RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems has introduced a new airborne laser mapping system – the LMS-Q1560 – at the recent RIEGL LIDAR 2013 International User Conference.  The company stated: “The RIEGL LMS-Q1560 introduces a new era in high altitude airborne mapping. This new ultra high performance, fully integrated airborne laser scanner system within a single, self-contained unit features dual high-powered laser sources, dual optical receivers, and a common mirror built into the system, creating precise and effective data coverage on the ground.” The system has numerous potential applications in both the mineral exploration and brownfield mine arenas.

The LMS-Q1560 can be operated at a maximum pulse repetition rate of 800 kHz providing an effective measurement rate of 530,000 measurements per second on the ground, while operating at the demanding altitudes of such projects. Range ambiguities due to regularly occurring and sometimes even dramatic terrain elevation changes are automatically resolved by RIEGL’s multiple time around processing software, RiMTA. The software manages up to 10 pulses in the air, simultaneously. This enables the user to do simple flight planning, even for difficult terrain. “The result is safe flight planning and flying, faster project processing and exceptional data quality”, says RIEGL.

Using a unique dual channel design – RIEGL has provided “an innovative forward, backward and nadir looking capability in this instrument.” This enables more effective and more accurate high point density data capture from different angles producing the best point spacing on the ground, even in challenging terrain. The LMS-Q1560 system design and calibration provides seamless integration of additional sensors and “unprecedented customization options to the user.” Optionally, other sensors may be easily integrated; an IMU, a medium format aerial camera and the capability for a secondary IR camera to complete the system. With all these individual components integrated into one single instrument of compact design, suited for gyro-stabilized levelling mounts, the system installation is “simple and straight-forward. With its ease and simplicity of use, the LMS-Q1560 provides the user a long-term stable system calibration, reduced acquisition and processing time, and multiple sensor data capture for unrivaled project turnaround.”