Recommendations for SLAM LiDAR Data Collection in Tight Spaces and Caves

When operating in confined areas such as caves, tunnels, or other tight environments, following best practices ensures optimal SLAM LiDAR data collection. Below are key recommendations to improve the quality of your data:

Keep the LiDAR unit above shoulder level:
- Maintain the device at or above head height.
- Ensure the unit has a clear field of view (FoV) forward, backward, and left to right.
Avoid tilting the LiDAR:
- Keep the LiDAR horizontal to reduce data drift.
Use indoor mode during processing:
- Select the appropriate mode on your device, such as indoor mode, to better handle complex environments with limited GNSS signals.
New software updates can help:
- Ensure you are using the latest release of Rock Desktop for improved SLAM data processing.
- Check out how to update Rock Desktop for the latest features that support tight-space operations.

Additional tips:

Explore different time ranges for sections where drift begins. You can restart the process from the stable data points to reduce inconsistencies.

For detailed steps on capturing SLAM data, refer to the how to capture and process SLAM data guide. This resource covers essential practices for LiDAR operations.

"If the LiDAR’s field of view is obstructed for extended periods, even the latest algorithms may struggle, but reprocessing with the latest Rock Desktop software can mitigate those issues." — Leo Stanislas

Lastly, if you encounter challenges during post-processing, consult our SLAM alignment guide to fine-tune your dataset.

For more advanced data processing, explore the features available through the ROCK Cloud and additional LiDAR processing services.

Keep your system up-to-date to ensure top performance by checking out how to update your R3 Pro.