Aerial Photography Using UAVS: New Developments

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SenseFly has unveiled its patent-pending technology for oblique images, that enables its fixed-wing mapping UAVs to take extraordinary images without the use of a gimbal.

SenseFly’s eBee and swinglet CAM, both designed for mapping missions, are now also capable of quickly taking oblique images to complement a mapping project or add additional documentation. According to UAS Vision this technology is based on a control algorithm that takes oblique images of photo targets without the need of a camera gimbal, enabling senseFly’s ultralight mapping UAV to take aerial shots with up to 45° inclination from the photo target.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The algorithms running onboard the UAV autopilot automatically place and orient the drone based on the defined image resolution and inclination (0-45°) selected by the operator. The aircraft then adapts its trajectory according to local wind and target altitude.

Having a system that positions the camera autonomously with respect to the photo target enables senseFly’s UAVs to take precise oblique images without the need for live video feedback or a camera gimbal. These new techniques do not require any hardware changes, only software updates.