The RIEGL^® VQ-840-GE is a fully integrated compact airborne laser scanner for combined topographic and bathymetric surveying. Its compact and very lightweight design facilitates integration into UAVs. The system can be offered optionally with an integrated and factory-calibrated INS/GNSS system and an optional camera.

The scanner carries out laser range measurements for surveying of underwater topography with a narrow, visible green laser beam, emitted from a pulsed laser source. Subject to clarity, at this particular wavelength the laser beam penetrates water enabling measurement of submerged targets.

The distance measurement is based on the time-of-flight measurement with very short laser pulses and subsequent echo digitization and online waveform processing. The laser beam is deflected in an elliptic scan pattern and hits the water surface at an incidence angle with low variation.

The VQ-840-GE can be complemented with an inertial navigation sensor for subsequent estimation of the instrument’s location and orientation. As further option a high-resolution digital camera can be integrated to supplement the data gained by the laser scanner.

The rugged internal mechanical structure together with the dustand splash water proof housing enables long-term operation on airborne platforms, especially UAVs.