SkyHub software package for True Terrain Following
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The SkyHub True Terrain Following package lets a drone follow terrain with high precision at low altitude using a radar or laser altimeter. It is for GPR, magnetometer and survey teams, and HobiTech supplies it in India.
Technical
| Requires | SkyHub, compatible altimeter, UgCS |
| Supported platforms | DJI M400/M350/M300 RTK; Pixhawk (ArduCopter) |
What is True Terrain Following used for?
Some survey sensors must stay close to the ground at a constant height. True Terrain Following (TTF) does not rely only on a terrain model. It reads a real altimeter in flight, and SkyHub adjusts the drone's height so the sensor keeps a steady distance to the surface.
SPH Engineering states that SkyHub terrain following works as low as 0.5 m. It is used for ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, and EMI tools, where SPH Engineering stresses a constant distance between the sensor and the surface.
Which altimeters does it support?
| Altimeter | Type | Range (SkyHub user manual) |
|---|---|---|
| Ainstein US-D1 | Radar | 0.5 m minimum, 50 m maximum |
| Nanoradar NRA24 | Radar | Up to 50 m |
| LightWare SF30/D | Laser | Up to 200 m |
SPH Engineering notes two limits. For the 24 GHz radar altimeters, it is the customer's responsibility to check whether a 24 GHz altimeter may be used in their country. The laser altimeter can be used anywhere, but is less reliable in some conditions and over reflective surfaces such as water, ice, snow and sand under bright sun. Source: SPH Engineering's SkyHub True Terrain Following page.
Which drones does it work with?
- DJI M400, M350 RTK and M300 RTK.
- Pixhawk-compatible autopilots, such as Cube, running ArduCopter firmware.
For DJI drones, SkyHub ships with M300/M350 RTK mountings and cables by default. For the M400, use the SkyHub 3 smart cable assembly for DJI M400, and the SkyHub 3 cable for DJI M300/M350 RTK is also sold separately.
What do you need to run it?
SPH Engineering lists three requirements:
- SkyHub on-board computer hardware.
- A compatible altimeter, radar or laser.
- UgCS ground control software, such as UgCS EXPERT. The SkyHub user manual lists UgCS 5.3.0 or higher and UgCS Custom Payload Monitor 4.1.0.
For new customers, SPH recommends a combination of software, hardware and training. A protective box for SkyHub and the TTF kit is available for transport. Read more on SPH's official SkyHub page.
Why buy SkyHub True Terrain Following from HobiTech?
HobiTech is an authorised SPH Engineering partner based in Bengaluru, India. Every order comes with a GST invoice, and our local team supports the sensor, the drone and the software together. SPH's UgCS training courses, including True Terrain Following, are also available through HobiTech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SkyHub True Terrain Following?
A SkyHub software package that uses an altimeter to follow terrain with very high precision at low altitude, keeping the sensor at a steady height above the ground.
How low can the drone fly with TTF?
SPH Engineering states as low as 0.5 m. The Ainstein US-D1 radar altimeter reports a minimum of 0.5 m.
Should I choose a radar or a laser altimeter?
Radar uses 24 GHz, so check local rules first. Laser can be used anywhere but is less reliable over water, ice, snow and bright sand.
Is TTF the same as Smart AGL in UgCS?
No. Smart AGL plans waypoint heights from terrain data in UgCS. TTF uses a live altimeter reading on the drone through SkyHub.
Which drones support SkyHub TTF?
The DJI M400, M350 RTK and M300 RTK, and Pixhawk-compatible autopilots such as Cube with ArduCopter.
How do I buy SkyHub True Terrain Following in India?
Use Request a quote on this page, or call HobiTech on +91 70225 26509. We confirm the price and configuration, and every order comes with a GST invoice.