Detailed Overview
The Elios 3 is available in two LiDAR configurations, each crafted for a different purpose. The standard Elios 3 with FlyAware is built for inspection intelligence — when capturing and localizing inspection data within complex spaces is the priority. It maps in real time using onboard SLAM, delivers repeatable precision of around ±1.8 cm, and reaches up to 50 m at 80% reflectivity. It’s designed for robustness rather than perfection, which means it may occasionally show visual artifacts like double or collapsed walls in certain environments.
The Elios 3 Surveying configuration, powered by FARO Connect, shifts the focus toward accuracy, point density, and clean, survey-grade 3D reconstruction. It extends the LiDAR range to 100 m, produces around 1.3 million points per second — more than 25 times higher — and improves precision to about ±1.2 cm. It also dramatically reduces positional drift, staying in the 0.1–0.5% range when mapping structured spaces, and eliminates artifacts when proper mapping guidelines are followed. This configuration uses post-processed SLAM for maximum accuracy, making it ideal for creating digital twins, georeferenced models, and high-fidelity 3D deliverables.
Both versions use Inspector software, but the Surveying configuration adds FARO Connect — unlocking georeferencing, advanced 3D manipulation, and refined mesh generation. Flight performance remains similar, though the Surveying payload has a slightly lower operational ceiling, topping out at about 2,700 m AMSL compared to 3,000 m for the standard.
In essence: FlyAware is built for inspection clarity and spatial awareness, while Surveying is engineered for precision mapping and model perfection.
Top Features & Benefits
- Surveying Payload Module
- Integrates with the Elios 3
- Enables high-accuracy measurement
- Used for creating point clouds
- Modular design for quick change
Primary Uses & Functions
An accessory for the Elios 3 drone used to capture precise geometrical data and create detailed 3D survey maps of inspected environments.
Real-World Applications
- Enabling high-accuracy 3D surveying and mapping capabilities on the Elios 3 drone
- Used for volumetric measurements and asset modelling in confined spaces
- Capturing georeferenced data for digital twins
Industry Solutions
- Oil & Gas
- Petrochemical
- Mining
- Power Generation
- Wind & Solar
- Manufacturing
Technical Specifications
| Accuracy |
From 0.1% drift |
| Precision |
1σ ± 6 mm, 2σ ± 12 mm |
| Range |
Up to 100 m |
| Scanning rate |
1,310,720 pts/sec |
| Photon sensitivity |
10x |
| Configuration |
Ouster OS0 128 beams REV 7 sensor |
| Handheld functionality |
Yes |
Specifications for the OSO 128 beams REV 7 sensor are provided by Ouster.
Complete specifications of the sensor are available on Ouster’s website
| Weight |
2465 g ±15 g, 5.45 lbs ± 0.53 oz |
| Flight time1 |
9 minutes |
| Operating Temperature2 |
0 °C to 48 °C, 32 °F to 118 °F |
| Operating Altitude3 |
Min: -3000 m, Max: +2700 m AMSL
Min: -9850 ft, Max: +8850 ft AMSL |
| Data Transfer Time |
6 minutes4 for a full time flight including LiDAR data |
1. In ideal flight conditions, with a new battery
2. Valid for batteries pre-conditioned between 10 °C and 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F)
3. Additional payloads will further degrade this performance
4. When using USB 3.0 cable and USB 3.0 port on the computer running Inspector
- Windows 10
- i7 7th Generation (or equivalent)
- AMD Ryzen 7 (1700X) (or equivalent)
- Integrated Graphics
- 64GB RAM
- 512GB disk (100 GB free space)
- SSD memory
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- Windows 10
- i9 12th Generation (or equivalent)
- AMD Ryzen 9 (3900X) (or equivalent)
- NVIDIA GTX 3060
- 128GB RAM
- 1TB disk (100GB free space)
- M.2 PCIe memory
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- LAZ, LAS, PLY, TXT, and E57
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- Automated GCP target detection
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LiDAR’s accuracy may vary depending on the geometry of the mapping
environment
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Elios 3 & FlyAware Performance |
Elios 3 Surveying Payload and FARO Connect |
| Structured environments |
- Buildings, stockpiles, containment areas
- Little to no symmetry
- Geometric features
- Diameter/distance between walls >2 m (6.5 feet)
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| Nominal symmetrical environments |
- Tunnels, stacks, shafts
- Diameter >2 m (6.5 feet)
- Regular geometric features
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| Challenging symmetrical environments |
- Tunnels, stacks, shafts
- Diameter >2 m (6.5 feet)
- Light geometric features
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| Very challenging symmetrical environments |
- Tunnels, pipes, stacks, shafts
- Diameter <2 m (6.5 feet)
- Light geometric features
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Compatibility
- Accessory for the Elios 3 Inspection Drone System for creating 3D point clouds and digital twins of indoor assets.
- Utilizes a high-accuracy LiDAR sensor to generate measurable 3D data.
What’s In The Box?
Ouster OS0-128 Rev 7 LIDAR (1)
LIDAR Mount (1)
Dedicated connection cable for Elios 3 (1)
Reflective targets (6)
SOFTWARE:
FARO Connect for Elios 3 (3 years included)
Software integration for Ouster LiDAR OSO-128 Rev 7 (included)
SERVICES:
Credentials to access the online FARO Connect for Elios 3 training (included)
1-hour consulting conference-call with a trainer (2)
WARRANTY:
12-month warranty (included)
Also Known As
UAV Mapping Sensor, Lidar Scanner Drone