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kaarta STENCIL 2 - User Manual

kaarta STENCIL 2
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USER GUIDE

Table of Contents

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Summary

Introduction to Kaarta Stencil 2

Overview of Stencil 2

Concise description of Kaarta Stencil 2 as a mobile mapping platform.

Care and Maintenance Guidelines

Guidelines for maintaining the precision instrument for longevity.

Document Scope

Specifies the document's coverage for Stencil 2 Software Version S2-20.02.

Release Notes for Stencil 2

New Features in Software Release S20.02

Details new features and benefits in the S20.02 software release.

Chapter 1: Getting Started with Stencil 2

Whats Included in the Box

Lists all components included in the Kaarta Stencil 2 package.

Getting to Know Stencil 2 Components

Introduces the main components and features of the Stencil 2 device.

Stencil 2 Older Units Identification

Details components and features specific to older Stencil 2 unit serial numbers.

Stencil 2 Status Indicator Guide

USB Status Indicator Codes Explained

Explains the meaning of different LED colors and states for device status.

Stencil 2 Power and Mode Buttons

Stencil 2 Power and Mode Button Function

Describes the function of the Stencil 2 power and mode control button.

Velodyne Lidar Power Button

Explains how to power the Velodyne Lidar on and off using its dedicated button.

Using Stencil 2 Out of the Box

Pre-Mapping Checks and Readiness

Pre-mapping checks and ensuring readiness of Stencil 2 and Lidar.

Initiating the Mapping Process

Step-by-step instructions on how to initiate the mapping process.

Stopping the Mapping Process

Procedure for safely stopping the mapping process and saving data.

Scan Folder Contents and File Structure

List of Mapping Files Explained

Details the types of files generated during mapping/localization scans.

Chapter 2: Stencil 2 Operations

Stencil 2 as a Computing Device

Highlights Stencil 2's computing capabilities and use with external devices.

Using the iPad for Control

Explains how to use the iPad for controlling Stencil 2 operations in the field.

Stencil 2 Desktop Icons Overview

Start and Stop Icon Function

Describes the main icon for initiating and terminating mapping/localization.

Record Images and Playback Data Icons

Details icons for saving images and replaying raw sensor data.

Stencil 2 Tool Icons

Prepare Upload Tool Icon

Icon for uploading scan data to Kaarta Cloud for post-processing.

Confidence Plot Tool Icon

Icon to display mapping and localization confidence values.

Localize using GNSS Tool Icon

Tool for localizing using current GNSS data if a geo-registered map is loaded.

Floor Planner Tool Functionality

Tool for leveling, sectioning, and generating 2D images from point cloud sections.

Loop Closure Tool Functionality

Tool to correct global drift errors using GNSS and trajectory paths.

Mapping with the Feature Tracker

When to Use the Feature Tracker

Guidance on when the Feature Tracker provides optimal mapping results.

Feature Tracker Best Practices

Best practices for using the Feature Tracker for optimal scan quality.

Stencil 2 Mapping Modes and Features

Recording Color Images During Mapping

How Stencil 2 captures and saves color images during mapping.

Using Mode Switch Icons

Explanation of icons used to change operating modes for mapping/localization.

Stencil 2 Mode Switches

Mapping Mode

Default mapping configuration for Stencil 2.

Mapping with Camera Mode

Mapping mode that uses the Feature Tracker for sparser environments.

Kaarta User Interface Overview

Localization Modes Explained

Describes various modes for localizing against a prior map.

File Structure for Mapping and Localization

Scan Folder Organization Details

Explains how Stencil 2 organizes scan data into top-level folders for each scan run.

Localization Process

Localizing Based on a Prior Map

How to align starting position with a prior map for localization.

Understanding Confidence Values

Chapter 3: Tools for Additional Functionality

Loop Closure Tool

Tool for global smoothing using loop closure techniques to correct drift.

Sharpening Tool

Tool to compress flat surfaces and reduce lidar blur.

Floor Planner Tool

Tool to auto-level, rotate, and generate 2D images from point cloud sections.

Command Line Tools for Post-Processing

Generate scan_info.txt File

Utility to convert .yaml file to scan_info.txt for easier reading.

Fix ply Vertex Count Utility

Utility to repair ply files with incorrect vertex numbers.

Align Multiple Geo-registered.ply Files

Adjusts point clouds and trajectories to share a common UTM offset.

.ply to.las Converter

Utility to convert Stencil .ply files to .las format without CloudCompare.

CloudCompare Command Line Editor Tool

Tool for building and executing CloudCompare commands non-visually.

Using Point Clouds from Other Programs

How to use external point clouds for localization and map merging.

Chapter 4: GNSS Operations

Integrating GNSS with Stencil 2

How to connect and use a GNSS unit with Stencil 2.

GPS Setup Procedure

Steps to configure the GNSS unit and Stencil 2 for data acquisition.

GNSS Monitor Status

Displays the status of GNSS connection and data reception.

Syncing Stencil Clock to GNSS Time

Procedure to synchronize Stencil 2's clock with GNSS time for accurate timestamps.

Recording GNSS Raw Data for PPK Processing

How to record raw GNSS data for accurate post-processing corrections.

Processing PPK Data

Steps for processing GNSS data using CORS or base station data.

Loop Closure Tool Overview

Explains the function of the Loop Closure Tool for global smoothing.

Key Poses and Geo-locating Point Clouds

Defines terms and processes for aligning point clouds with external spatial data.

Loop Closure Using Confidence Values

How confidence values are used to improve loop closure matches.

Loop Closure with GNSS Data

Using GNSS data to aid the loop closure process.

Loop Closure Tool Settings

Configuration options within the Loop Closure Tool dialog box.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

Case Study 1: Loop Closure Mapping Without GNSS

Demonstrates loop closure for fixing double registrations without GNSS data.

Case Study 2: Ground Vehicle Navigation

How Stencil 2 pose output can be used for ground vehicle navigation.

Case Study 3: Air-Ground Collaborative Mapping

Combining ground and aerial mapping for comprehensive 3D models.

Chapter 6: Tips for Collecting Better Data

General Scanning Tips

General advice for planning and executing scans for optimal results.

Handheld Scanning - Indoors

Techniques for effective handheld scanning in indoor environments.

Handheld Scanning - Outdoors

Techniques for effective handheld scanning in outdoor environments.

Vehicle Mounted Scanning

Guidelines for mounting Stencil 2 on a vehicle for scanning.

Aerial Scanning Best Practices

Best practices for performing aerial scanning with Stencil 2.

Problems and Issues Troubleshooting

.PLY File Errors or Non-Generation

Troubleshooting steps for errors during .ply file creation or saving.

Sun Glare Effects on Point Clouds

How sun glare can affect point clouds and methods for mitigation.

Addressing Double Registration

Reasons for double registration and how to address them using loop closure.

Scanning Small Rooms and Narrow Hallways

Challenges and considerations for scanning in confined spaces.

Handling Reflections in Scans

How reflective surfaces can cause incorrect point cloud registration.

Optimizing for Darker;Brighter Environments

Adjusting camera settings for optimal performance in varying light conditions.

Using CloudCompare for Point Cloud Analysis

CloudCompare Visualization Basics

Fundamental steps for loading and visualizing point clouds in CloudCompare.

Colorizing Point Clouds by Z-Coordinates

Methods to colorize point clouds based on elevation (Z-coordinates).

Colorizing by Time Using Scalar Fields

Visualizing point clouds by coloring points based on their recorded time.

Colorization Scales and Intensity Values

Applying colorization scales to intensity values for enhanced point cloud visualization.

Geo-locating Point Clouds with GCPs

Aligning point clouds to world coordinates using Ground Control Points (GCPs).

Cleaning and Merging.PLY Files

Point Cloud Cleanup Procedures

Steps for cleaning and preparing point cloud data for further processing.

Merging Point Clouds

Procedures for combining multiple point clouds into a single dataset.

ICP Matching in CloudCompare

Using the Iterative Closest Point algorithm for fine registration of point clouds.

Appendix I: Customizing Velodyne Wiring

Wiring the Velodyne Connector

Detailed instructions and pinout for wiring the Velodyne LEMO connector correctly.

Appendix II: Mounting Stencil 2

Appendix III: Parameter Definitions

Stencil 2 Replay Settings

Playback Configuration Options

Configuration options for replaying recorded sensor data files.

Typical Parameters to Set

Structured Outdoor; Large Indoor Environments

Recommended parameter values for structured environments.

Vegetated or Cluttered Environments

Recommended parameter values for vegetated or cluttered environments.

Tight Indoor Environments Parameters

Recommended parameter adjustments for scanning in tight indoor spaces.

Appendix IV: Working with ROS

Mode Switching Commands via ROS

ROS commands to remotely switch Stencil 2's operating modes.

Start;Stop Mapping via ROS Commands

ROS commands to remotely start and stop mapping/localization.

Creating a Reference Map with ROS

ROS command to specify a reference map for the localization process.

Coordinate Transforms for Localization

Information on coordinate systems and messages used in Stencil 2 localization.

Important Localization Topics

Key considerations for successful localization operations.

Localizing Based on Current GNSS Location

How to initialize localization using current GNSS coordinates.

Stencil 2 Sensor Calibration and Ethernet

Sensor Calibration Parameters

Details on Stencil 2's sensor calibration parameters and settings.

Ethernet Network Configuration

Network configuration details for connecting Stencil 2 via Ethernet.

Appendix V: Replaying Stencil 2 Data

Replaying.bag Files in Localization Mode

How to replay .bag files in localization mode for analysis.

Appendix VI: Synchronizing Computer to Stencil 2

Computer Setup for ROS Synchronization

Steps for setting up a Linux computer with ROS for synchronization.

Ethernet Connection Setup to Stencil 2

Configuring Ethernet connection between computer and Stencil 2.

Setting Computer as Stencil 2 ROS Master

Configuring the ROS master URI for computer-to-Stencil 2 communication.

Appendix VII: Troubleshooting

Appendix VIII: Previous Software Release Notes

Stencil 2 Release R2018.11_SP1 (Nov 2018) Updates

Highlights new features and improvements in the R2018.11_SP1 release.

Stencil 2 Software Release S19.07 (July 2019) Updates

User Interface Enhancements (S19.07)

New features related to the user interface in the S19.07 release.

Hardware Improvements (S19.07)

Hardware improvements introduced in the S19.07 release.

File Size Reduction Features (S19.07)

Improvements in file size management for scans in the S19.07 release.

Data Post Processing Improvements (S19.07)

Enhancements to data post-processing in the S19.07 release.

Adaptive Data Replay Updates (S19.07)

Updates to the Adaptive Data Replay tool in the S19.07 release.

GNSS Features and Synchronization (S19.07)

New GNSS features and synchronization options in the S19.07 release.

Easier Localization Improvements (S19.07)

Improvements to localization capabilities in the S19.07 release.

kaarta STENCIL 2 Specifications

General IconGeneral
EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor
IMUYes
Real-time processingYes
IP RatingIP54
LaserClass 1
Field of View360° horizontal
ConnectivityWi-Fi
Operating Temperature0°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature-20°C to 60°C