As a pioneer in the use of simultaneous, multiple sensor data collection, Merrick has the resources and capabilities to provide greater accuracy in data collection. To accomplish this, Merrick integrates up to five highly accurate data collection systems, with all sensors loaded on to one mobile platform. The mobile platform may be either airborne or surface vehicle mounted. Utilizing a multi-sensor data collection platform provides many benefits including:

Cost-Effectiveness
The system decreases project costs by utilizing a “single pass” philosophy”. It is far more cost-effective to fly one single mission than three or more separate missions.

Improved Accuracy
The system improves positional accuracy of the individual data products because the data is co-registered to a single, highly accurate inertial system.

Data Synergy
The resulting data fusion of these sensors can significantly improve the data exploitation and analysis capabilities of the user.

The component sensor systems that can be co-mounted include:

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanner

• Provides elevation information for 3D visualization, exploitation & analysis.

Digital Airborne Camera System (DACS)

• Supplies high-resolution imagery for orthophotography production and visual analysis.

VNIR/SWIR hyperspectral imagers

• Provides full spectrum data for land use/land cover classification, material composition analysis and soil/bedrock analysis.

Thermal sensor

• Determines object temperature data for facility & situational analysis.

Merrick’s multi-sensor system is supported by a global positioning system (GPS) and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to provide real-world coordinates for positional accuracy and orientation during the data collection. The outcome of multi-sensor data fusion to the firm’s clients is a more accurate product that allows for precise measurement and interpretation by the client.

Project Examples:
Missouri River Habitat Modeling, Hyperspectral, LiDAR, and True Color Imagery; Omaha, NE.pdf