StreetMapper takes to the road in Sweden

19 June 2008, 10:31am

Sweden’s roads are being mapped in 3D using the latest laser technology developed by Nottingham based 3D Laser Mapping. The laser surveying project is being managed by WSP, one of the worlds leading consultant companies, who are using 3D Laser Mapping’s StreetMapper system to create detailed 3D models of the highway network across Sweden.

StreetMapper, which is a joint development between 3D Laser Mapping and German guidance and navigation specialist IGI, was successfully trialled by WSP last year and is now being used in a live project to map 350km of highway network. It uses a series of vehicle mounted lasers combined with an on board positioning system to capture highly detailed and accurate measurements of the road surface, roadside assets and associated features. The StreetMapper 3D models will be delivered by WSP to the Swedish Road Administration to support road construction projects.

“Having successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the StreetMapper system during field trials last year we are now using data from the system in live projects including a contract with the Swedish Road Administration,” said Sven-Gösta Rundqvist of WSP Sweden. “The StreetMapper system captures measurements with centimetre accuracy at normal traffic speeds reducing disruption to other road users, improving the safety of survey personnel yet still delivering first class results.”

StreetMapper uses well-proven laser scanning technology to capture highly accurate measurements at speeds of up to 70 km per hour. A series of laser scanners can be mounted on virtually any vehicle and arranged to suit the specific requirements of the survey project. Each scanner has a range of 150 metres, an 80-degree field of view and can capture up to 10,000 measurements per second. When combined with an on board Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) StreetMapper can achieve positional accuracies of up to 3 centimetres.

The WSP Group is a global business providing management and consultancy services to the built and natural environment. Established in the UK in 1970’s the Group now employs approximately 9,500 staff with a network of 250 offices operating across 6 main, geographic regions. WSP Sweden AB, part of the WSP Group, offers a multi disciplinary capability across property and industry, transportation and infrastructure and environment sectors. The StreetMapper project is part of a framework agreement with the Swedish Road Administration, the national authority assigned overall responsibility for the entire road transport system, to provide survey services.

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

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