By
Canadian Excellence at the Service of Mining Sites and Infrastructure
Canadian Excellence at the Service of Mining Sites and Infrastructure: ARA405 and Balko LiDAR Connectiv M2X
25-12-19
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Solution(s)
Client(s) or partner(s)
Country
Canada
Main Characteristics of the Balko Connectiv M2X LiDAR
Application Type: Aerial LiDAR surveying & mapping
Platform: ARA Robotics ARA405
Operation: Day & Night capable (with appropriate sensors)
Environmental: Designed for field use in varied conditions
Field of View (FOV): Up to 360° across-track scanning (model dependent)
Setup Time: Quick swap modular attachments to tailor sensor payload.
Challenge
Today, many mining sites still make critical decisions based on incomplete 3D models. High-quality lidar data is a critical factor for industries such as mining, construction, and infrastructure management, where precision and reliability directly impact project efficiency and decision-making. To address these challenges, ARA Robotics has integrated Balko's modular geospatial data sensor, Connectiv, into the ARA405 drone platform, an end-to-end system engineered for the harsh and complex conditions of mining environments.
This comparison between the Connectiv M2X LiDAR configuration and DJI L2 lidar systems highlights key differences in the data quality. By providing more precise horizontal and vertical measurements, uniform point coverage with consistent intensity and alignments between swaths, the M2X enables faster, more reliable mapping, reduces post-processing effort, and supports advanced workflows such as structural inspections, and automated feature extraction, delivering tangible advantages to operators and project managers alike.
Solution
By pairing high-density lidar acquisition with robust airborne autonomy, the ARA405 equipped with the Connectiv system reduces occlusions, increases point density, and minimizes data dropout. This integration delivers more complete and reliable 3D pointclouds, providing mining and industrial operators with the accurate spatial information required for confident, data-driven decision-making.
Result
With the M2X LiDAR configured on the Connectiv system integrated into the ARA405, each survey benefits from higher point density and reduced occlusion from the very first mission. Critical geometries are captured with greater fidelity, enabling volumetric computations and spatial analyses to be derived from complete, high-quality data. The Connectiv system with the M2X LiDAR module further elevates data quality by delivering precise horizontal and vertical measurements, uniform point coverage with consistent intensity, and clean alignment between swaths. These capabilities support faster, more reliable mapping workflows, significantly cut post-processing time, and enable advanced applications such as structural inspections and automated feature extraction, providing clear, practical advantages for operators and project managers.
Qualia now benefit from a system that not only simplifies multi-vehicle routing but also offers an unprecedented 4D airspace perspective. The precision and real-time tracking capability have elevated their RPAS functions, making them more secure and efficient than ever.
Guillaume Charland-Arcand | CTO & Co-Fondateur
Julien Savidge
Véronique is the Communications and Marketing Advisor at ARA Robotics. Having graduated from the University of UQAM with a degree in graphic design, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's visual narrative and ensuring effective communication strategies.
Véronique Lapierre — Author
Julien Savidge
Qualia now benefit from a system that not only simplifies multi-vehicle routing but also offers an unprecedented 4D airspace perspective. The precision and real-time tracking capability have elevated their RPAS functions, making them more secure and efficient than ever.
Guillaume Charland-Arcand
CTO & Co-Fondateur
Balko Connectiv M2X LiDAR
“At Balko, our Canadian solution combines geospatial data sensors and software in a single ecosystem. The result: unified data, streamlined post-production, and performance designed for operational realities.”
— Maude Pelletier, President, Balko