Issue link: https://geospatial.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1470951
Comparison of the Trimble MX9 and the Trimble MX50 mobile mapping systems 4 The following table provides a quick overview of the MX9 and MX50 configurations: MX9 MX50 Navigation system Trimble AP60 Trimble AP20 Laser 2 × adjustable MX9 laser scanners 2 × Trimble X7P profilers Panoramic 360° camera Yes Yes Oblique cameras 3 × 5 MP - Despite the design similarity, different navigation and data collection components suggest a different use of the two systems. The scope of this paper is to clarify the most appropriate applications for the MX50 and MX9 systems. This comparison is based on the three main system components: ● Navigation ● Laser ● Camera Comparing the navigation sensors To test the navigation performances of the two systems, no Distance Measurement Unit (DMI) was used. In general, the obtained results are mainly the direct effects of IMU performances. An IMU is an Inertial Measurement Unit device that typically consists of gyroscopes to measure and report angular rate and accelerometers to measure and report specific force. The IMUs within the Trimble mobile mapping systems fall into two categories; MEMS and FOGS because of the different gyroscopes being used. MEMS IMU: Based on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Sensors) components. Reduced in size, MEMS IMUs are widely used for navigation and positioning applications. Being of mechanical nature, these types of IMUs were quite sensitive to temperature and vibration effects when first adopted. Recent development of the technology has improved stability and performance making MEMS a valid option for mobile mapping applications. FOG IMU: Based on fiber optical ring gyroscopes, FOG IMUs are larger and more demanding in terms of power consumption when compared to MEMS IMUs. Lacking mechanical components, FOG IMUs are less sensitive to temperature changes and vibration effects, making FOG the right solution for applications that require high navigational accuracy. The type of components and technology used makes FOG IMUs more expensive than MEMS IMUs. The MX9 system has an Applanix® AP60 navigation solution and is equipped with a FOG IMU. The MX50 system has an Applanix AP20 navigation solution and is equipped with a MEMS IMU. In general, the superior accuracy of a FOG IMU is seen in a minor error growth (drift) over time when compared to the MEMS IMU.