Key Takeaways
- R-evolution, a Hexagon subsidiary, has launched airborne mapping missions using LiDAR technology and airborne imagery as part of the Hexagon Green Cubes initiative.
- The Green Cubes system combines satellite and airborne LiDAR and imagery, terrestrial LiDAR, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar to provide a 3D view of environmental conditions.
- The system will collect data over 20 square kilometers to create a digital twin of habitats around mining assets, protected areas, and surrounding land.
- The resulting models will help mining companies monitor biodiversity, assess rehabilitation work, and manage environmental programs.
Introduction to Green Cubes
The Green Cubes initiative is a digital twin system designed for environmental monitoring in the extractive industry. This system integrates various data collection methods, including satellite and airborne LiDAR and imagery, terrestrial LiDAR, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar. By combining these technologies, Green Cubes provides a comprehensive 3D view of environmental conditions, enabling extractive industry operators to make informed decisions.
Airborne Mapping Missions
R-evolution has commenced airborne mapping missions using Leica Geosystems' airborne system, which will collect imagery and LiDAR data over an area of more than 20 square kilometers. The primary objective of these missions is to create a digital twin of habitats surrounding mining assets, protected areas, and adjacent land. The system generates point clouds with a density of over 40 points per square meter, allowing for detailed 3D modeling of forest structures.
Comparison of Green Cubes with Other Environmental Monitoring Systems
| System | Data Collection Methods | Resolution | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Cubes | Satellite and airborne LiDAR and imagery, terrestrial LiDAR, camera traps, acoustic sensors, ground-penetrating radar | 10-centimeter resolution | 20 square kilometers |
| Traditional Monitoring Methods | Ground-based surveys, aerial photography | Variable resolution | Limited coverage area |
Case Study: Vale's Mina de Águas Claras Site
Vale, a leading mining company, is utilizing the Green Cubes system at its Mina de Águas Claras site near Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The site, which spans 1,908 hectares, is being repurposed, and the airborne LiDAR flights will map the 20 km² area in 3D at a resolution of 10 centimeters. This will enable Vale to monitor biodiversity, assess rehabilitation work, and manage environmental programs more effectively.
Bottom Line
The integration of airborne LiDAR technology and airborne imagery in the Green Cubes system marks a significant milestone in environmental monitoring for the extractive industry. With its high-resolution data collection capabilities and comprehensive coverage area, Green Cubes is poised to revolutionize the way mining companies approach environmental management. By providing a detailed 3D view of environmental conditions, Green Cubes enables informed decision-making, improved biodiversity monitoring, and more effective rehabilitation work. As the industry continues to evolve, the adoption of innovative technologies like Green Cubes will play a crucial role in minimizing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices.