Exploring the Unreachable: Emesent’s Hovermap ST-X at Candrone Demo Da

At Candrone Demo Day 2025, we were thrilled to welcome Daniel Porter from Emesent, who gave an in-depth look at one of the most versatile and intelligent mapping systems in the drone industry today: the Hovermap ST-X. Interviewed by Jacky Heshi, Daniel broke down how this cutting-edge payload isn’t just another LiDAR scanner—it’s an autonomy powerhouse that pushes the boundaries of where and how we can capture data.

What Is the Hovermap ST-X?

The Hovermap ST-X is both a mapping and autonomy payload, making it much more than just a LiDAR scanner. Mounted here on a DJI M300 (and also compatible with the M350), the Hovermap ST-X gives drones the ability to autonomously explore and map complex, GPS-denied environments—from industrial sites and underground tunnels to dense forests and interior spaces.

One of the newest features is Exploration Mode, where users can define a 3D volume—essentially drawing a digital cube—and assign the Hovermap to autonomously scan everything within it. It will safely navigate through obstacles while capturing a detailed point cloud, and then return to base, all without direct pilot control.

Drone Autonomy Meets Collision Avoidance

When mounted on a compatible drone, the Hovermap ST-X not only communicates with the aircraft but also creates a collision avoidance “safety bubble.” Whether you’re flying autonomously or manually, this system enhances situational awareness by avoiding nearby structures, reducing the risk of crashes and equipment loss.

Beyond the Skies: Versatile Mounting Options

One of the standout qualities of the Hovermap ST-X is its multi-platform versatility. In addition to being drone-mountable, it can also be used as a backpack-mounted system, allowing users to walk through environments that drones may not be able to access.

For example:

Tunnels, underground facilities, or dense indoor spaces
Remote or obstructed areas where GPS signals are unavailable
Sites where walking is simply faster and more efficient than flying

The backpack setup includes an RTK GNSS receiver (like the Emlid shown at the event), enabling users to georeference the SLAM-based point cloud data. Emesent also supports integrations with Trimble and Leica rovers.

SLAM Mapping Without Boundaries

While systems like DJI’s Zenmuse L2 are fantastic for aerial-only scans in open environments, the Hovermap ST-X excels in complex, GPS-denied settings. Its strength lies in combining SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) with GNSS correction, making it ideal for users who need all-around mapping—not just from the sky, but on the ground and even indoors.

Emesent also offers a wide range of accessories to expand deployment options:

Vehicle mounts
Protective cages for confined space inspection
Telescopic poles for vertical access
And more—if you can imagine it, you can likely scan it with the ST-X.

What About the M400?

With DJI's Matrice 400 entering the market, many operators are wondering about compatibility. Daniel confirmed that integration with the M400 is currently in development, ensuring Emesent continues to stay aligned with DJI’s latest platforms.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're surveying a mining tunnel, scanning an industrial facility, or mapping dense vegetation, the Hovermap ST-X delivers unmatched flexibility, autonomy, and mapping power. Its ability to adapt across drones, backpacks, vehicles, and more makes it the ultimate solution for professionals who demand complete spatial awareness—no matter the environment.