(Heerbrugg, 24/09/2024) Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, today announced a new high-performance single photon LiDAR (SPL) technology that can be integrated into hybrid sensors to boost the efficiency of country-wide geospatial data collection.

With an expanded 60-degree field of view and over 500 measurement channels, the new single photon LiDAR technology significantly surpasses the capability of the previous version, delivering unmatched data collection performance over large areas in less time. The new SPL module was designed to integrate into a hybrid sensor; it is fully compatible with all Leica Geosystems peripherals, including the Leica PAV200 gyro-stabilised mount.

By collecting over 14 million measurements per second, the new SPL provides more than a fivefold increase in LIDAR collection rates compared to traditional linear-mode LiDAR. This advancement allows users to significantly expand the availability and timeliness of high-resolution LiDAR data.

With over 14 million measurements per second, the new SPL can produce high-resolution point clouds for detailed modelling of the ground and surface features

At INTERGEO, Leica Geosystems will showcase a hybrid system, which combines this new SPL module with the industry-leading Leica DMC-4 large-format camera in a single sensor pod. This solution will provide unprecedented productivity for mapping projects requiring both high-density LiDAR data and high-resolution imagery.

This next generation SPL-based hybrid system is fully supported by the Leica HxMap workflow — the only combined imagery and LiDAR integrated workflow. Designed to be modular and fully scalable from single workstations to thousands of compute nodes, HxMap features the highest data throughput, product quality and ensures optimal turnaround time.

           Leica Geosystems is presenting at INTERGEO a hybrid system combining the new SPL module with a large-format camera in a single sensor pod

As a result of the technology transfer from the acquisition of Sigma Space by Leica Geosystems, the new SPL is designed and manufactured in Switzerland, with commercial availability in 2025.

“The expertise gained with the Leica SPL100 played a significant role in the development of this new LiDAR module," said Werner Kirchhofer, VP of Product Development Airborne Solutions, at Hexagon’s Geosystems division. "We faced two major challenges: enhancing efficiency and achieving a compact design. I’m extremely proud of our team’s groundbreaking efforts to create a new technology that will crucially improve the efficiency of data collection over large areas.”

"By combining Leica Geosystems’ large-format camera’s capability with the new SPL technology, we are ushering in the next generation of airborne hybrid systems," said John Welter, President of Geospatial Content Solutions at Hexagon’s Geosystems division. “As the exclusive provider of single-photon LiDAR technology on the market, this system further establishes Leica Geosystems’ commitment to innovation and leadership in the geospatial industry."

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With more than 200 years of history, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is the trusted supplier of premium sensors, software and services. Delivering value every day to professionals in surveying, construction, infrastructure, mining, mapping and other geospatial content-dependent industries, Leica Geosystems leads the industry with innovative solutions to empower our autonomous future.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.2bn EUR. Learn more at  hexagon.com and follow us  @HexagonAB. 

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Cristina Mauri
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