Carlson Merlin LT, Руководство пользователя

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2 Introduction
2.1 System overview
Merlin LT is a development from the Merlin, Carlson’s first, time-tagged, vessel-based lidar system. The Merlin LT
can be operated from any vessel platform and is designed specifically for use in extreme and changeable marine
environments. Its plug-and-play design offers quick and simple deployment, as well as easy integration into existing
vessel infrastructure, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
receivers, and industry-standard hydrographic acquisition software packages.
The Merlin LT is designed to be lighter-weight, and of a smaller footprint, than the standard Merlin system, while
the capabilities of the laser remain the same.
The instrument employs the ‘time-of-flight’ laser measurement technique to measure ranges to above-water
topography without the need to place reflectors at the target. This allows accurate measurements to be made of
inaccessible points, such as cliff faces and rock groynes, from the relative safety of the survey vessel. With the
Merlin LT integrated into the vessel’s navigation system and the sensors all calibrated with respect to the IMU, the
laser data can be collected at the same time as underwater data is collected.
Merlin LT is supported by drivers in all the main hydrographic survey / navigation software packages, including
QINSy, HYPACK, EIVA and PDS. This support provides flexibility to end users involved with a wide variety of clients,
applications and global locations.
Merlin LT observes 36,000 points per second, with a 360° field of view.
The Merlin diagnostic tool software is supplied with Merlin LT. This can be used to program IP addresses, change
port numbers, fault-find, and carry out diagnostic checks on the system.
2.2 Applications
This innovative instrument is suitable for a large number of surveying and measuring functions, including:
• Infrastructure planning
• Offshore construction
•
Coastal erosion monitoring
•
Port and harbour surveys
• Navigation chart updates
• Flood-risk management
•
Canals and inland waterways
•
Inspection surveys
• Bridge condition surveys
• Terrestrial mobile mapping