Spatial Asset Management using Laser Scanning
Julian Armstrong
Director
North Surveys Pty Ltd
Executive Summary
North Surveys is a leader in the provision of 3D laser scanning services to Government, Industry, Infrastructure operators and other consultants.
We have provided to our clients unique solutions to collect their spatial data requirements for them to better understand & manage their assets. Without the use of innovative 3D laser scanning this would not have been previously possible. Three separate projects will be presented to outline the use of innovative 3D laser scanning;
Motorway Pavement Monitoring
A Brisbane motorway operator is required to manage the performance of their pavement, of which a component is to measure spatial movement of the road surface on an annual basis. To undertake the required measurements using conventional survey techniques would require significant road disruption, lane closures and greater risk to site personnel. The solution to these challenges was to use Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS). The MLS survey was undertaken in one day and data processed to provide automated tolerance exception reporting and graphical plan outputs.
Sewer Manhole Management
A SE Queensland City Council is currently updating their sewer pump station network. They required data for condition reporting and also spatial analysis. To survey sewer wet wells has been problematic in the past due to the unsanitary environment of the manhole and also the inaccessibility of undertaking measurements within deep manholes. The solution was to undertake an inverted 3D laser scan of the manholes. The results were delivered using a simplified GIS delivery system.
Road Corridor Asset Management
Another SE Queensland City Council is currently undertaking mapping of their road corridor assets over 1500km’s in length. Previously they did not have a comprehensive record of the spatial information, and specifically features that were unknown altogether. To capture all of this information in a timely manner over such a vast area required a simple and effective data capture method. Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) of the entire Council road network was undertaken and assets such as kerbs, manholes, road signage, poles and other items were modelled. The dataset was delivered in a software suite suitable for Council to then use in-house. Further value was then added to the original project brief through additional extraction of information at a later stage to assist with other Council planning requirements, such as flood modelling.
