How to mount and process your data using the ROCK mobile mount.
Mounting
Always clean surfaces prior to using suction cups. Surfaces should be cleared of all oils and dust. We recommend windex and paper towels to clean the windows of your vehicle.
Additionally - Always use a tether for emergency securing of unit. (Harrison has used climbing rope and carabiners to tie the vehicle mount to the roof rack of his car.)
- The mobile mount comes with 3 high power suction cups and a tether as well as a 4th suction cup for GPS mast.
- The R360 and R2A should be mounted with the LiDAR sensor on top aka "LiDAR up"
- Make sure to mount the unit in a way where it will not constantly scan the vehicle in its field of view — this will take testing through trial and error before using on actual projects!
Mobile Data Acquisition
How to Acquire Mobile Data:
After you have securely installed the Mobile mount with LiDAR and GPS, you are ready to capture mobile data by following these steps:
- Set up your Base Station and begin logging data.
- Power on LiDAR unit.
- Use the bench power adapter to a DC to AC inverter plugged into the lighter assuming the lighter provides enough power. Alternatively, use the AC adapter plugged into a power outlet in the vehicle if one is present.
- Use the bench power adapter to a DC to AC inverter plugged into the lighter assuming the lighter provides enough power. Alternatively, use the AC adapter plugged into a power outlet in the vehicle if one is present.
- Start data acquisition with the vehicle in a location where the GNSS antenna has an unobstructed view of the sky.
- Remain parked and motionless for 30 seconds of static data acquisition (until the status in the GUI reports "waiting for high speed").
- Accelerate in a straight line for 5 seconds maintaining a speed over 15 mph (24 kmh).
- After the straight line you will need to drive in 2 figure 8 patterns (keep in mind all of these maneuvers need to be with a clear unobstructed view of the sky and done with caution for driving in a safe environment and manner).
- If you have done these steps correctly you will now be capturing good LiDAR data and the status on the web GUI will report: NAVIGATION "NAV".
- Drive slowly and consistently while maintaining a clear view of the sky (AVOID TREES AND TALL BUILDINGS); recommended speed depends on the density of data you need (25 mph is our MAX speed for good collection).
- When you are finished collecting data drive in a straight line again for 5 seconds at a speed of over 15 mph (24 kmh) and immediately come to a complete stop and wait for 30 seconds before stopping data acquisition on the GUI.
- Power down the unit and go stop the base station from logging; process data as per usual methods to create your Point Cloud.
11. Process in ROCK Desktop to create your Point Cloud.
It is possible to colorize your data, but keep in mind the camera is generally pointed at the ground in these scenarios so you will not see much successful colorization of the full scan.