Ouster OS2

The Ouster OS2 is a long-range spinning LiDAR from the USA with a narrow vertical field of view of 22.5°. It is meant for mid-sized multicopters measuring from greater height or distance.

The manufacturer quotes 200 m at 10 % reflectivity and at most 400 m. The point rate is 2.62 million per second in the 1024 × 10 mode with dual echo; two echoes per pulse capture ground and vegetation at once. The vertical field of view of 22.5° is narrow, and the rotation covers the full circle horizontally. Precision is quoted as ±2 cm (Max Precision) and describes the repeatability of the range measurement, not the accuracy of a finished point cloud.

The scanner is a laser device, and the laser class given by the manufacturer is to be observed. The weight counts towards the take-off mass of the aircraft, whose EU class limits are 4 kg (C2) and 25 kg (C3 and C4). Point clouds of built-up areas and images of people fall under data-protection law, and the operator must be registered.

The OS2 trades field of view for range: it sees far ahead but only a narrow strip in height. For mapping from flying height the narrow field of view fits, for tight spaces the OS0 is more suitable. The number of points depends on the chosen mode, so the measurement mode must be carried along in comparisons. For georeferenced data, an external IMU and a GNSS are needed. The rotation motor with its bearings is the wear part; the window must stay clean.