requiring a unifying ground station solution. Features ADS-B transponder support, multi-node deployment enables operation of a central server with unlimited connection to UgCS universal control server.  

About SPH Engineering

Founded in 2013, SPH Engineering employs both professionals and enthusiasts. They turn client ideas into products that address specific needs and requirements. Technology is not just a product for SPH Engineering, it's their passion. Visit Unmanned Systems Source to shop and compare UgCS Mission Planning license plans to find the one that is right for you.  
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