TerrainSLAM
Technology
Absolute positioning for fixed-wing UAVs — without GPS, without compromise. Our patented technology navigates using the terrain itself.
Core Capabilities
GPS-Independent Positioning
TerrainSLAM provides absolute global coordinates without receiving any satellite signal. This is not relative tracking or dead reckoning — the system determines its true position on the Earth's surface, continuously and autonomously.
When GPS is jammed, spoofed, or simply unavailable, TerrainSLAM continues to navigate. The aircraft always knows where it is.
Environmental Resilience
Real-world conditions are unpredictable. Heat shimmer distorts imagery over desert terrain. Fog and haze reduce visibility. Lighting changes throughout the day and across seasons.
TerrainSLAM automatically detects and compensates for atmospheric conditions in real-time. The system adapts its processing to maintain accuracy regardless of what the environment throws at it.
Altitude Adaptability
Different altitudes present different challenges. The terrain looks fundamentally different from 50 metres than it does from 500 metres. Feature sizes change, detail levels shift, and the field of view transforms.
TerrainSLAM automatically adjusts its processing approach as altitude changes, ensuring optimal performance across the entire flight envelope — from low-altitude inspection runs to high-altitude survey missions.
Fixed-Wing Optimised
Most visual navigation systems are designed for quadcopters — aircraft that can hover, move slowly, and observe from any angle. Fixed-wing aircraft are fundamentally different: higher speeds, forward-only flight, and no ability to stop and re-observe.
TerrainSLAM is purpose-built for fixed-wing dynamics from the ground up. Every aspect of the system accounts for the unique geometry, speed, and flight characteristics of fixed-wing UAVs.
Hardware Platform
Affordable Edge Computing
TerrainSLAM runs entirely on affordable, off-the-shelf embedded hardware. No expensive LiDAR sensors, no specialised processors, no cloud connectivity required. Everything happens onboard, at the edge.
Compatible with popular embedded platforms including Raspberry Pi and NVIDIA Jetson families. Affordable off-the-shelf hardware — a fraction of the cost of competing solutions that require expensive specialised equipment.
Seamless Integration
No Complex Frameworks
Unlike competing solutions that require ROS or other complex software stacks, TerrainSLAM has minimal dependencies. Deploy in minutes, not days.
Autopilot Compatible
Plug-and-play integration with leading open-source and commercial autopilot platforms. No custom firmware modifications required.
Flexible Telemetry
Multiple communication options to suit your operational requirements. The system adapts to your existing infrastructure.
How We Compare
| Feature | TerrainSLAM | Typical Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Fixed-wing optimised | Quadcopter focused |
| Complex Software Stack | Not required | Usually required (ROS, etc.) |
| Hardware Cost | Affordable COTS | Expensive specialised equipment |
| Environmental Adaptation | Automatic | Limited or none |
| Deployment Complexity | Simple — minutes | Complex — days to weeks |
| GPS Dependency | Zero | Partial or full |
| Positioning Type | Absolute (global coordinates) | Often relative only |
| Patent Protected | Yes — AU/US pending | Varies |