**Testing the Elios 3 Surveying Payload: Mapping a 600m Bridge Without Disrupting Traffic**
Flyability, in collaboration with its partner Droprise, recently conducted a road bridge survey in Belgium using the Elios 3 drone equipped with its new LiDAR surveying payload. This innovative technology allowed them to map a 600-meter-long bridge without interrupting traffic, showcasing the potential of drones in infrastructure inspection.
The project aimed to demonstrate how the Elios 3 could access hard-to-reach areas that typically require scaffolding or elevated work platforms. By flying close to the structure from below and along its sides, the team was able to collect high-quality data efficiently and safely. Importantly, the drone’s operation did not distract drivers, ensuring both safety and compliance with local regulations.
**Safety First**
One of the main advantages of the Elios 3 is its ability to navigate tight spaces and complex environments. The LiDAR payload enabled full coverage of the entire bridge, allowing inspectors to examine critical areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. The drone’s compact design and stability made it ideal for this kind of mission, where traditional methods might pose risks or cause disruptions.
**Efficiency in Action**
The survey was completed in just four flights, all within a single day. This rapid deployment significantly reduces the time required for inspections, which is crucial for maintaining infrastructure without long-term traffic delays. The results provided detailed insights into the bridge's condition, helping determine if maintenance is needed before any major interventions are required.
**Accuracy That Matters**
The Surveying Payload, powered by the Rev 7 LiDAR, delivers exceptional accuracy—over 90% of data collected is within 1 cm. With a scanning speed of up to 1.5 million points per second and a range of 100 meters, the system captures highly detailed point clouds. When processed using FARO Connect, the data can be automatically aligned and cleaned, making it easier to generate accurate 3D models.
**Business Impact**
By avoiding direct flight over the bridge deck, the team ensured minimal disruption to traffic while still capturing complete data. This approach not only enhances safety but also makes the technology more appealing to clients who value efficiency and non-intrusive solutions. The successful demonstration has already sparked interest among potential users in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
**Understanding the Elios 3 LiDAR Payloads**
The Elios 3 offers two LiDAR configurations: the standard Rev 6.2 model, ideal for general surveys, and the advanced Surveying Payload with Rev 7 LiDAR, designed for high-accuracy applications. The latter is particularly useful in challenging environments like underground tunnels, pipelines, and bridges where precision is essential.
**Real-World Application**
Droprise, a Flyability partner since 2019, used this opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Elios 3 to potential clients. Their goal was to prove the return on investment by demonstrating real-world performance. The bridge survey in Belgium served as an excellent example of how the technology can be applied to infrastructure monitoring without causing inconvenience.
**How It Was Done**
The Elios 3 doesn’t rely on GPS, making it suitable for flying in areas where signals may be weak or blocked. Instead, it uses visual-inertial odometry (VIO) and LiDAR stabilization for precise navigation. This feature was especially valuable during the survey, as it allowed the drone to fly close to the bridge structure without losing control.
**A Safe and Effective Approach**
Flying under and alongside the bridge, the team avoided direct exposure to traffic, ensuring the safety of both pilots and drivers. The process was carefully planned to minimize interference while maximizing data collection. The result was a detailed 3D model of the entire structure, proving the effectiveness of the Elios 3 in complex environments.
**Future Potential**
Looking ahead, Droprise plans to conduct follow-up flights to further refine their data and leverage the Surveying Payload’s enhanced accuracy. With georeferencing tools and automated processing, they aim to create even more precise models that can support long-term infrastructure management.
This project highlights the growing importance of drone-based inspection in modern infrastructure planning. As demand for safer, faster, and more efficient surveying methods increases, technologies like the Elios 3 are set to play a key role in shaping the future of civil engineering.
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