Terrametrix LLC, an Omaha based survey technology company, is using StreetMapper, the worlds most accurate mobile mapping system, to survey more than 7,000 bridges in California. Consulting to Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, Terrametrix is collecting survey grade measurements using vehicle mounted lasers. By using the StreetMapper system Terremetrix is able to capture as built data of existing infrastructure at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional survey methods.
The StreetMapper technology offers proven, survey grade accuracies with final positional accuracies of better than 0.03 with appropriate survey control, commented Michael R. Frecks, Terrametrix, LLC President. Relative positional accuracies of better than 0.02 in raw data make StreetMapper a very useful tool for bridge height surveys.
Terrametrix was contracted by Caltrans to undertake detailed surveys of 7,250 bridges throughout the state of California. Driving the need were revised standards of the Federal Highway Administration bridge inspection programme. These standards required the longitude and latitude location of each bridge to be established as well as a measurement of minimum clearance, both horizontally and vertically. Caltrans specifically requested documentation at highway speeds, transparent to the travelling public, without impeding traffic making StreetMapper the obvious choice.
Working with Allpoint Systems, Terrametrix developed an innovative workflow to process the 531 terabytes of data collected by the StreetMapper system. Automated feature extraction, using completed statistical algorithms, allows road surfaces to be identified, bridge data isolated, and noise, such as traffic on the highway, removed. This workflow combines such automation to remove mundane tasks while still retaining the involvement of surveyors at key decision making points.
The combination of being able to collect data at normal traffic speeds and the automated extraction addresses traditional unsafe data collection methods, both for the surveyor and the travelling public, and time consuming data extraction, continued Frecks. Using this methodology we are able to deliver results in 1 day instead of one month completing survey projects in a tenth of the time.
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 1,100,000 measurements per second per sensor and recorded accuracies in independent real world projects of better than 10 millimetres.
CONTACTS:
USA: Michael R Frecks, mfrecks@terrametrix3d.com,402 -618-3165,ww.terrametrix3d. com
UK: Charlie Whyman, 3D Laser Mapping Ltd, charlie.whyman@3dlasermapping. com, tel: +44 (0) 1949 838 004, www.3dlasermapping.com
Notes to Editors
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
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
Terrametrix, LLC is driven by the extensive experience Michael R. Frecks 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, Michaels 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
Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of improving mobility across California with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center. For further information see www.dot.ca.gov
