Using the ULTRIS X20 Plus onboard a DJI M300 RTK
The use of drones and hyperspectral products to derive relevant area-wide information in agriculture and forestry has continued to grow in importance. Technological developments have enabled processes to be optimized and automated, achieving greater efficiency and productivity. An important aspect of this context is the use of drone flights and aerial photography.
Drones combined with hyperspectral camera systems make it possible to acquire high-resolution spectral information on agricultural land, forests, ecosystems, and more. The products derived from hyperspectral flight data enable the analysis of the current condition of the land and the observation of changes over time.
The ULTRIS X20 Plus is the dual-sensor version of our X20, designed for aerial mapping from a UAV. A second camera captures panchromatic images in parallel with the spectral camera, providing a resolution of 1886 x 1886 pixels, resulting in incredibly detailed images. The additional data allows us to use pansharpening to further enhance the images and increase the spatial resolution of the spectral data.
Cubert offers a simple plug-and-play hyperspectral camera system in combination with a gimbal for installation and use on the state-of-the-art UAV model DJI M300 RTK. The gimbal is specifically designed for the ULTRIS X20P hyperspectral camera, providing stabilization during recording, regardless of the drone’s movement or tilt. The gimbal ensures smooth connection via DJI Skyport, allowing for straightforward installation and handling. By including a mini PC, it is possible to acquire image and GPS data captured by the M300. The gimbal is equipped with CUVIS software, which can be accessed through the DJI controller to facilitate camera control and setting adjustments. By activating the camera via the drone, precise data acquisition is ensured, enabling informed decision-making.
Introducing the UXG Gimbal
The new UXG Gimbal is the link between the ULTRIS X20P and the DJI M300 RTK. The gimbal is connected via DJI Skyport and has an integrated mini computer that runs the camera. Through DJI Skyport, GPS data is gathered from the drone and written to each individual image file (data cube).
Feasibility Study in Germany – Flight Data Acquisition and Hyperspectral Map Products with X20P
A feasibility study was conducted to investigate the use of the X20P hyperspectral camera system in conjunction with the UXG gimbal on a DJI M300 RTK. The aerial survey took place near the Cubert site in Ulm, Germany, over an early-season agricultural area. Weather conditions were stable (cloud-free and slightly windy), making them ideal for aerial flight tests.
The combination of the hyperspectral camera, gimbal, and DJI M300 drone is characterized by its simple plug-and-play system. It allows for quick and uncomplicated setup, commissioning, and handling of the complete system. The software-based planning of the flight route is carried out using DJI software (DJI Pilot 2), enabling automated acquisition of measurement data during the flight. During the flight, hyperspectral measurement data is acquired with GPS coordinates and a defined overlap of flight strips in the direction of flight.
cONCLUSION
Hyperspectral flight data acquired in this manner can be stitched into an orthomosaic. The individual images are processed using geoinformation system software (e.g., AgiSoft Metashape). Using the coordinates and the common pixels found between the images, distortions are eliminated, and a final mosaicked image file (orthomosaic) is created. The hyperspectral image data are supplemented with elevation and position information and combined into a hyperspectral orthophoto, which, due to its information content, allows for the generation of a wide variety of positionally accurate products.
About the Author
Dr. Viktoriya Tsyganskaya is the Head of Project Management at Cubert GmbH and has been leading research and customer projects since 2018. She earned her PhD in Remote Sensing from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, specializing in radar remote sensing and environmental monitoring. Viktoriya has extensive experience from her scientific work, including the project “Dikes under Pressure,” and expertise in sustainable environmental solutions. Her deep knowledge in remote sensing makes her a key contact for innovative hyperspectral technologies at Cubert.
