Abstract: A method for use in performing exploration and mapping of an environment, the method being performed using an aerial vehicle and a user processing system that wirelessly communicates with the aerial vehicle when the aerial vehicle is within communication range thereof, the method including: the aerial vehicle generating range data using a range sensor; whilst the aerial vehicle is within communication range, the aerial vehicle transmitting, to the user processing system, map data based on the range data; the user processing system displaying a map representation based on the map data; the user processing system obtaining user defined flight instructions; whilst the aerial vehicle is within communication range, the user processing system transmitting, to the aerial vehicle, flight instructions data based on the user defined flight instructions; and the aerial vehicle flying autonomously in accordance with the flight instructions data and the range data.

Abstract: A mapping and control system for an aerial vehicle, the system including a payload attachable to the aerial vehicle, the payload including: a range sensor that generates range data indicative of a range to an environment; a memory for storing flight plan data indicative of a desired flight plan; a communications interface; and one or more processing devices that: use the range data to generate pose data indicative of position and orientation of the payload relative to the environment; use the pose data and the flight plan data to identify manoeuvres; generate control instructions; and transfer the control instructions to a vehicle control system of the aerial vehicle via the communications interface, to cause the aerial vehicle to implement the manoeuvres and thereby fly autonomously in accordance with the desired flight plan, wherein the range data is further for use in generating a map of the environment.

Abstract: A method of controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle executing a mission in a defined mission area including a first observation area within a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) of a First Observer (FO), a second observation area within a VLOS of a second observer (SO), and a transition area within the VLOS of both the FO and the SO, the method including: the vehicle moving into the transition area after completing part of the mission within the first observation area, in sight of the FO; and in response to the vehicle moving into the transition area, determining whether the vehicle is in sight of the SO. The vehicle is including multiple processing systems in wireless communication with multiple remote user interfaces and a radar sensor mounted on the vehicle using a moveable mount for moving the radar sensor between different radar orientations, the radar sensor generating a range signal.