Drones used in measurement systems

Licensed remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) operator LS of South Africa, under associate company RPAS operator LS Multi Copter Projects and Services, develops measurement systems which are integrated into drone technology.

The development of the measurement systems, involve two key factors, says LS of South Africa operations manager Paul Schutte.

The first factor is understanding the RPAS, its flight controllers and how to communicate with it, says Schutte.

“This communication includes providing instructions for the RPAS flight control system and collecting the required information from the flight controller.

The second factor is ensuring the integration of the measurement systems payload onto the flying platform.

“This requires using the payload in combination with highly accurate positioned data results in accurate geotagged measurement data,” he adds.

The measurement system is then calibrated in the anechoic chamber and the measurements include electromagnetic interference as well as electromagnetic compatibility to reduce all risks. Measurement efficiencies are then complemented with auto report generation, he explains.

LS of South Africa’s RPAS fleet comprises a variety of drones and payload system options.

The options comprise broadcast radio frequency (RF) measurements, which requires a RPAS with a take-off weight of up to 15 kg, which, in turn, enables LS of South Africa to mount large antennas for FM radio and digital terrestrial television measurements.

Mobile RF measurements involve a smaller RPAS, on which smaller antennas and payloads can be mounted, and can be used for measurements of mobile technologies. Such technologies include a global system for mobile communications, a universal mobile telecommunications system, long-term evolution of mobile networks, and fifth-generation wireless.

Other services from LS of South Africa include light detection and ranging scanning and scaled building reconstruction.