Dutch surveying company Geomaat has developed a unique method of measuring safety barrier heights on European roads. Using the mobile laser mapping system StreetMapper and automated feature extraction software, Geomaat can now process laser scanned point cloud to determine the height of the existing barrier. The software then automatically codes the georeferenced 3D model, green for acceptable and red for requiring attention.

Geomaat are also exploring the use of StreetMapper data to identify and record the locations of the miniscule detection wires located along the highway. Used to record traffic volumes, speeds and temperatures, for example, these provide essential intelligence for highways managers. In a similar development Geomaat is using the same point cloud data to calculate clearances and free heights along the highway prior to extensive resurfacing projects.

“The fundamental difference of using StreetMapper versus traditional surveying techniques for highways surveys, is that we can, and do, measure everything; quickly and with minimal disruption to other road users,” commented Jolle Jelle de Vries, Managing Director of Geomaat. “That means that when additional questions arise during the course of the project we already have the answers.”

“In addition to the highly accurate point cloud measurements StreetMapper also allows us to capture 360 degree georeferenced images,” continued de Vries. “These allow us to visualise the DTM, design, barriers etc in the real world context.”

These exciting developments are a result of extensive survey projects in the southern part of the Netherlands. Working on behalf of many of the civil construction companies awarded highways maintenance projects by the Dutch Road Administration Geomaat has surveyed more than 400 kilometres of road. Using StreetMapper Geomaat was able to complete the data capture element of the project within just four days, and within four weeks they had produced a DTM and complete pavement design with milling and asphalt figures. This compares to a project length in excess of 3 months for more traditional data capture and processing methodologies.

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.

CONTACTS:

Charlie Whyman, 3D Laser Mapping Ltd, charlie.whyman@3dlasermapping.com, tel: +44 (0) 1949 838 004, www.3dlasermapping.com