Testing the Elios 3 Surveying Payload at ICL Boulby Mine
Discover how the new Surveying Payload improved speed, accuracy, and efficiency during field tests at the underground ICL Boulby mine.
Key Benefits of the Elios 3 Surveying Payload
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Enhanced Data Coverage The Elios 3’s new LiDAR payload offers extended range and higher precision. It can cover more ground in less time compared to the standard configuration, making it ideal for large-scale underground surveys. |
Faster Data Collection With the Surveying Payload, data is gathered more quickly, reducing flight times significantly. At ICL Boulby, a 340-meter tunnel was mapped in just 10 minutes using this advanced system. |
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Simplified Flight Planning The Rev 7 LiDAR allows for more straightforward flight paths due to its increased range and coverage. This led to a 50% reduction in surveying flight times at ICL Boulby. |
Improved Accuracy The new payload reduces LiDAR drift by up to five times compared to the previous version, resulting in more precise scans even in complex environments. |
When Flyability tested the new Surveying Payload for the Elios 3, they chose ICL Boulby—a site already using the original LiDAR configuration—for real-world comparison. The goal was to evaluate performance improvements in an existing environment.
Exploring ICL Boulby: The World's Only Polyhalite Mine
ICL Boulby is the only polyhalite mine globally, located north of Whitby in Northeast England. Originally opened in 1968 for potash mining, it now focuses on polyhalite, a natural fertilizer used in agriculture.
The mine extends over 1,200 meters deep and stretches as far as 12 kilometers beneath the North Sea. Its vast and complex layout includes old workings and active tunnels, all requiring accurate mapping for safety and compliance with UK regulations.
Simon Pollitt, Chief Surveyor at ICL Boulby, introduced the Elios 3 to help map these areas efficiently. Using the advance-and-retreat mining method, the drone enables safe and accurate inspections without putting personnel at risk.
As of 2023, the Elios 3 has been in regular use for nine months, supporting multiple surveying and volumetric projects across the mine.
Reducing Drone Flight Time by Half with the New Surveying Payload
A 340-meter tunnel once required four flights and 20 minutes of total flight time with the older LiDAR setup. Now, the same area is covered in a single flight lasting just 10 minutes. This not only saves time but also reduces battery usage and improves operational efficiency.
2x coverage with one flight: Comparison between the two LiDAR configurations shows a significant improvement in coverage with the new Surveying Payload.
The new payload features the Ouster LiDAR OS0-128 Rev 7, which offers better accuracy, range, and robustness. It generates denser point clouds faster, and with the integrated FARO Connect software, the data is automatically processed into clean, georeferenced results.
VIDEO: Fly-through of the data captured in one flight by the Elios 3 Surveying Payload
Thanks to the increased range and reduced need for multiple scans, post-processing time was cut in half. Simon Pollitt completed one full scan that previously required four flights, saving both time and resources.
Smarter flight paths for better results: The image compares the flight path of the old payload (left) with the new Surveying Payload (right), showing a much simpler route with the same quality of data.
Improving Z-Axis Accuracy for More Reliable Surveys
LiDAR drift, especially in the vertical Z-axis, is a common challenge in surveying. With the new Surveying Payload, Simon noticed a dramatic reduction in drift—up to five times less than before. This level of precision matches that of terrestrial laser scanners, making it ideal for high-accuracy applications like water drainage planning.
5x more accurate in the Z-axis: The red scan shows more drift compared to the black scan from the new Rev7 LiDAR, demonstrating a major improvement in vertical accuracy.
Expanding Use Cases with the New Surveying Payload
Currently, ICL Boulby uses the Elios 3 for mapping mine workings and measuring stockpile volumes. However, the limitations of previous drone systems made it difficult to reach certain areas. With the new Surveying Payload, they expect to expand their capabilities further, including scanning deeper indoor stockpiles and working areas.
"The Elios 3 Surveying Payload is a game-changer for our operations. Faster data collection and higher accuracy alone make it worth upgrading. We're excited about the new possibilities it brings," - Simon Pollitt, Chief Surveyor at ICL Boulby
The increased accuracy and efficiency mean fewer flights are needed, allowing surveyors to cover more sites in less time. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances safety and cost-effectiveness across the mine.
For those interested in exploring how the Elios 3 Surveying Payload could benefit your operations, contact us today. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process and help you achieve more precise, efficient, and safe surveying outcomes.
The most accurate and efficient surveys are now possible with the Elios 3 Surveying Payload.
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