We are hoping to use a drone to look at the size of fish shoals when they come to the surface of the ocean. We are looking to either buy or build a unit (one of us is an electrician) which would tell us:
The accurate distance of the drone above the sea surface, at regular intervals during a flight
The accurate GPS location of the drone, at regular intervals during a flight
The tilt of the drone, at regular intervals during the flight
If we need to build our own, a switchboard with space to insert a microSD card
We are looking at LIDAR/rangefinders (for drone distance from ocean surface), but cannot work out whether any of these have integrated GPS and/or tilt sensing functions.
We have a DJI Phanton 4 Advanced +, and can add a maximum of 800g to this. We were wondering whether the LeddarTech Vu 8 Channel LiDAR Module has both GPS and altimetry functions, or if it’s just a rangefinder? Can’t make it out from the website listing.
Alternatively, are there any altimetry/rangefinders (which would work from ocean surface), GPS, and possibly tilt sensor equipment which would work well together? They do not have to integrate together to have the data in one place, but in terms of size/weight, being able to attach to the same battery, etc.
In addition, we presume we would need to attach an external battery to the drone to plug in the LiDAR, GPS, and possibly tilt sensor. Are any recommended?
Finally, if we build our own, are there any recommendations for switchboards which are able to include a space for a microSD card?
Ideally we would like to spend a maximum of ÂŁ500-700 in total - is this a feasible amount or completely unrealistic for what we are looking for?
Hello @APip and welcome to the RobotShop community,
We are hoping to use a drone to look at the size of fish shoals when they come to the surface of the ocean.
That sounds like an interesting project!
We are looking at LIDAR/rangefinders (for drone distance from ocean surface), but cannot work out whether any of these have integrated GPS and/or tilt sensing functions… Alternatively, are there any altimetry/rangefinders (which would work from ocean surface), GPS, and possibly tilt sensor equipment which would work well together?
I’m not aware of many LIDARs that include GPS. I suggest searching for Flight Controllers since these boards include GPS, IMU (Inertial Measurement Units), Barometers and often allow to add sensors like LIDARs, Altimeters, etc. If you are not familiar with these concepts I suggest checking these tutorials:
We were wondering whether the LeddarTech Vu 8 Channel LiDAR Module has both GPS and altimetry functions, or if it’s just a rangefinder?
It is just a rangefinder. A good option would be using a Flight Controller and add the Rangefinder, for example:
In addition, we presume we would need to attach an external battery to the drone to plug in the LiDAR, GPS, and possibly tilt sensor. Are any recommended?
It depends on what you choose but this might help:
