The world’s most accurate mobile mapping system StreetMapper has been used to collect design grade 3D data for a rail improvement project in New York. Supplied by 3D Laser Mapping, StreetMapper uses a series of vehicle mounted laser scanners to collect data at speed and with minimal risk to survey personnel. Selected by engineering firm CHA and operated by service provider Terrametrix the StreetMapper system was chosen as a rapid and more cost effective alternative to a conventional track survey.
“During the field work to establish the survey control it became obvious that the combination of train schedules and project duration would not allow for a traditional track survey. We therefore determined that mobile laser scanning would be the optimal solution,” commented Mr Jody Lounsbury, 3D Laser Scanning Manager in CHA’s Survey Services Group. “Due to the complexity of the project and the need for design grade data we selected Terrametrix and their StreetMapper system as survey partners.”
Owned and operated by Terrametrix the StreetMapper system was chosen for speed of data collection, accuracy of survey data and ease of use and interoperability of the millions of individual measurements collected by the vehicle mounted laser scanners. CHA combined the laser scan data with data from other sensors – including aerial mapping, static scanning and conventional survey.
“Survey day dawned and the true advantage of the StreetMapper system became apparent,” continued Lounsbury. “The ease with which the modular system of scanners, cameras, boxes, computers and wires was transferred from Terrametrix’s road vehicle to our clients Hi-Rail truck was amazing. As an experienced laser scanning professional I was also blown away to know the StreetMapper system was collecting all the data we required, in a single pass, while travelling at speeds of 40 miles per hour.”
“Our ultimate goal was to use the StreetMapper collected data in our in-house point cloud software. This has given us the ability to answer critical design questions on the project without having to revisit the field which has proved invaluable; saving time and increasing turnaround,” concluded Lounsbury.
Terrametrix has completed a number of rail mapping projects using the StreetMapper technology. These include the documentation of a particularly challenging 86 mile section of rail from Barstow to San Bernardino, California to support a fiber optic design project, 3.13 miles of subway tunnel on the east coast for tunnel location and depth analysis to above grade design structures, documenting two tracks, catenaries and poles in a fill section in a major metropolitan area that had no access or room to place a static scanner and multiple two to four mile projects to create topographic drawings used for the design of additional trackage.
“The StreetMapper system has worked flawlessly performing on rail projects which is very important since track time is king for our rail clients” said Michael R. Frecks, President of Terrametrix, LLC.
3D Laser Mapping’s StreetMapper, which incorporates an advanced navigation system from IGI, has been specifically designed for the rapid 3D mapping of highways, railways, infrastructure and buildings.
About StreetMapper
StreetMapper has been specifically designed for the rapid 3D mapping of highways, runways, railways, infrastructure and buildings. Using vehicle-mounted lasers offering a 360-degree field of view, StreetMapper enables high precision mapping to a range of 300 metres, a capacity of 550,000 measurements per second per sensor and recorded accuracies in independent real world projects of better than 10 millimetres. StreetMapper has been developed by UK based 3D Laser Mapping in conjunction with German based guidance and navigation specialist IGI mbH. The system employs the latest laser scanning technology for improved field performance and accuracy, precision navigation including a solution for reduced GPS coverage in urban areas, combined with a flexible, modular configuration and increased ease of use and deployment. For further information see www.streetmapper.com
About 3D Laser Mapping
3D Laser Mapping is a global developer of laser scanning solutions for sectors such as mapping, mining and manufacturing. 3D Laser Mapping specialises in integrating laser scanning hardware with their own software and peripherals to create solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Through a worldwide network of distributors 3D Laser Mapping is able to provide frontline support and service for a growing international client base. 3D Laser Mapping is also the Riegl Premier Distributor for the UK, Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa and the leading distributor of TerraScan software. For further information see www.3dlasermapping.com
About IGI
IGI mbH was founded in 1978. The primary goal of the company was to manage airborne sensor systems for flight guidance, sensor control using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and INS (Inertial Navigation Systems). Today the portfolio includes additional sensor systems using LiDAR, digital camera systems and thermal camera systems. IGI covers a wide variety of expertise in optics, electronics, mechanics, software development, and analytics through a team of highly qualified scientists, engineers and technicians. With over 30 years of experience, IGI offers not only integration of various sensors but also complete sensor systems for airborne and terrestrial survey missions. For further information see www.igi-systems.com
About Terrametrix
Terrametrix, LLC is driven by the extensive experience Michael R. Frecks, PLS, has in high tech 3D laser scanning as both an innovator in the industry as well as a consultant and advisor for its software development since 2000. Data collection experience and expertise is extensive in both the transportation and architectural disciplines. As a professional Land Surveyor since 1992, Michael’s approach to data documentation combining GPS, 3D laser scanners and INS, makes his approach more accurate, safer, faster, and cost efficient. His vast knowledge of scanner specifications; identifying software and hardware capabilities, how they interact with each other; beta testing of equipment and software; and his demand of high accuracy standards has advanced the evolution of acquiring as-built data documentation through 3D laser scanners. For further information see www.terrametrix3d.com