ROCK Colorized SLAM DOCK V2 - GPS Data Collection

ROCK is happy to offer our new Colorized SLAM kit with GPS for the ROCK R3 Pro V2 and R3 Pro units. Below will detail how to collect Colorized SLAM with GPS Data.

ROCK Colorized SLAM DOCK V2 with GPS Data Capture with the ROCK R3 Pro (V2) and Insta360 camera

Prior to collecting your first Colorized SLAM dataset, you will need to complete the extrinsic calibration workflow. You will also need a base station file with RINEX data covering your SLAM dataset before, during, and after data collection in the .24o or .OBS file format.

Follow these instructions to collect your data:

  • Go to the location where you want to start collecting data.  To be able to collect GPS data with your R3 Pro (V2) unit, please start this process outside with as clear a view of the sky as possible to ensure good GPS data is captured.  
  • Turn on the Insta360 camera and R3 Pro (V2) allowing them to go through their initialization process. The light will be red on the R3 Pro (V2) while the unit performs a self test.
  • Ensure that your Insta360 camera is set to record in video mode.
  • Push the side record button (red dot) on your Insta360 camera to begin recording, you should see the timer start and increase to indicate that data is being collected.  Please note the amount of time available for recording, as that will serve as a limit to SLAM data capture.   
  • Once the light turns solid green on your R3 Pro,(V2) your self check is complete.  Use the one-button method to start data collection.  Push the button once and you should see the light alternate between red and green.  Next hold the button down for five seconds, and the light should turn solid green.  
  • The light should then begin flashing green to indicate that you are collecting data.  
  • Once collecting data, stand at your start point with the R3 Pro (V2) unit above your head.  Wait for 30 seconds to collect static data.
  • After completing static data capture, walk in a straight line for approximately 40 feet, then complete a high dynamic (ex Figure 8) capture. 
  • After completing the high dynamic capture, you can begin collecting SLAM data for your area of interest.   
  • When collecting Colorized SLAM data, please ensure that your Insta360 camera is facing towards the feature you want to map.  For example if you want to collect SLAM data around the outside of a building, you would walk parallel to the building, however you would want your camera lens to be facing the side of the building you wish to map.  
  • Collect your SLAM data following ROCK’s recommendations for SLAM capture like moving your R3 Pro (V2) slowly and in a controller manner.  Also, be sure to practice loop closure by periodically returning to a previously surveyed point.  
  • Once you have finished collecting your data in your survey area, please walk in a straight line for 40 feet, then collect 30 seconds of static data before stopping data collection.  You should finish collecting data outdoors with a clear view of the sky 15 degrees to the horizon.
  • Push the button on your R3 Pro (V2) once, followed by holding down the button for 5 seconds.  
  • After the R3 Pro (V2) has finished collecting data, stop the recording on your Insta360 camera.  
  • Turn off your R3 Pro (V2) and Insta360 camera, then carefully disassemble your unit.  
  • End the static observation of your base station according to the manufacturer's recommended workflow. 
  • You can use the USB-C to USB-C cable to connect and download the data from your Insta360 camera, and use the USB drive to download the data from your R3 Pro (V2).
Once all of your LiDAR  with GPS, camera data, and base station files have been downloaded to your computer, you can process your data in ROCK Desktop.