In today’s ever-advancing world, LiDAR sensors have become more affordable, lightweight, accurate, and versatile. This evolution has opened up opportunities for companies worldwide to delve into the data capture business using this cutting-edge technology, whether from aerial vehicles (manned or unmanned), cars, backpacks, or even handheld devices.
The market has witnessed a shift from a few major specialized companies to the emergence of hundreds of new players. However, the ease of investing in data capture hardware doesn’t always guarantee the transformation of that data into valuable products.
Many experienced LiDAR data capture companies maintain their in-house processing departments. Nevertheless, this aspect poses a significant challenge due to the costly and complex maintenance, exacerbated by seasonal peaks and troughs in workload throughout the year. Even during the busiest periods, internal capacity to handle the workload becomes insufficient, owing to the demanding delivery deadlines set by clients.
These factors have led such companies to lean towards reducing fixed costs in this segment, increasingly outsourcing the service to hyper-specialized companies like DIELMO 3D.
However, despite the professionalism with which many new players approach data capture, they often underestimate the intricacies of data processing, assuming that a fully automated product will suffice to deliver competitive results. They soon collide with a harsh reality: clients demand products with high precision, which they struggle to achieve.
The crux of the problem lies in the fact that these solutions often function well with sample data in familiar areas. However, when applied to real-world projects spanning hundreds or thousands of kilometers, unexpected issues arise that must be resolved quickly.
Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that high-level topography always requires experts who can add value to the raw data. The key lies in achieving “reliable automation,” combining the use of Artificial Intelligence with the development of custom algorithms for each project, parallel computing, supercomputing, and a team of top-notch experts from diverse disciplines. This includes software development to promptly fine-tune algorithms in case of errors or changing requirements, as well as LiDAR data processing experts to utilize these algorithms and perform numerous quality checks to ensure reliable results.
For all these reasons, a fully automated product is currently unattainable for 99% of applications. Moreover, subcontracting LiDAR data processing to unreliable companies is a constant source of problems.
In this regard, the key to securing recurring clients lies in partnering with companies like DIELMO 3D, which not only boast extensive demonstrable expertise but also enable flight companies to add value to their data with guaranteed quality and competitive pricing aligned with the current market trends.