New senseFly eBee X improves geospatial data collection

SenseFly has released the eBee X—a new version of its fixed-wing drone—designed to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of geospatial data collection.

SenseFly—part of Parrot Business Solutions—said its latest drone is not only more rugged and durable, but also includes a range of camera options for urban planning, thermal mapping, environmental monitoring and other applications. An endurance extension provides flight times of up to 90 minutes. 

“The eBee X is a giant leap forward for mapping technology and underscores senseFly’s position as the leader in the fixed-wing drone market,” said Gilles Labossière, senseFly’s CEO and Parrot Groups’ executive vice president and chief operating officer. “No matter what type of project a professional is undertaking, the eBee X has the coverage, data and accuracy capabilities needed to get the job done.”

The eBee X includes a range of new camera options which senseFly said are designed to cover a wide variety of mapping jobs. These cameras include the S.O.D.A. 3D photogrammetry camera with a one-inch sensor, which changes orientation during flight to capture three images for a wider field of view; the Aeria X compact drone photogrammetry camera that provides DSLR-like image quality; and the Duet T thermal camera mapping rig, which can create geo-accurate thermal maps and digital surface models.

The eBee X is also compatible with the Parrot Sequoia+ multispectral camera for agriculture, the senseFly S.O.D.A. drone photogrammetry camera and senseFly Corridor for simple linear mapping.

The eBee X endurance extension option enables a flight time of up to 90 minutes, compared to the default of 59 minutes. The drone’s built-in high-precision on demand (RTK/PPK) function helps operators achieve accuracy of 1.2 inches (3 centimeters) without ground control points.

The eBee X enables users to work on many different types of sites using the drone’s built-in Steep Landing technology, robust design and live air traffic data. It’s also backed by senseFly’s professional, localised support.

The eBee X is supplied with senseFly’s eMotion flight planning and data management software. Pix4D available for purchase from authorised senseFly distributors.