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ELIOS 3 SURVEYING PAYLOAD

Surveying the inaccessible

Safely create centimeter-accurate scans of hard-to-reach areas with the Elios 3 Surveying Payload, the next revolution in 3D data capture by Flyability.

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Close data gaps in challenging environments

Restricted access

Hazardous or confined environments put critical areas beyond the reach of conventional methods.

Incomplete coverage

Fixed scanner positions and access constraints leave shadows, blind spots, or unmapped areas.

Slow, labor-intensive capture

Traditional surveying requires heavy equipment, multiple setups, and lengthy on-site workflows.
Elios 3 Surveying Payload image

Survey beyond traditional limits

The Surveying Payload transforms the Elios 3 into a flying mobile scanner, enabling the safe capture of survey-grade mapping and visual data where conventional surveying methods and other drones cannot operate.

Scan beyond safe access

Enter through openings as small as 50 × 50 cm to capture point cloud and visual data beyond the reach of existing methods.

Uplifted mapping efficiency

Scan a 300-meter tunnel (close loop) in a single flight, turning days of mapping into a 10-minute job.

Survey-grade accuracy

Achieve centimeter-level accuracy using the Elios 3 Surveying Payload and FARO processing technology.

Actionable digital records

Capture high-density point clouds and visual data for measurement, analysis, reporting, and asset documentation.

Map where conventional tools can't

Purpose-built for demanding surveying applications, the Elios 3 Surveying Payload combines advanced LiDAR technology with industry-leading SLAM to deliver accurate, efficient, and reliable mapping.

  • Survey-grade accuracy
    The high-resolution Ouster OS0-128 Rev 7 LiDAR sensor, in combination with world leading FARO SLAM algorithm creates accurate 3D maps and digital twins of the most inaccessible spaces with centimetre precision.
    Download the accuracy report
  • Capture rich, detailed point clouds of the most complex indoor spaces, operating from a safe location. With the Elios 3’s Surveying Payload you can effortlessly create comprehensive visual representations of challenging confined spaces, allowing for precise mapping and analysis.
  • For all applications where centimeter accuracy matters, mobile scanning is far more effective than traditional methods such as total stations or terrestrial scanners.
Collision Tolerant Elios 3 Example

Software

A single workflow from survey capture to processed point clouds

Powered by FARO's proven SLAM processing algorithm, High-Accuracy Mapping converts the Elios 3 data into clean point clouds and supports the workflow from processing to export directly on Inspector Online.

Unified Mission Data

View mapping outputs, inspection video, trajectories, and measurements in one environment.

Easy sharing

Share point clouds via a simple link, with no software installation, no file transfers, and no friction.

Survey grade point cloud

Achieve High-accuracy mapping with as little as 0.1% drift.

Cloud-powered processing

Process point clouds online without the need for a powerful computer.

Optimized SLAM presets

Process the Elios 3 data using presets designed for common capture scenarios.

Easy export

Download processed point clouds in LAS
FARO Connect software shown on a laptop

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Package

A one-stop surveying solution

The Surveying Payload comes as a comprehensive package designed to support both field capture and point cloud processing.

The hardware

Available with the Elios 3 drone or as a standalone payload for existing Elios 3
users.

A simple survey workflow

Process, visualize, and share point clouds directly on Inspector Online.

A set of reflective targets

Sized for automatic detection during the SLAM registration workflow.

An in-depth training course

Covering best practices for data capture, processing, and registration.

Explore the potential of our drone technologies for your surveying activities.

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Elios 3 LiDAR configurations

The Elios 3 offers 2 LiDAR configurations. To help you determine if the Surveying Payload is right for you, you can refer to the table below, showing a concise overview of the key disparities between the two configurations.

Elios 3 standard configuration*

Elios 3 Surveying Package**

Datapoint

When localizing inspection data matters

When the 3D model matters

Range

1x
Up to 50m @ 80% reflectivity / Up to 15m @10% reflectivity

2x - 2.3x
Up to 100m 80% reflectivity / Up to 35m at 10% reflectivity

Precision (2 sigmas)

1x
+/- 1.8 cm

1.5x
+/- 1.2 cm

Accuracy

Some artifacts, like “wall collapses” or “double walls”

No artifacts as long as mapping guidelines are followed

Accuracy in structured environments

1x
0.5-1% drift

5-10x
~0.1-0.2% drift

Points / sec

1x
~50k

25x
~1.3M

Mapping algorithm

Real-time SLAM focused on robustness, running on drone

Post-processing SLAM, focused on high accuracy

Software

Inspector

Inspector Online and High-Accuracy Mapping Powered by Faro Insight

*Point clouds generated in the Inspector companion software.

**Point clouds processed with High-Accuracy Mapping in Inspector Online, the 3D mapping solution designed to process and manage Elios 3 LiDAR data within the Flyability ecosystem.

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Payload Specifications

Access the complete technical details for the Elios 3 Surveying Payload.

Trusted by thousands of happy customers

<br>ICL Boulby logo
Simon Pollitt, Chief Surveyor,
ICL Boulby
“The Surveying Payload is a game-changer for our operations, collecting data faster and with better accuracy.“
Watch the full interview
<br>Academy Geomatics Ltd logo
Mark Anderson, Director,
Academy Geomatics Ltd
“We use the Elios 3 as a great tool to expand our surveying toolbox. It allows us to work in fairly challenging conditions a lot quicker and safer.”
Watch the full interview
<br>Cansol Deutschland GmbH logo
Ronny Boese, Managing Director,
Cansol Deutschland GmbH
“The accuracy of measurement provided by the LiDAR payload offers great advantages”
Watch the full interview

See the Elios 3 Surveying Payload in action

Evaluate the impact of our drone technologies on your inspection activities.

What is the Elios 3 Surveying Payload?
The Surveying Payload transforms the Elios 3 into a flying mobile scanner capable of entering through openings as small as 50 × 50 cm to capture survey-grade point cloud and visual data beyond safe access. 
What environments is the Surveying Payload designed for?

The Surveying Payload is designed for confined, hazardous, and hard-to-reach environments, including tunnels, stopes, chimneys, culverts, collectors, tanks, and other industrial assets where conventional surveying methods are difficult or unsafe. 

How does the Surveying Payload compare with the standard Elios 3 LiDAR?

The standard Elios 3 LiDAR configuration is optimized for inspection and data localization, while the Surveying Payload is designed to produce survey-grade point clouds with higher accuracy, greater range, and enhanced performance in complex environments. Learn which configuration best fits your workflow. Choose the Right LiDAR

What level of accuracy can I expect?

Powered by FARO Connect's industry-leading SLAM engine, the Surveying Payload delivers survey-grade point clouds with centimeter-level accuracy. Actual accuracy depends on the geometry and conditions of the surveyed environment. Read the accuracy report. 

How are survey-grade point clouds processed?

Survey-grade point clouds are processed and managed directly in Inspector Online through High-Accuracy Mapping, powered by FARO Connect's industry-leading SLAM engine. For offline users, a FARO Connect license is also available as a desktop processing option.

Can I combine surveying and inspection data?

Yes. Inspector Online brings survey-grade point clouds and inspection data together in a single environment, making it easier to visualize assets, collaborate with teams, and support maintenance decisions. 

Can existing Elios 3 users upgrade the base LiDAR for the surveying payload ?

Yes. The Surveying Payload is available as a standalone payload for existing Elios 3 users or as part of a complete Elios 3 package. Contact our team to learn how to upgrade your LiDAR configuration.