Case Study: Nextcore achieves higher-altitude UAV-LiDAR surveying with Advanced Navigation's Certus Evo

Certus Evo Helps Nextcore’s UAV-LiDAR Reach New Heights in Both Altitude and Performance

Nextcore, an Australian company that designs UAV-mounted LiDAR systems for mining, surveying and environmental applications, wanted to push survey operations well beyond the typical 40–50 m AGL limit. The challenge was finding a high-performance, reliable MEMS INS that could support accurate LiDAR data at much higher altitudes without adding too much payload, cost or integration complexity. Advanced Navigation’s Certus Evo GNSS/INS was evaluated as the navigation system for the RN80 project.

Advanced Navigation’s Certus Evo was implemented as a drop-in replacement for Nextcore’s earlier navigation unit, with ruggedized OEM hardware and no extra engineering required. The result was a UAV-LiDAR system that exceeded the original 80 m goal and enabled survey-grade data at up to 120 m AGL, delivering consistent 30–40 mm precision after PPK processing. This also increased swath width from about 120 m to 180 m, cutting flight lines by roughly 33% and improving safety, efficiency and market reach for Nextcore.

Nextcore

Ashley Cox

COO, and Co-Founder