Requirements and operating conditions

TOPODRONE laser scanners are designed for use in weather without precipitation. Operation in rain, snow, frost, hail and fog is prohibited. The construction of TOPODRONE laser scanner has no IP protection and in case of violation of this recommendation, moisture can get on the surface of the scanning lens and inside the device. This, in its turn, can deteriorate the quality of the received data, as well as damage the internal structure of the laser scanner itself. In the event of precipitation, we recommend that you stop using the equipment. Otherwise, there may be additional noise from false reflections due to water droplets or snow.

Noises from false reflections of the TOPODRONE laser scanner, aerial photography was conducted during rain.

Operation of the TOPODRONE laser scanner in subzero temperatures and high humidity (above 80%) can lead to icing of the equipment and the drone. This can degrade the quality of the acquired data, as well as cause damage to the drone structure, including falling down due to icing of the carrying propellers. 

DJI M200 drone and TOPODRONE laser scanner icing up.

When performing aerial laser scanning with a wind force of more than 7 m/s, it is necessary to increase the lateral overlap of the drone between the scans, as the wind may affect the number of intersecting areas. The operation of TOPODRONE laser scanners for MLS in strong winds is limited by the operator's physical capabilities. The maximum recommended wind strength when performing ALS is 10 m/s. High winds have much less influence on the data quality degradation when performing MLS than when performing ALS.

DJI M200 drone propeller icing up.

It is not recommended to scan the terrain surface immediately after rain or wet snow because of much worse reflection and fewer points obtained from the surface. For correct data post-processing it is necessary to perform at least two passes in forward and reverse directions with overlap of at least 30% relative to each other. A single pass is not effective. In case of insufficient quality or complete absence of GNSS signal, operation of TOPODRONE 100 LITE / HI-RES / 200 ULTRA laser scanners is impossible. The minimum number of visible satellites is 8 (above the elevation mask of 15°). It is strongly recommended to check the weather conditions and the number of visible GNSS satellites before the flight. Performing ALS / MLS in the same area at different times does not always make sense. 

Be careful with the sensor lens when performing laser scanning. The hardness of this lens is plastic, not glass. For this reason, foreign objects can easily damage the sensor surface. Minor single scratches on the sensor will not result in a noticeable deterioration of the data quality. To protect the lens surface from scratches, it is recommended to use a case.
It is not recommended to keep the TOPODRONE laser scanner on for more than 4 hours.

The manufacturer is not responsible for equipment malfunction or for obtaining poor or inaccurate data when used outside the recommended operating conditions.