How it Works: High Accuracy Mapping on Inspector Online 

Two Ways to Process Elios 3 Survey Data

Pilots using the Elios 3 Surveying Payload can now choose between two FARO-powered processing workflows:

• High-Accuracy Mapping, available on Inspector Online through the 3D Survey Add-on, processes data in the cloud. Results can be reviewed and shared alongside inspection data in Inspector Online.
• FARO Connect, licensed separately through FARO, processes flight data locally in a dedicated desktop application and requires a capable workstation.

Consistent Accuracy Across Both Workflows 

Accuracy remains consistent across both processing workflows. The key results from four representative environments are summarized below. For the complete methodology and comparison with FARO Connect, read the Surveying Payload Accuracy White Paper. 

A Simpler Survey Workflow in Inspector Online

FARO Connect requires users to work across two applications, manage a separate FARO license, and provide a capable workstation for local processing. Moving between FARO Connect and Inspector also separates the point cloud from the rest of the inspection data.

High Accuracy Mapping brings FARO-powered processing directly into Inspector Online. Users can upload, process, review, share, and export survey data within a single Flyability platform, keeping the point cloud connected to the complete inspection dataset.

Watch the video below to see the High Accuracy Mapping workflow in action.

Which Workflow Fits Your Needs?

Compare the capabilities of High-Accuracy Mapping and FARO Connect:

What both workflows offer: High-Accuracy Mapping and FARO Connect use the same SLAM processing engine, settings, and presets. Both deliver comparable accuracy and plane-fit precision and produce standard point-cloud outputs for downstream survey workflows.

Key differences between the workflows: High-Accuracy Mapping moves processing to the cloud and brings point clouds, inspection data, and collaboration into Inspector Online. It removes the need for a dedicated processing computer and separate FARO software. FARO Connect retains more advanced filtering, automated GCP target detection, and a broader choice of export formats.

What You Need to Use High-Accuracy Mapping

Getting started with High-Accuracy Mapping is simple, whatever your current setup. There’s no additional processing software to install, no separate licensing environment to manage, and no new interface to learn; everything is integrated directly into Inspector Online.

High-Accuracy Mapping is available through the 3D Survey Add-On License, which complements the Premium Subscription.

Premium Subscription

The Premium Subscription expands your Elios 3’s capabilities with access to Inspector Online, advanced autonomy features, workflow optimizations, and continuous improvements designed to increase its long-term value.

3D Survey Add-On

The 3D Survey Add-On extends the Premium experience with capabilities built specifically for Elios 3 surveying workflows. It brings dedicated surveying features into Inspector Online, keeping survey and inspection data within the same environment.

Powered by FARO Insight’s world-leading SLAM algorithm, the 3D Survey Add-On provides unlimited processing (fair use)* of Elios 3 survey data directly in Inspector Online, delivering highly accurate point clouds. New surveying capabilities will continue to be added to the 3D Survey Add-On, bringing them together in one dedicated offering.

*A fair-use threshold of 2,000 flight minutes per subscription year applies to prevent misuse or unusually high consumption. Flyability reserves the right to review usage exceeding this threshold and propose adjusted commercial terms or cap processing capacity in accordance with our Cloud Solutions Terms of Use. 

Whatever your current setup, you can contact our team to understand your current account settings, what you need for your operations, and the simplest path to get started with High-Accuracy Mapping.

Ready to Bring High-Accuracy Mapping Into Your Workflow? 

Whether you’re exploring the Premium Subscription, considering the 3D Survey Add-On, or looking for the right setup for your surveying needs, our team can help you get started.

TALK TO OUR TEAM

FAQ

Can I continue using my existing FARO Connect desktop workflow?
Yes. You can continue using or renewing FARO Connect for desktop processing. High-Accuracy Mapping simply gives you another option to process your survey data directly in Inspector Online.

Will processing my data in Inspector Online affect its accuracy?
No. High-Accuracy Mapping and FARO Connect deliver comparable accuracy, precision, and drift performance. Learn more in our accuracy white paper.

Can I process Rev 6 and Rev 7 data?
Yes. Both Rev 6 and Rev 7 LiDAR data can be processed. However, the Rev 7 Surveying Payload uses a higher-performance LiDAR sensor, providing greater point density, range, precision, and global accuracy than the standard Rev 6 configuration. Results also depend on the geometry of the surveyed environment and data-capture conditions. See the Surveying Payload accuracy white paper for detailed results.

Where is my data processed, and how is it secured?
Your data is processed in Europe using FARO Sphere XG. Only anonymized data is shared with FARO for processing, and both Flyability and FARO Sphere XG are SOC 2 Type II compliant.

How long does online processing take vs desktop?
Processing time depends on the dataset and SLAM settings. Processing online is typically faster than on a standard laptop and isn’t limited by your computer’s performance.