Keystone uses proven commercial sensors to satisfy our client's data collection needs. Our in-house electronics and fabrication shop enables us to install different types of sensors and supporting equipment into our various aircraft. From creating mounts and brackets to managing custom wiring and electrical power requirements, Keystone has the tools and personnel to create an efficient and functional airborne platform for any mission specification.
Digital Imaging Sensors
Keystone operates three calibrated Microsoft UltraCamX large-format digital mapping cameras.
The UltraCamX is a multispectral imaging sensor capable of capturing panchromatic, red, green, blue, and near infrared data simultaneously. The large image size (14,430x9,420 pixels) combined with small pixel size (7.2micron) and high geometric accuracy (+/-2micron) makes the UltraCam ideally suited for efficient collection of high-resolution imagery for mapping applications. For more sensor information, see the UltraCam specifications.
In addition to the digital sensor, all Keystone operated UltraCam system installations are comprised of:
- PAV30, Gyro-stabilized camera mount
- Applanix POS-AV with Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
- IMU driven Auto-Drift System for accurate camera orientation
- Keystone-designed flight computer system with dual hard drive redundancies and scalable hardware options for specialized modifications
LiDAR Sensor
Keystone operates the Optech Gemini LiDAR System, a high-altitude, wide area mapping sensor.
The Optech Gemini excels at both high and low altitude scanning. It provides Keystone the ability to operate in both large scale block jobs as well as small corridors. With the additions of both multipulse technology and the ability to collect high density areas, Keystone is able to tailor jobs to any client specifications. For more information on the Gemini Sensor, see the Optech Brochure
Gemini Specifications:
- Operational Altitude: 150-4000m AGL
- Vertical Accuracy: <5-30cm
- Range Capture: 4 returns (1st, 2nd, 3rd and last)
- Intensity Capture: 12-bit dynamic range
Film Cameras
Keystone operates eight Leica RC30 Aerial Camera Systems with Forward Motion Compensation comprised of:
- Forward looking NSF3-EM Viewfinder and Navigation Sight
- PW30 Drive unit incorporating FMC, External Data Interface (EDI), and PEM-F automatic exposure control
- Pair of PKA4 film cassettes
- PAV30, Gyro-stabilized camera mount
- 15/4 UAG-S Lens Cone, f = 153 mm (6in) with 8 fiducial marks, standard 420nm Clear filter and 525nm Dark yellow haze filter
In addition to RC30 camera systems, Keystone operates two Leica RC20 camera systems, two Leica RC10 camera systems, and one Zeiss RMK A 21/23 camera system. One RC10 operates with an 8.25-inch lens cone as does the Zeiss RMK A. Keystone also operates one 12 inch lens cone which can be used with an RC30 camera system when required.
Airborne Magnetometer
Keystone's sister company, Airmag Services Inc., operates the latest Geometrics G-823 Cesium Vapor magnetometers in their three airborne systems. This sensor has a resolution of .02nt at .1 second sample rate. Survey aircraft that are configured for airborne magnetometer data collection are equipped with a Novatel DL-4plus dual frequency WAAS enabled GPS receiver coupled to the flight management system for meter-level real-time navigation and microsecond data acquisition system timing. A synchronous video capture device is installed to provide visual ground reference for every segment of the survey flight. To ensure the survey platform is magnetically clean, special techniques and modifications are utilized to minimize or cancel the magnetic field created by the aircraft and installed components.