Land Scanner System Embedded in Drone for Land Surveying
grantedA drone-based land scanning system for accurate measurement of both regular and irregular land plots using automated pointer detection and pixel-based distance calculation.
Patent Number
#507807
Filed Date
December 8, 2020
Granted Date
February 6, 2024
Inventors
Anurag Tripathi
Overview
This invention introduces an innovative drone-based land surveying system capable of accurately measuring both regular and irregular land plots. By combining aerial imaging with intelligent boundary detection, the system revolutionizes traditional land surveying methods.
The Problem It Solves
Traditional land surveying faces several challenges:
- Irregular plots: Measuring oddly-shaped land parcels is time-consuming and error-prone
- Manual labor: Conventional methods require significant human effort and equipment
- Accessibility: Some terrains are difficult or dangerous for surveyors to access
- Time constraints: Large plots can take days to measure accurately
How It Works
The Land Scanner Drone System operates through a sophisticated multi-step process:
Pointer Detection
The drone first identifies and detects boundary pointers (markers) placed at the corners and key points of the land parcel. This automated detection eliminates the need for manual identification.
Aerial Image Capture
Once pointers are detected, the drone captures a complete aerial image of the entire land area, ensuring all boundaries and features are documented from above.
Pixel Coordinate Analysis
The system analyzes the captured image to determine the pixel coordinates of each boundary pointer. This creates a precise digital map of the land’s perimeter.
Distance Calculation
Using advanced algorithms, the system calculates the actual distance between each pair of pointers by converting pixel measurements to real-world units, accounting for altitude and camera specifications.
Area Computation
Finally, the system computes the total area of the plot, whether regular or irregular, by applying geometric calculations based on the measured distances and boundary points.
Key Benefits
- High Accuracy: Precise measurements regardless of plot shape or size
- Time Efficiency: Complete surveys in minutes instead of hours or days
- Cost Effective: Reduces labor and equipment costs significantly
- Safe Operation: No need for surveyors to traverse difficult terrain
- Comprehensive Documentation: Provides aerial imagery alongside measurements
- Versatile Application: Works for residential plots, agricultural land, and large estates
Applications
- Real Estate: Accurate property boundary measurements for transactions
- Agriculture: Measuring farmland and agricultural plots
- Urban Planning: Surveying land for development projects
- Legal Disputes: Providing precise measurements for boundary disputes
- Estate Management: Managing and documenting large land holdings
Technical Impact
This patent addresses a fundamental challenge in land surveying by leveraging drone technology and computer vision. The system enables accurate measurement of any land shape, making professional-grade surveying accessible and efficient.