High-definition surveying
Surveying at the speed of light
High-definition surveying High-definition surveying (HDS) is a non-intrusive means of rapidly collecting detailed and accurate as-built data. A 3D laser scanner emits a narrow, eye-safe laser beam that sweeps across a target object, such as a bridge or a building, gathering millions of closely spaced measurements (points with a unique X, Y, and Z, values) in a matter of minutes. These scanned measurements are collected and grouped into a comprehensive point cloud database that can be easily manipulated on a standard desktop or laptop computer. This data can be viewed, navigated, and analyzed much like a 3D model created in a traditional CAD system.
Typical deliverables • • • • • • • For the Myakka River Bridge pursuit, Atkins scanned and photographed the bridge using a Leica C10 laser scanner.
For the Aeropuerto Internacional de Isla Verde (San Juan, PR), Atkins is provided topographical surveying information using HDS. This included the recovery and establishment of horizontal and vertical control.
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Atkins provided HDS and mapping services at Fort Jefferson, Florida, for the National Park Service. The surveys were part of a 3-year, $6 million project to stabilize and restore two of the fort’s walls.
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Building information models Digital terrain models Door/window schedules Electrical plants Floor plans Foundation plans Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record drawings Interior/exterior elevations Reflected ceiling plans Roof plans Sections Site plans Space and asset inventories Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment-compliant GIS data Structural plans
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Bridging the digital divide
An Atkins geomaticist takes precise measurements using the HDS ScanStation C10 on I-75, looking southbound near Atlanta, Georgia.
Clients • • • • • •
Construction companies Federal and state agencies Planners Structural engineers Toll authorities Transportation engineers
Benefits The North Texas Tollway Authority relied upon Atkins’ 3D laser scanning expertise for the widening of the Dallas North Tollway to assist in the design of additional lanes near the toll plaza. Atkins used a Leica HDS laser scanner to safely acquire the existing conditions data of the busy highway without closing or sending any personnel into traffic.
Use of HDS 3D laser scanning on I-124 (US 27) provided fast, efficient collection of as-built geometry with a higher level of accuracy than conventional survey methods.
• • • • • • • • •
Accurate Economic Fast Integrated Level of detail Non-intrusive Proven Safe Visual
Typical deliverables:
Using a HDS laser scanner, the Atkins team verified bridge clearances for an interchange just outside of Orlando Florida. This technology allowed field technicians to quickly and safely acquire enough data to verify the as-built bridge data and clearances, and model the entire roadway and bridge structure. This enabled the transportation engineers to modify their proposed design solution utilizing real world data; data that was ultimately used for design activities.
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• 3D models • Digital terrain models • Lane striping configuration plans • Orthorectified imagery • Sections, elevations, and profiles • Site plans • Structural plans • Surface deviation reports • Two-/three-dimensional planimetrics • Vertical/horizontal clearances
Gathering highly accurate, detailed survey data for improvements to existing roadways can be dangerous and expensive. Traditional surveying does not always provide the detail necessary for roadway improvement projects and can be dangerous in areas with heavy traffic. Keeping surveyors safe while obtaining accurate information often requires lane closures, which impedes traffic flow and increases time and expenses for the public. HDS is an accurate, cost-effective, and safe alternative. Laser measurement technology has improved the workflow and efficiency of surveying methods used for decades by enabling the capture of data at the speed of light. Using HDS, in conjunction with proven workflow procedures, Atkins offers detailed, costeffective topographic surveys of highways, tollways, urban arterial roadways, bridges, and elevated structures. Given the added value of acquiring more detailed data in less time without impacting traffic flow or interfering with daily operations is a valuable solution for today’s designer.
On a typical project, detailed 3D data is remotely captured with an average of 3-inch spacing or better throughout the project. The data is used to create detailed digital terrain models that provide a very accurate depiction of the roadway. Beyond typical topographic data, information such as the location of pavement failures, cracks, areas of stress and possible ponding, and aerial utilities within and beyond the project limits are easily identified. Atkins also uses this cutting-edge technology to collect precise deformation measurements to monitor surface deviations. In the past, it was not economically possible to capture this level of detail, but Atkins has repeatedly proven the benefits of this service to the transportation industry. Ground-based terrestrial laser scanning is safer, more accurate, and less expensive than light detection and ranging (LiDAR), lowaltitude mapping photography, or traditional surveying methods.
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Refining the as-built process
As-built versus “as-is”
Gathering detailed and accurate existing conditions of congested on- and off-shore facilities is a major challenge of any retrofit project. Atkins’ experience and background using the latest technology to collect reliable, as-built data for these types of projects has proven to reduce or eliminate costly field reworks, resulting in less down time and improved client/owner satisfaction. Our field crews are committed to ensuring our safety as well as the safety of those working in the vicinity of our projects. Through annual training, our field crews maintain all necessary safety, health, and environmental certifications and qualifications.
With more than 20 years of combined, diverse laser scanning expertise, our talented staff offers superior service, quick turn around, and competitive fees for federal and state agencies as well as architectural firms, small and large.
Once the data is collected, our experienced staff produces deliverables in the format requested by our clients using 3D modeling and point cloud processing. Atkins has established, long-term relationships and is recognized as an approved contractor with many of the leading oil and gas, petrochemical, and energy companies.
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Capturing accurate as-built documentation of existing buildings, structures, and sites in a timely and cost-effective manner has been a challenge for centuries. Construction drawings, when available, do not always reflect true, “as-is” conditions, and traditional as-built methods lack the accuracy and detail required by today’s architects and planners. Using the latest, ultra-fast laser scanning techniques, Atkins is capable of collecting dense 3D data in considerably less time, resulting in significant cost savings. We focus on providing effective and efficient information for each project and scope through the utilization of this efficient methodology. Proven CAD extraction procedures are implemented to provide clear and accurate records of existing conditions with concise details determined by architectural plan standards. Atkins delivers ready-to-use, accurate, as-is CAD architectural drawings (plans, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, sections, and profiles), orthorectified photographs (distortion-free, scaled images), 3D models, building information models (BIM), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) drawings, and laserscanned point clouds of buildings, structures, urban areas, and archeological sites.
Clients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Architects Building owners Construction companies Developers Engineers Fabrication and equipment manufacturers Facility/asset managers Facility managers Federal and state agencies Historians Homeowners Interior designers Planners Power and electric companies Oil and gas, petrochemical (on- and off-shore) Departments of Transportation
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Leica ScanStation C10, the new scanner in town
Class 3R laser product (eye-safe) Increased accuracy • Accuracy of single measurement (position: 6 mm [1/4”], distance – 4 mm [1/6”]) • Angle – 60 microradians • Modeled surface precision • 2 mm (1/12”) standard deviation Extremely mobile • • • • •
Half the weight of its predecessor the ScanStation2 Self-contained batteries Onboard software No cables Easily transportable
13X faster than its predecessor ScanSation 2 • High speed reduces field time while providing excellent range and survey-grade accuracy for each point • Up to 40% field savings vs. traditional methods
Cost benefits of using HDS
In addition to faster results, shorter project cycle times, higher level of detail, and unobtrusive data capture, HDS offers significant cost savings as compared to traditional surveying. This includes
Conventional survey approach: 10-acre boundary and survey
HDS survey approach: 10-acre boundary and survey Task
PSM
2-person crew
Survey technician
CAD technician
lower cost as-built and topographic surveys, reduction in number of return to site visits, and reduced downtime. This is further demonstrated by the direct comparison charts that directly follow.
Total hours
Task
PSM
4-person crew
CAD technician
Total hours 2
2
Preparation
Establish control
8
8
Establish control
8
8
Locate terrain features with HDS (10 acres daily)
8
8
Conventionally locate terrain features (2.5 acres daily)
40
40
Preparation
1
1
1
Survey technician 1
Storm and sanitary sewer location
1
4
5
Storm and sanitary sewer location
1
4
5
Property corner recovery and location
6
8
14
Property corner recovery and location
6
8
14
Processing
10
CAD
8
Boundary resolution and research
10
Quality assurance/ quality control
2
1
10
Processing
10
40
48
CAD
8
4
14
Boundary resolution and research
10
2
5
Quality assurance/ quality control
2
1
10 8
16
4
14
2
5 114
Unit total
20
28
20
46
114
Unit total
20
60
20
14
Unit cost
$125
$120
$95
$45
-
Unit cost
$125
$185
$95
$45
-
Total cost
$2,500
$3,360
$1,900
$2,070
$9,830
Total cost
$2,500
$11,100
$1,900
$630
$16,130
Unprecedented versatility • Uses targets, traverse, resection, or free-station registration and “geo-referencing” methods as site logistics • Self-contained unit
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Total cost savings: $6,300 (39%)
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Extremely detailed models are capable through the use of HDS point cloud data. Tampa International Airport Tampa, Florida
Because it works under the tree canopy, HDS eliminates obscure areas produced by aerial mapping. Rosery Road Belleair Bluffs, Florida
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