The SkyHub Software Package for MBES by SPH Engineering is the dedicated software add-on that integrates multibeam echosounder (MBES) systems with the SkyHub onboard computer. Combining SkyHub firmware with a companion UgCS application, it enables automated multibeam data acquisition, real-time depth monitoring, and georeferenced data logging — delivering the full software stack required to operate the EchoNIMBUS-MBES system and generate survey-grade bathymetric point clouds from a UAV platform.
Key Features
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MBES Sensor Integration — Full hardware integration between the multibeam echosounder and SkyHub onboard computer via dedicated firmware; manages sensor initialization, configuration, and data stream handling
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Automated Georeferenced Data Acquisition — Continuous, timestamped MBES data capture synchronized with UAV position and telemetry for georeferenced bathymetric profiles ready for post-processing
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Real-Time Depth Monitoring — Live depth data streamed to the UgCS companion application on the ground station during flight for immediate quality control and coverage verification
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UgCS Companion Application — Integrated UgCS plugin for MBES sensor control, mission-triggered acquisition, and real-time data display throughout the survey
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SkyHub Firmware Included — Package includes the required SkyHub onboard firmware update for MBES system support
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Point Cloud Output — Processed data supports dense 3D bathymetric point cloud generation for bottom modeling, volume calculations, and GIS deliverables
Compatible Hardware
- SPH Engineering EchoNIMBUS-MBES system (Cerulean Surveyor 240/16 MBES sensor head)
- SPH Engineering SkyHub onboard computer (required)
- Compatible UAV platforms: DJI M350 RTK, M300 RTK, and Pixhawk/ArduCopter-based UAVs of comparable payload class
Applications
- High-resolution bathymetric surveys of lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and shallow coastal waters
- Dense 3D bottom modeling for sediment, slope, and obstacle mapping
- Flood mapping and post-event hydrological assessment
- Environmental and hydro-engineering surveys
- Infrastructure monitoring beneath water surfaces
Requirements
- SPH Engineering SkyHub onboard computer hardware (required)
- SkyHub Core Software Package (required)
- UgCS ground control software license (required)
- Compatible MBES hardware — EchoNIMBUS-MBES system (sold separately)