Zurich-based Wingtra, a leader in drone mapping technology, has launched its latest sensor, the MAP61, aimed at enhancing efficiency in large-scale mapping and 3D reconstruction. With the ability to capture up to 460 hectares (1,140 acres) in a single flight, MAP61 offers professionals a streamlined solution that reduces both fieldwork and data processing time, a significant advantage for industries that rely on detailed aerial insights.
Efficiency at the Core of MAP61
The MAP61 is designed to address one of the main challenges in drone mapping: maximizing the area covered while minimizing time spent in the field. Julian Surber, Product Manager at Wingtra, emphasized the time-saving benefits of the new sensor. “Imagine reducing your fieldwork time from one hour to just 35 minutes, all while increasing processing speed,” he explained. This ability to complete projects more quickly, without sacrificing quality, has direct implications for industries such as construction and land management, where quick turnaround times are critical.
By requiring fewer images to cover large areas, the MAP61 speeds up data processing, enabling professionals to complete in one day what previously took two. This is especially beneficial in applications like highway mapping, where the sensor’s oblique configuration allows for the capture of long corridors without interrupting traffic flow.
Precision in 3D Capture
The MAP61 offers significant improvements in 3D reconstruction through its ability to capture detailed vertical assets in a single pass. Unlike traditional systems that require multiple cross-hatch flights, the MAP61’s oblique angle configuration provides accurate 3D data with fewer flights, reducing time in the field and improving productivity. This makes the sensor particularly suited for applications in open-pit mining, urban planning, and infrastructure monitoring, where precise and timely data is essential.
“Our customers often work in challenging environments like open-pit mines or congested urban areas, where flight windows are limited,” added Surber. “In these cases, covering large areas efficiently while maintaining image quality is crucial for reducing costs and ensuring safety. The MAP61 excels in meeting these demands.”
Seamless Integration with Wingtra’s Workflow
One of the standout features of the MAP61 is its integration with Wingtra’s established workflow. The combination of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities with the WingtraCLOUD platform ensures that users can plan, capture, and process their data without needing to switch between multiple software systems. This all-in-one approach reduces the margin for error and makes the technology accessible to professionals across a wide range of technical backgrounds.
The intuitive workflow also makes it easier for teams to scale their operations, allowing for the efficient production of orthomosaics and point clouds on a regular basis, regardless of the project’s size or complexity.