Cubert X20P-LV Hyperspectral Imaging System with Integrated Solid-State LiDAR

Overview

The Cubert X20P-LV is a field-deployable, snapshot-style hyperspectral imaging system engineered for synchronized acquisition of spectral and spatial topographic data. Unlike scanning or push-broom architectures, the X20P-LV employs a proprietary image-splitting prism-based light-field optical design—enabling full-frame spectral data capture in a single exposure without mechanical scanning. This dispersive architecture delivers intrinsic temporal synchronization between all spectral bands (350–1000 nm), eliminating motion-induced misregistration common in sequential acquisition systems. The instrument integrates a high-dynamic-range 20 MP hyperspectral CMOS sensor with a co-aligned, eye-safe 905 nm solid-state LiDAR module, allowing simultaneous generation of georeferenced reflectance cubes and centimeter-accurate 3D point clouds. Its compact, ruggedized enclosure houses a precision-grade inertial navigation system (INS), real-time onboard geotagging firmware, and industrial-grade NVMe storage—making it suitable for both ground-based survey platforms and weight-constrained UAV payloads.

Key Features

• Snapshot hyperspectral acquisition: Captures full 1886 × 1886 pixel spectral cubes at 2 Hz—no moving parts, no scan artifacts.
• Co-registered LiDAR integration: Solid-state time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR with 450 m maximum range (@80% reflectivity) and sub-5 cm vertical accuracy (RMS).
• High-fidelity panchromatic channel: 35 MP global-shutter monochrome CMOS sensor for orthorectification support and RGB synthesis.
• Onboard INS/GNSS fusion: Tactical-grade IMU coupled with dual-frequency GNSS enables real-time direct georeferencing (DGR) compliant with ISO 19130-2:2020.
• Ruggedized UAV-ready design: IP54-rated enclosure, shock-mounted optics, and thermal management optimized for operation between –10°C and +50°C.
• Embedded processing pipeline: Real-time radiometric calibration, dark current subtraction, and optional atmospheric correction (using MODTRAN-based lookup tables).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The X20P-LV is designed for non-contact, stand-off analysis of heterogeneous surfaces—including vegetation canopies, mineral outcrops, agricultural fields, urban infrastructure, and cultural heritage objects. It requires no sample preparation and operates under ambient daylight illumination (sun-synchronous acquisition recommended). All optical components comply with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1 laser safety standards. The system supports metadata embedding per ISO 19115-3:2016 and generates ENVI-compatible .hdr/.bil files with embedded coordinate reference system (CRS) definitions. For regulated environments, raw data logs include audit-trail timestamps traceable to UTC via GNSS PPS signal; optional firmware enables GLP-compliant logging (user-defined annotation fields, operator ID, and session checksums).

Software & Data Management

Cubert’s UHD-Studio software suite provides end-to-end workflow support—from mission planning and real-time telemetry monitoring to spectral unmixing and LiDAR-aided geometric correction. Data export supports standard interchange formats including GeoTIFF (with spectral band interleaving), NetCDF-4 (CF-1.8 compliant), and LAS/LAZ 1.4 for point cloud delivery. The SDK includes C++ and Python APIs for integration into custom processing pipelines (e.g., machine learning inference on spectral signatures). All firmware updates are cryptographically signed and validated prior to installation. Data integrity is enforced via SHA-256 hashing of each acquired cube; hash values are logged alongside acquisition metadata for forensic traceability.

Applications

• Agricultural phenotyping: Quantitative assessment of chlorophyll content, water stress indices (NDWI, PRI), and nitrogen use efficiency across field trials.
• Environmental monitoring: Detection of hydrocarbon contamination, invasive species mapping, and wetland delineation using spectral absorption features below 700 nm.
• Geological surveying: Discrimination of clay mineral assemblages (e.g., kaolinite vs. smectite) via continuum-removed SWIR absorption depths.
• Forestry inventory: Canopy height modeling (CHM) via LiDAR fusion, combined with species classification using red-edge and NIR reflectance gradients.
• Infrastructure inspection: Corrosion detection on metallic surfaces through oxidation-sensitive spectral slope shifts near 650 nm.

FAQ

What spectral calibration standards are supported?
The X20P-LV ships with NIST-traceable reflectance panels (99%, 50%, and 10% Lambertian) and includes automated dark-frame and white-reference routines compliant with ASTM E275-22.
Is real-time onboard processing mandatory for georeferencing?
No—raw sensor data (uncorrected cubes + raw LiDAR returns + IMU/GNSS binary logs) can be exported for post-processed kinematic (PPK) workflows using third-party software such as Pix4Dmapper or Agisoft Metashape.
Does the system meet FAA/EASA UAV payload certification requirements?
Yes—the X20P-LV has undergone DO-160G Section 21 environmental testing (vibration, shock, temperature cycling) and carries CE marking for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance.
Can spectral binning be applied during acquisition?
Yes—configurable binning modes (1×1, 2×2, 4×4) are available to trade spatial resolution for increased SNR or higher frame rates up to 8 cubes/s at reduced resolution.
What is the typical radiometric uncertainty across the spectral range?
Calibrated radiometric uncertainty is ±3.5% (k=2) from 400–900 nm, verified annually using calibrated integrating sphere sources per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.