Toronto, Canada, March 21, 2012 — Optech, the world leader in the development, manufacture and support of advanced lidar and camera survey instruments, is pleased to announce the release of the new flight management system, Optech FMS, for its innovative line of ALTM airborne laser terrain mappers and digital mapping cameras. 

Based on a real-time point cloud generator, Optech FMS is a huge leap forward in data collection efficiency and in-air confidence. By computing real-time XYZI geocoded points, Optech FMS can determine true coverage in the air irrespective of terrain conditions—without the time-consuming stage of on-the-ground post-processing. Optech FMS has the unique ability to store real-time point clouds as LAS files, giving users the option to deliver high-resolution topographic data immediately upon landing. Increased real-time positioning accuracy is made possible by using the ALTM’s OmniSTAR™ equipped GPS receiver, which offers real-time differential correction, a standard feature in the ALTM product line.

“The time and efficiency associated with mission planning, data collection, data post-processing and information extraction is critical for maximizing sensor productivity,” says Michael Sitar, Optech's Airborne Products Manager. “With Optech FMS, we are able to eliminate many of the traditional post-flight data verification processes and move them into the air at the time of data collection. Our clients will be able to make real-time decisions quickly and competently while still airborne, with the option to deliver on demand high-accuracy, full-resolution LAS point clouds for emergency and rapid response applications. This capability alone will yield huge benefits for our users and their clients alike.”

Other standard features include independent flightline parameter and sensor control; simultaneous DEM-based mission planning of lidar sensor configurations that can include up to four metric mapping cameras; on-the-fly mission planning via a real-time fixed-endlap camera trigger mode; independent camera trigger modes including fixed time, fixed distance and fixed geographic position; and mission planning that supports both nadir and oblique camera orientations.

About Optech

Optech is the world leader in the development, manufacture and support of advanced lidar and camera survey instruments. With operations and staff worldwide, Optech offers both standalone and fully integrated lidar and camera solutions in airborne terrestrial mapping, airborne laser bathymetry, mobile mapping, terrestrial laser scanning, mine cavity monitoring, and industrial process control, as well as space-proven sensors.

For further information, please contact:

Wayne Szameitat
International Sales Manager
Optech Incorporated
300 Interchange Way
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L4K 5Z8
+1 905 660 0808
inquiries@optech.com