SkyHub Software Packages

SkyHub is SPH Engineering's onboard computer, and these are the packages that tell it what to do. Each one adds support for a specific payload — ground penetrating radar, echo sounder, methane detector or metal detector — handling the triggering, the position tagging and the logging while the aircraft is flying. True Terrain Following is the exception: it uses a radar altimeter to hold the aircraft at a set height above the ground rather than a set altitude, which is what makes a usable survey possible over uneven terrain.

How to choose SkyHub software

• Core licence: since SkyHub firmware v4.1.0, SkyHub functions need a licence. The SkyHub core software package covers the DJI M400, M350 RTK and M300 RTK and Cube/Pixhawk drones.
• Payload packages: GPR, echo sounder, MBES, side-scan sonar, SENSYS MagDrone, MagNIMBUS, methane detector, methane sniffer and metal detector. A universal driver is offered with gamma-ray spectrometer systems.
• Flight: True Terrain Following flies as low as 0.5 m AGL using a radar or laser altimeter, without a DEM, on the DJI M350 RTK, M300 RTK, M600/M600 Pro and M210/M210 V2. Obstacle avoidance and smart navigation adds a safety action when an obstacle comes too close.
• Support: 1-year support packages keep SPH Engineering support and updates after the first year.

Need the computer itself? See SkyHub hardware.

Frequently asked questions

Which packages does a typical system need?

The core licence, the package for your payload and, for low-altitude sensors such as GPR and magnetometers, True Terrain Following.

Does True Terrain Following work on the DJI M400?

The package lists the DJI M350 RTK, M300 RTK, M600/M600 Pro and M210/M210 V2. Ask us about M400 support for your configuration.

Which altimeters are supported?

The Nanoradar NRA24 and Ainstein US-D1 radar altimeters and the LightWare SF30/D laser altimeter.

What do the packages cost?

They are priced on request, usually with the payload system. We send a quote with a GST invoice.

Is training available?

Yes. SPH Engineering's UgCS Area Scan and True Terrain Following course, priced on request; see UgCS training.