VECOW AND KUDAN RELEASE JOINT PRODUCT FOR MOBILE MAPPING

Vecow and Kudan, a leading provider of real-time simultaneous localization of mapping (SLAM) software, announced the initial target milestone in their partnership. The companies have introduced a new generation of mobile mapping dev kit that harnesses the core technologies of both entities.

The spotlight on SLAM-based 3D mobile mapping has surged in recent years, with its ability to capture 3D data automatically while the mobile platform (such as humans, vehicles, robots, or drones) traverses through the scene. This innovative technology finds applications across Smart Cities and Urban Planning, ICT-based Construction, Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance, Stockpile Management in Mining and Quarrying, and Emergency Response and Disaster Management.

Different from TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning)-based 3D mapping, which utilizes stationary laser scanners and is time-consuming for capturing precise data of static scenes, SLAM-based 3D mobile mapping has gained market attraction due to its real-time mapping of vast areas. However, SLAM-based 3D mobile mapping has been in general not as precise as TLS-based approach due to the inherent noise and uncertainties in mobile sensor data. This is why an industrial-grade SLAM algorithm like Kudan SLAM, which is capable of multiple sensor fusion, becomes crucial to get closer to the precision of the TLS-based approach while still maintaining the benefits of fast mapping for large areas.

In the realm of multiple sensor fusion, time synchronization assumes a pivotal role, playing a key part in aligning all sensor data accurately in the temporal domain. This critical process enables the precise association of sensor measurements with corresponding landmarks or features in the environment, effectively reducing errors during data processing. Additionally, time synchronization significantly contributes to achieving invaluable motion estimation and loop closure(*) detection, resulting in a marked enhancement in the accuracy, reliability, and overall quality of SLAM-based mapping outcomes.

*Loop closure: refers to the process of detecting and correcting the accumulated errors in the estimated trajectory and map when revisiting a previously visited location.

The jointly developed mapping solution is a back-pack/handheld type of 3D mapping device, which leverages Kudan's exclusive 3D-Lidar SLAM (KdLidar) with multi-sensor fusion technology, together with Vecow's rugged VCM-1000F controller for precise time synchronization and efficient computing.

The mapping dev kit possesses the ability to efficiently and robustly generate precise 3D point clouds in various environments, including GNSS-denied areas. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, such as forest survey, facade survey, infrastructure maintenance, underground survey, industrial digital twin, facility asset management, volume measurement, and ICT construction.




The mapping dev kit, in conjunction with KudanStudio software, offers a user-friendly interface and streamlined workflows, making it accessible to users of all levels. This intuitive design allows anyone to conduct proper data collection and swiftly generate highly accurate 3D point clouds with precision as fine as 1cm, without the need for specialized skills. Moreover, the system supports detailed parameter settings in data post-processing, facilitating the creation of optimal 3D point clouds with varying densities and sizes for specific use cases, while preserving the original raw data for reusability. Additionally, the inclusion of the map handling function automates the seamless merging of multiple point cloud data, ensuring efficient point cloud maintenance and data utilization across wide areas.

To learn more about the Vecow VCM-1000 series, please see here.