FAQs

Who makes Instagrain?

Our company is Sediment.

What is Instagrain?

Instagrain is used for rapid, image-based grain size characterization in the field.

How fast is grain size prediction with Instagrain?

~3 seconds.

How does Instagrain Work?

Instagrain uses a Machine Learning (ML) model to predict grain size directly from images. The ML model has been developed with ~50k images of sediment.

What grain sizes does Instagrain measure?

The cameras operating window is coarse silt (~0.05mm) to coarse pebble/gravel (~32mm). Output from the model reports the grain size at pre-determine cumualtive grain size percentiles from D2 through D98. Each prediction is also paired with a 1 sigma uncertainty estimate.

How do I get my data off the device?

Operators can plug the device into a computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux), and the camera mounts as a disk drive. Simple menus guide an operator how to do this. The data is stored as a CSV and inlcudes date, time, elevation, latitude, longitude, grain size distribtions, graphs, pictures, and uncertaintty estimates

Why use Instagrain?

Measuring sediment grain size is traditionally slow and requires a lab. If you need grain size in the field or if grain size is slowing your project down, Instagrain will help you.

Where has Instagrain been used?

You can explore past Instagrain deployments and field locations on the Instagrain map.

What is the typical lead time?

Current lead time is 50 days.

Is Instagrain waterproof?

Not yet.

What does a purchase include?

Each purchase includes 1 INSTAGRAIN camera, 1 battery, 1 Pelican transport case with custom cut foam, as well as manuals and other user resources.