Wingtra, a VTOL drone manufacturer based in Switzerland, has unveiled its latest mapping payload, the RGB61. This customized Sony Alpha 7 Mark IV 61MP RGB camera is designed to significantly enhance mapping capabilities by covering 1.4 times the area while reducing data and post-processing loads by up to 40%. These advancements enable missions to be completed much faster than before.
Designed to be compatible with the WingtraOne GEN II drone, the RGB61 payload is touted as the most efficient and data-light UAV mapping solution available. It surpasses Wingtra's previous flagship payload, the RX1R II, in terms of performance.
Julian Mackern, a product manager at Wingtra, highlights the benefits of the RGB61:
"By capturing 600 hectares (1480 acres) in two flights instead of three, and processing 40% less data for the same area, customers will be able to map large areas within tighter timeframes and take on more projects due to significantly faster turnaround times. It's like completing a project that used to take nine flight hours in just six hours, with roughly half the images to process, while still maintaining rich image detail."
To optimize data capture and minimize distortion, the RGB61 features a high-quality 24mm lens. This ensures better identification of key features on maps and improves point matching in photogrammetry post-processing software. The payload seamlessly integrates with WingtraPilot, WingtraOne's mission-planning app, providing greater control in varying light conditions.
Mackern explains the benefits:
"With the RGB61 integration, customers have a quick and intuitive way to ensure the highest image quality. With a simple menu option in WingtraPilot, they can choose the appropriate camera settings based on the light levels at the project site."
As expected from Wingtra's payloads, the new mapping camera seamlessly integrates with the WingtraOne GEN II VTOL fixed-wing drone's PPK GNSS data correction system, ensuring survey-grade accuracy.
Marcos Bayuelo, VP of product at Wingtra, emphasizes the advantages for customers:
"Our customers work on sensitive projects such as airport runway mapping, where weather conditions can limit flight windows. Therefore, capturing large areas quickly is crucial for saving costs, ensuring personnel safety, and delivering timely results to stakeholders. We are excited and confident that this payload will offer our customers improved project timelines, clear ROI, and a significant business advantage."
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