Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Demand for high definition (HD) 3D maps is on the rise to support the advancement of autonomous driving vehicles. Autonomous vehicles convert this HD map data in useful information such as vehicle localization and optimal route selection. HD maps are generated from data captured by a wide range of sensors (e.g., laser scanners and optical cameras) mounted on mobile mapping systems. The requested equipment, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers, Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), robotic platforms, and visible, and range sensors, represents the applicants' primary means to collect the necessary data to integrate new, low-cost sensors on-board unmanned mobile platforms for the efficient construction of high detailed and accurate maps. Currently, no such equipment is available to the applicants for use at York University or the region. The equipment is critical in supporting the applicants' current research programs investigating scientific and engineering challenges in ubiquitous positioning, robotic mapping and HD mapping using unmanned mobile sensing systems for mapping. Any delay in technology demonstration would not only increase the time-to-market of the proposed technology but will also severely limit research abilities and HQP training. This equipment will greatly enhance current geomatics research programs in positioning, navigation, and robotic sensing and mapping, particularly in constrained urban areas and indoor environments for both the applicants and other colleagues in the department and across the University. The equipment will be used to develop efficient methods for constructing accurate 3D maps integrating exterior and interior environments, support seamless 3D modeling and visualization, and for spatial decision making. The unmanned mobile sensing platforms will be used for on-time 3D mapping, monitoring and verification and for achieving situational awareness and spatial intelligence. High-performance GNSS receivers and IMU will provide reference position trajectories for testing novel low-cost sensors, processing algorithms, and integrated sensor solutions for precise autonomous navigation applications. The applicants are experienced researchers in the fields of positioning technology, sensor development and integration, unmanned aerial mapping platforms, command and control, and 3D mapping from high resolution image and range data. This state-or-the art equipment will expand and strengthen the research capacity of the applicants and will provide over 30 HQP high level training in the leading-edge areas of navigation and unmanned mobile mapping platforms. It will allow York researchers to engage with industry partners to provide novel and integrated training opportunities with hands-on R&D activities and project-based programs. These HQP will continue to be in high demand as our society continues to grow in our need for navigation on mobile electronics, autonomous vehicles, unmanned delivery systems and more.*