Prague, Czech Republic, May 25, 2022 – New mobile mapping camera hits the market
Mosaic is a camera hardware company, based in Prague, specializing in 360° mobile mapping cameras. It brought to market their first model just over 2 years ago and have since increased their line to include 2 additional devices. Their third and newest mobile mapping camera – the Mosaic X – which has been under development for some time is now finally ready for pre-orders, with the first cameras to be delivered in September. The camera is primarily used for GIS, surveying, infrastructure and road maintenance and of course mobile mapping.
How the Mosaic X is making waves
The Mosaic X is being touted as, “the only 360° mobile mapping camera featuring global shutter for photogrammetry ability at highway speeds.” A specific qualification, but one that has been in demand for some time. This new model is capable of both extremely accurate photos and 360° videos, while simultaneously capable of creating photorealistic 3D models using photogrammetry, all without the use of LiDAR. The Mosaic X is a singular, easy-to-use system, purposely-built mobile mapping camera, and substantially more economically-feasible than other similar devices on the market.
How the Mosaic X compares to the Mosaic 51
Mosaic CEO Jeffrey Martin explains that the Mosaic X is the evolution of the Mosaic 51, the company’s flagship camera model which has already been well-received in the 360° mapping and surveying industries.
The Mosaic X keeps the all-in-one design and no-fuss usability of its predecessor. The Mosaic X (like the Mosaic 51) comes with built-in CPU and GPU which allows users to operate the camera and capture data all day long without the need for a computer within the vehicle.
Just like its predecessor, the meticulous mechanical engineering and design ensures reliable and dependable usage in the harsh conditions of mobile mapping (moisture, mechanical shock, heat, cold). It is durable, with industrial grade waterproof connectors and protected lenses which can withstand harsh daily use. Its frame is a hermetically sealed water-resistant enclosure with substantial thermal mass and heat sinks for passive cooling – meaning it can handle extremely hot environments without overheating.
As mentioned earlier, the Mosaic X can create high quality 3D models, 3D reconstructions, and dense point cloud creation without the use of expensive, LiDAR. However, it should be noted that the Mosaic X (like the Mosaic 51), does come with an AUX port, making it possible for the camera to connect with external GNSS devices and/or LiDAR.
Several customers have already done this with the Mosaic 51 with reportedly good results. WGI performed the LiDAR integration themselves, while Mosaic developed an integration for COWI in order that they achieve RTK via the Emlid RS2 Reach GNSS device. Further integrations are in the roadmap for Mosaic.
What’s different about the Mosaic X
Where it differs is in the dramatically improved global shutter image sensors, as well as absolutely impeccable optics, allowing the camera rig to be meticulously calibrated in terms of lens intrinsics as well as the spatial geometry of the separate sensors. With sub-millisecond synchronization and precise triggering from external sensors as well as distance-based triggering.
“We spared no expense on the optics this time around. The Mosaic 51 is very good, don’t get me wrong – much better than any other 360° mobile mapping camera on the market. But the Mosaic X produces extraordinarily sharp images that surpassed our expectations.” Martin comments.
The data captured by the Mosaic X is capable of producing similar results compared to traditional mobile mapping devices which can cost 10 times that of the Mosaic X. This allows unprecedented speed in creating precise, large volumes of data which can be used for high-quality 3d data.
Rostislav Lisovy, co-founder and VP of Engineering and co-founder, never one to overstate things, according to his team and himself, even remarked on the clarity and sharpness of the images the first time he laid eyes on the sample data.
View a 360 video shot with the Mosaic X.
What sets the Mosaic X apart
This is really first-in-class:
- First standalone 360° mobile mapping camera with global shutter
- First camera in this market capable of 3D models and dense point cloud creation
- Able to achieve 1 cm of accuracy on road surfaces https://youtu.be/7hNJhN0So8o
- Significantly eases the workflow for photogrammetry compared to previous methods, collecting data faster, more accurately and with less hassle in processing
- The price point is notably reduced for a device that can create 3D models and 3D reconstructions of this caliber, as well as the accuracy of the images themselves, allowing larger companies to scale their fleets
View a video of a 3D reconstruction build with images only from the Mosaic X.
Go inside and explore the same 3D reconstruction in Nira.
Who will be using the Mosaic X
“We’ve had a wide variety of companies and industries approach us in the last year. Everyone from surveying and mapping companies, to asset management and real estate companies.
Many are in the business of creating detailed street-view maps of their communities as well as many companies who have primarily used LiDAR technology for point cloud creation and are looking for a cheaper and easier-to-manage solution.
There have been MANY inquiries from companies currently employing outdated systems, and are looking to upgrade to a device that offers improved clarity in the image quality, something these systems have long lagged behind on,” Martin reports.
For more information on the Mosaic X, contact the Mosaic sales team.
