Remote validation is a diagnostic service that allows Emesent to assess whether a Hovermap payload is operating within calibration tolerance, without requiring the unit to be returned for physical service.
By reviewing a short validation scan and supporting information, Emesent can identify early signs of calibration drift, hardware misalignment, or sensor performance issues, and recommend appropriate next steps. Remote validation helps minimise operational downtime while providing confidence in system performance.
Remote validation is not intended for reporting aircraft or flight-related incidents.
If Hovermap was involved in an event during Autonomous or Pilot Assist flight, submit an Aircraft Incident Report immediately via the Emesent Support Portal.
Operational safety guidance. If Hovermap has experienced a significant impact or is showing abnormal behaviour:
Do not continue using Pilot Assist or Autonomous flight modes until validation is complete.
Mapping mode remains safe to operate; however, calibration deviations may affect data accuracy.
Overview
What is Remote Validation?
Remote validation is a structured technical assessment performed by Emesent engineers using customer-provided scan data.
The assessment evaluates key performance indicators such as:
Sensor alignment.
Calibration stability.
Encoder behaviour.
IMU performance.
LiDAR data integrity.
Point-to-plane precision.
The goal is to confirm that Hovermap continues to perform consistently with factory calibration parameters.
Why does Remote Validation matter?
Calibration can be affected by operational events such as impacts, transport vibration, or environmental exposure.
Early validation helps:
Detect issues before they impact mission outcomes.
Reduce the risk of collecting degraded mapping data.
Avoid unexpected operational interruptions.
Support proactive maintenance planning.
Remote validation helps avoid unnecessary equipment returns and reduce operational disruption.
Understanding remote validation
When should I request Remote Validation?
Request a remote validation whenever there is uncertainty about the condition or performance of Hovermap.
Recommended trigger events
Request validation if the unit has experienced:
A drop, collision, or hard landing.
Transport damage.
Abnormal vibration.
Unexpected flight or mapping behaviour.
Noticeable degradation in data quality.
Repeated SLAM instability.
Preventative validation (best practice)
Even without a specific incident, Emesent recommends periodic validation for heavily utilised systems.
Suggested guideline:
Usage profile | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
High utilisation / critical operations | Every 3 to 6 months |
Moderate usage | Every 6 to 12 months |
Low usage / standby equipment | Annually |
Remote validation does not replace scheduled servicing but complements a proactive maintenance strategy.
How often can Remote Validation be requested?
There is no strict limit on remote validation requests; however, the service is intended for diagnostic and preventative purposes. Excessive requests without a clear operational reason may be reviewed by Client Support.
For payloads approaching or exceeding 12 months since their last calibration, Emesent may recommend returning the unit for service rather than performing repeated remote validations.
Submitting a request
What is required for Remote Validation?
To complete the assessment, Emesent requires a short validation dataset captured according to the guidelines below.
Failure to follow these requirements may delay the review process.
Validation scan requirements
Perform a handheld closed-loop scan that meets the following criteria:
Start and finish the scan in the same location.
Capture outdoors in an environment with sufficient structure and features.
Maintain continuous walking throughout the scan.
Target a duration of approximately 2 minutes.
Include flat surfaces such as building walls at multiple observation ranges.
Collect point returns near the scanner's maximum range:
Hovermap ST: approximately 100 m.
Hovermap ST-X: approximately 300 m.
Strongly recommended. Provide a short reference video or photos of the scan environment. This assists engineers in validating surfaces and interpreting the dataset more accurately.
How do I request Remote Validation?
Submit a request using the Remote Validation Form available via the Emesent Support Portal.
The form requires the following information:
Primary contact details.
Hovermap serial number.
Hovermap model.
Supporting images or video (recommended).
If a dataset link cannot be provided, Client Support will supply a secure upload location.
What happens after submission?
Request review. Client Support verifies that the dataset meets capture requirements.
Engineering assessment. Emesent engineers analyse the data to evaluate calibration and sensor performance.
Outcome communication. The submitter receives clear guidance outlining whether the unit is:
Operating within calibration tolerance.
Showing early signs of deviation.
Recommended for monitoring.
Recommended for service or recalibration.
Response times may vary depending on operational demand and dataset complexity.
Limitations
What are the limitations of Remote Validation?
Remote validation is highly effective but cannot identify every possible issue.
A physical inspection may still be required if:
Hardware damage is suspected.
Sensor alignment is outside tolerance.
Data indicates a mechanical shift.
Intermittent faults are detected.
Remote validation is a diagnostic assessment and does not replace scheduled servicing or physical calibration performed by Emesent.
Related documentation and support
For assistance, contact the regional Emesent partner or the Emesent Client Support team.