MX-1: A New Multi-Modal Remote Sensing UAS Payload with High Accuracy GPS and IMU

Unmanned aerial vehicles, sometimes called UAVs or drones, have captured the imagination of a new generation of developers that see these systems as disruptive technologies that can completely transform entire markets. Due to their low cost, ease of use, and and ability to carry sensors with unprecedented spectral, spatial, and temporal resolutions, remote sensing is one such market that is being transformed by these revolutionary new devices. As sensors become smaller and UAV payload capacities increase, the researcher has the ability to create various sensing payload combinations. This is very fortuitous since many research projects require the simultaneous collection of multiple sensing modalities. By collecting all modalities simultaneously and in a single flight, one can collect data under the same weather conditions and illumination levels, thus increasing the veracity of the data. The multi-modal payload approach also eliminates the need to change gimbals in the field and reduces wear and tear on the equipment due to multiple payload changes. This article outlines the development of the MX-1 UAV-capable payload which was a joint development between the Rochester Institute of Technology Center for Imaging Science and Headwall Photonics. MX-1 is a revolutionary new multi-modal remote sensing UAV payload that allows for simultaneous collection of four different imaging modalities namely RGB, LWIR, LiDAR and hyperspectral.