Digital World Mapping selects Small PC rugged vehicle computer for helicopter mapping system
CLEARWATER, Fla., 16 April 2013. Digital World Mapping Inc. in Reno, Nev., has selected Small PC's vehicle computer model SC240ML for use in its helicopter-based LiDAR mapping and imaging system.
Digital World Mapping’s LiDAR acquisition systems and software are developed in-house. The computer from Small PC serves as the mapping system’s host with data connections to the global positioning system (GPS), inertial navigation system (INS), and scanning laser through Ethernet ports.
The SC240ML computer is mounted in the cockpit of the helicopter behind the pilot’s seat. A high-precision GPS antenna is mounted on the tail of the helicopter with the scanning laser and IMU mounted under the aircraft. The SC240ML computer connects to a sunlight-readable display for the operator interface and control functions.
The SC240ML Vehicle Computer is sealed and operates with no moving parts using a unique passive cooling system. The computer system includes ruggedized solid-state drives (SSD). The SSDs are removable, allowing convenient transfer and management of the mapping data as well as simplified system maintenance and upgrades.
The SC240ML is well suited for vehicle computer applications that require reliability under the extremes of high shock and vibration.
The configuration of the SC240ML for Digital World Mapping’s helicopter mapping system used an Intel i5 2.5GHZ CPU, dual hot swap drive shuttles, with optional upgrades of one RS422 Serial port and three RS232 Serial ports.
The SC240ML computer is available in standard off-the-shelf configurations with Intel’s Atom and i-series processors, including the high-performance 3rd Generation Core i7 processor. Configuration options include Flash Drives to 512G, memory to 16G, and Linux or Windows operating systems installed and tested.
Since its inception in 2004 DigitalWorld Mapping Inc. has provided LiDAR mapping and imaging services across the Americas. DigitalWorld’s LiDAR acquisition systems and software are developed in-house.
Follow Avionics Intelligence news updates on Twitter (@Avionics_Intel), LinkedIn, and Google+.
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
