StreetMapper Maps America

26 November 2008, 12:25pm

North American cities have been documented at speed using StreetMapper, the world’s most accurate laser mobile mapping system. StreetMapper, which uses vehicle mounted laser scanners to capture highly detailed and accurate measurements at speed, was developed and supplied to Terrametrix, LLC a high precision surveying company located in Omaha, Nebraska by UK based 3D Laser Mapping. Using StreetMapper Terrametrix completed a 3,690 mile, 6 city tour in just eight days, capturing highly accurate 3D models of urban highways, interstate, trolley routes and a prestigious international sporting venue and even taking part in a national competition to collect highway asset information.

Terrametrix started their tour in Kansas where StreetMapper was used to map 6.6 miles of urban interstate highways and ramps in just 2 hours. The collected data was used to produce a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the paved surfaces and comparison of the data with ground truth shots showed an RMS error of less than 0.06ft and cross sectional checks of 0.02ft or better.

Terrametrix then proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio where StreetMapper was used to scan a 3 mile trolley route, performing well in an urban canyon environment surrounded by tall buildings and tree canopy. The next stop on the tour was north of the border where StreetMapper showed its versatility scanning a prestigious international sporting venue at night. Returning south, a major urban interchange was mapped in Newark, NJ and 11 miles of urban four lane freeway and interstate were scanned in Washington, DC. This stretch had previously been surveyed using static laser scanning and StreetMapper data was used for comparison with these results.

“Like any other tool in the surveyors toolbox there is a time and a place to use a particular tool and StreetMapper is no different,” commented Michael R. Frecks, Terrametrix, LLC President. “There are multiple benefits of using the StreetMapper system on the right project; safety to the survey crew and travelling public and the speed of data acquisition make the system a ‘no brainer’ on typical traditional survey projects.”

In Raleigh, NC, Terrametrix was one of only 8 vendors to compete in a challenging 92 mile test track for highway asset and data collection. Terrametrix, using StreetMapper, focused on the bridge heights portion of the rodeo, capturing measurements for comparison with ground truth data collected manually by the North Carolina DOT (NCDOT) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). Steve Varnedoe, Chief Engineer at NCDOT, stated during the final comments of the conference “the most exciting application we have seen out of this conference has been capturing bridge heights while keeping our surveyors safe”.

StreetMapper is a result of a joint venture between 3D Laser Mapping, German guidance and navigation specialist IGI mbH and technology company Riegl. 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.

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.

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, 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. StreetMapper has a proven place in the Terrametrix toolbox.

Contact: Dr Graham Hunter, 3D Laser Mapping Ltd, graham@3dlasermapping.com
tel: +44 (0) 870 442 9400, www.3dlasermapping.com

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