Phoenix LiDAR systems output standard point cloud data formats. After post-processing, you can export georeferenced point clouds in common files like LAS/LAZ that are compatible with GIS, CAD, and modeling software. If an RGB camera is used, you also get geotagged images, and you can colorize point clouds or produce photogrammetry deliverables (e.g. orthomosaics) from the integrated imagery.

These LiDAR units are built with rugged enclosures to withstand field conditions like vibration, dust, and temperature fluctuations. They operate in a typical temperature range (around 0°C to 40°C for most systems) and handle normal dust or drizzle, but it’s advised to avoid heavy rain or extreme environments since the sensors aren’t fully waterproof. In practice, crews schedule flights in fair weather and transport the equipment in protective cases to ensure longevity.

es – Phoenix’s sensors fire lasers at high pulse rates and capture multiple returns per pulse, enabling them to detect fine features and penetrate vegetation. For example, the miniRANGER-3 LITE records up to 5 returns per laser shot, and the Ranger-UAV22 Flex up to 15 returns, so thin objects (like power lines) can be detected, and terrain points below forest canopy can be measured. The combination of high point density and multi-echo capability ensures that even small or obscured details are represented in the point cloud.

Phoenix LiDAR systems use Class 1 eye-safe lasers, meaning under normal operation, they pose no hazard to eyesight. The laser wavelengths (905 nm on some models and 1550 nm on others ) and power levels are chosen to meet safety standards, so you can operate them without special laser safety measures. It’s still good practice to avoid staring directly into the sensor at close range and to follow all safety guidelines in the manual.

Yes, many Phoenix LiDAR systems have integrated camera options for simultaneous imagery capture. For instance, the miniRANGER-3 LITE and Ranger-UAV22 Flex can be equipped with an optional 61 MP RGB camera, allowing you to collect high-resolution photos along with LiDAR scans. This is useful for colorizing point clouds and generating photogrammetry outputs (like orthomosaics) in parallel with your LiDAR data.

Plan LiDAR missions at a moderate altitude and slower speed to ensure high point density and good coverage. Typically, flying around 50–100 m AGL and at 6–8 m/s is recommended for UAV LiDAR, with flight lines planned to overlap. You can use Phoenix’s FlightPlanner software to optimize the flight pattern (accounting for terrain and desired point density) and ensure consistent coverage of the survey area.

Using an RTK base station or network (for differential GPS corrections) is highly recommended to achieve the best accuracy. Phoenix LiDAR payloads include precision GNSS/INS hardware, but they rely on base corrections (RTK/PPK) to lock in centimeter-level accuracy . You can still operate without a base and post-process with PPK, but your absolute accuracy will be lower, so for survey-grade results, a local base station or virtual reference service is essential.

Phoenix systems are factory-calibrated, but a boresight calibration flight is typically performed after installation on your platform. This involves flying a specific pattern (e.g. overlapping lines at different headings and altitudes) and then using Phoenix’s SpatialPro or calibration software to adjust the alignment between the LiDAR, IMU, and camera. Regular calibration checks – especially after any hard landings, shipping, or re-installation – ensure the system continues to collect data with optimal accuracy.

Yes, you can incorporate terrain-following into your LiDAR flight plans. Phoenix’s FlightPlanner tool allows you to use digital elevation models to plan altitude-adjusted routes, so the UAV maintains a consistent height above ground even as terrain elevation changes. Some enterprise drones also have terrain-following or radar altimeter features, but pre-planning your mission with terrain data is the primary way to ensure uniform ground clearance for LiDAR surveys.

A: Phoenix provides an end-to-end software suite for LiDAR data. You’ll use FlightPlanner for mission planning and sensor configuration, SpatialExplorer (and SpatialPro) for in-field monitoring and system calibration (it can stream real-time point clouds and telemetry), and LiDARMill (Phoenix’s cloud or desktop post-processing platform) to georeference and process the raw data. The result is a precise point cloud which you can further analyze in Phoenix’s tools or export to third-party software as needed.

LiDAR surveys generate large data volumes – even a short flight can produce several gigabytes of point cloud data. Phoenix’s workflow helps manage this by using efficient storage (data is often logged to high-capacity SSDs) and by supporting compressed formats like LAZ to reduce file size. It’s good practice to plan for ample data storage, segment projects by area or flight, and use Phoenix’s LiDARMill or similar tools to handle heavy processing tasks, ensuring large datasets remain manageable.

Phoenix LiDAR systems include onboard data loggers that record all laser returns and navigation data during flight. The LiDAR data and IMU/GNSS observations are saved in real time to internal storage (such as a removable SSD or memory card on the payload). After the flight, you simply connect to the unit or remove the storage device to download the raw LiDAR and GPS data for post-processing on your computer.

Yes – Phoenix’s software allows for live point cloud visualization in the field. Using SpatialExplorer, you can stream a real-time 3D point cloud to a ground station laptop during the UAV flight (given a suitable telemetry link). This live preview helps with quality control and coverage checks on-site, though the full-resolution data is still recorded onboard for detailed processing after the flight.

Phoenix LiDAR systems are designed to be platform-agnostic and can be mounted on a variety of UAVs and other vehicles. For example, the Recon-XT is built for DJI Matrice 300/350 series drones (and has a variant for the Freefly Astro), the miniRANGER-3 LITE fits mid-size multirotor UAVs, and the Ranger-UAV22 Flex can even be used on heavy lift VTOL drones, manned aircraft, vehicles, or backpack kits. As long as your platform can support the payload (roughly 2–5 kg, depending on model) and provide the required power, there are mounting kits and integration options available to install the LiDAR system.

Yes – many Phoenix LiDAR systems are multi-mission capable. You can mount them on a drone for aerial surveys and also use them on a vehicle or even a backpack for mobile scanning on the ground. For instance, the Ranger-UAV22 Flex can be deployed on UAVs, attached to vehicles, or worn in a backpack configuration, allowing the same LiDAR unit to serve in different roles (airborne mapping, ground-based surveying, etc.) as needed.

Absolutely. Phoenix LiDAR payloads are not limited to DJI drones – they can be integrated with custom-built multirotors, other commercial UAVs, fixed-wing or VTOL aircraft, and even manned helicopters, provided the aircraft can carry the weight and supply power. Phoenix offers various mounting kits and has versions of systems for different platforms (e.g., a Recon-XT variant for Freefly Astro in addition to the DJI version), and enterprise integrators like Advexure can assist in fitting the LiDAR onto virtually any compatible aircraft or vehicle.

These LiDAR payloads are typically powered by the host platform’s onboard power supply or a dedicated battery. They accept a wide DC input range (around 12–28 V is typical) to accommodate various power systems, and their power draw depends on the model – smaller units consume on the order of 20–40 W, while the largest systems may draw up to ~75 W. Most professional drones (like the Matrice series) provide appropriate power outputs for payloads, but for custom setups you may use a regulated battery to meet the LiDAR’s requirements.

LiDAR and photogrammetry are complementary, but LiDAR offers unique advantages for certain tasks. LiDAR directly measures distances with lasers, giving you highly accurate 3D point clouds that can penetrate vegetation and capture true ground elevation, whereas photogrammetry relies on camera imagery and cannot easily see under tree canopy. LiDAR also doesn’t depend on sunlight or image texture and produces precise elevation models even in low-light or uniform terrain conditions, making it ideal for terrain mapping and infrastructure scans, while photogrammetry excels at producing detailed orthophotos and visual maps from high-resolution images.

Phoenix LiDAR systems are ideal for any project requiring accurate, detailed 3D mapping. Common use cases include topographic surveys for construction and civil engineering, forestry and environmental surveys (measuring forest structure and ground terrain), utility and corridor mapping (power line and pipeline inspections in 3D), mining and aggregate volume calculations, and urban mapping for planning or infrastructure digital twins. Essentially, any application that benefits from high-precision elevation data and dense point clouds – from flood modeling and coastline mapping to archaeology and disaster response – can leverage Phoenix LiDAR solutions effectively.

Lead times can vary, but expect a few weeks to a couple of months for delivery in most cases. These are specialized systems often built or configured to order, so production and calibration before shipment can take some time. When you request a quote, Advexure will provide a more precise lead time based on the specific model and current factory schedule.

Phoenix LiDAR Systems come with a standard manufacturer’s hardware warranty (often around one year) covering any defects. In addition, purchasers get access to Phoenix’s technical support for software and hardware assistance, and enterprise dealers like Advexure can help facilitate warranty service or repairs if needed. Extended support plans or calibration services may be available as well, ensuring your LiDAR unit continues to perform optimally over its lifespan.

These three models cover a range of capabilities and platforms. The Recon-XT is an entry-level ultralight LiDAR (~1.8 kg) designed for smaller drones (like the DJI M300/M350 or Freefly Astro) – it has a shorter maximum range of around 80 m on low-reflectivity targets  and is great for smaller survey areas or budget-conscious teams. The miniRANGER-3 LITE is a mid-tier system (~2.5 kg) for mid-size UAVs, offering a higher pulse rate and roughly a 170 m effective range at 20% reflectivity (up to ~290 m for more reflective surfaces), plus an optional 61 MP camera for simultaneous photogrammetry. The Ranger-UAV22 Flex is the high-end, most versatile system (~4.7 kg) – it provides the longest range (up to ~490 m on 20% targets) and class-leading ~10 mm precision, and it can be used across multiple platforms (UAV, VTOL, vehicle, backpack) for large-area and demanding missions.

Phoenix LiDAR Systems provides comprehensive resources to get you up to speed. When you purchase a system, you receive detailed user manuals and typically an onboarding session or training course covering setup, operation, and data processing. Phoenix also offers online support (a support portal, documentation, and direct technical support), and Advexure’s team of experts is available to provide additional training, answer questions, and ensure you’re confident in deploying the LiDAR in your operations.

These systems are relatively low-maintenance, but a bit of care goes a long way. In the field, you’ll want to keep the LiDAR optics (lenses/scanner window) clean and ensure connectors and mounting hardware stay secure. It’s wise to periodically run calibration checks or test flights (especially after long transports or any jarring events) to verify everything is aligned – if any issues arise, Phoenix can assist with recalibration or servicing to keep the unit performing like new.