GEO-MMS FOR RAILROAD MAPPING PROJECT
LEVERAGING UAV AND GROUND-BASED LIDAR FOR CRITICAL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT
There has been a growing consensus globally regarding the importance of public transport, including a revival of rail for both public and freight transport after having been neglected throughout much of the 20th centu- ry. Once-impressive rail networks became obso- lete as the global population became increas-
ingly dependent on automobiles. A century or so of neglect has now left many tracks in poor condition – leading to unsafe conditions.
For their continued development, railway structural integrity must be assessed quantitatively. LiDAR provides an excellent option for such assessment, due to its high scan rate, high point densities and speed of data processing.
Besides railway inspection and monitoring, the rail industry more generally is inclining towards the need for system-wide data to be fed into integrated models, not dissimilar to the role of BIM in the AEC industries. This also feeds into planning for new lines and related infrastructure – ‘Visualize before you realize’.
RAIL-MOUNTED SOLUTION
LiDAR mobile mapping units such as the Geo-ECTO product line are frequently used on ground-vehicles for mapping and surveying of roads, bridges, powerlines, power poles, etc. What may not be as widely known is that the same methods can be applied to rail infrastructure using different vehicle types. All Geodetics’ LiDAR systems can be seamlessly transitioned from UAV to ground vehicle – including modified rail platforms. Depending on the LiDAR FOV, the unit can also capture surrounding ground topography and encroachment of features such as vegetation, shifted fences, utility poles, etc. This proves useful when performing work on rail corridors tens or hundreds of kilometers long. Topographical undulations along the route are highlighted and encroaching features are classified into layered risk categories.
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www.geodetics.com
GEODETICS PRODUCTS
UAV MOUNTED PLATFORMS
GEODETICS PRODUCTS
Rail-mounted platforms are useful for capturing detailed point clouds over extensive corridor routes. For more concentrated analyses of a singular section of rail, or for performing LiDAR scans on areas not exclusively targeting railway lines, UAVs are well accustomed due to their ease of use, rapid set up, and aerial maneuverability.
UAV platforms offer a non-intrusive data collection method, avoiding interruption to train operations along the targeted corridor route. The range limitations of battery-powered UAVs can be overcome with use of hybrid gasoline-electric UAVs, which Geodetics also supports. UAV-LiDAR also proves useful for planning of future rail infrastructure. Rail route identification and integration into existing networks is multi-factorial, and the benefits LiDAR data provides are valuable for all stakeholders involved. The systems can be leveraged to optimize rail route efficiency and assist in environmental consultancy work required for the pre-planning stages. The capabilities of LiDAR offer a dual benefit: the accuracy of the data itself – its reliability and repeatability; and avoiding field visits by survey personnel taking manual measurements, limiting human involvement and risk.
Railroad mapping and inspection is just one application of Geodetics’ Geo-MMS product line. Other applications include:
• Quarrying • Agriculture • Surveillance
• Coastal Management • Emergency Response • Riparian Environments
• BIM • Mining • Military
• Land Surveying • Urban Planning • Transport Planning • Many others…
• Environmental Assessment • Construction & Infrastructure • Powerline & Utility Management • Renewable Energies
• Geology • Security • Forestry • Oil & Gas
www.geodetics.com
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