Surveying busy, complex rail corridors with Hi-Definition LiDAR

We receive various questions regarding survey of rail corridors.  Depending on the project application and what the overall project goal is will determine the best method of obtaining the survey data needed for design and maintenance of the corridor.

Mapping assets such as road signs or railway furniture is an essential way for many industries to record and maintain their assets. By using high definition LiDAR (HD-LiDAR) AXIS can map assets without imposing the danger or inconvenience of site visits. In addition there are no train delays to perform the survey.

With this data you can easily:

• Modify track networks to facilitate faster & more efficient movement of trains
• Obtain detailed surveys of the top of rail and overhead catenary and transmission lines for the design
• Determine suitability of surface material for support of additional tracks 
• Monitor existing drainage pattern along the track bed
• Monitor vegetation to prevent fire hazards and allow for clear visibility

In addition you can obtain timely information on building proximity for rail corridor design.  HD-LiDAR survey data can be processed and delivered in various platforms such as AutoCAD, Microstation, ArcGIS and more. 

Just recently we provided Airborne & Mobile LiDAR and mapping in support of a local tunnel replacement project.  After evaluating the project requirements we felt this was the best option to fuse the two technologies, providing the client with a Hi-Definition 3D model. Utilizing final classified LAS files we were able to identify and digitize planimetric data for top and bottom of rail, catenary wires and tunnel portal openings features.

For more information or to review a few recent projects visit http://www.axisgeospatial.com

or contact us below for a free consultation.

6 Myths about HD-LIDAR

Today we will dispel the following Myths and Rumors which once were facts in our industry:

• LiDAR is only useful in planning applications
• LiDAR is inaccurate
• Photogrammetry is more accurate/better than LiDAR
• LiDAR requires photogrammetry (imagery)
• Requires separate flights for Imagery and LiDAR
• Not suitable for design-scale civil engineering applications

LiDAR is only useful in planning applications

HD-LiDAR (Hi-Def LiDAR) is currently being used for hi-accuracy mapping.  This design-scale ready data provides better value through more data serving more applications with one effort.

LiDAR is inaccurate
We are currently obtaining vertical accuracies averaging .05' from altitudes of 1,200' to 2,500' AMT.  This is from fixed-wing aircraft, no helicopter is required.

Photogrammetry is more accurate/better than LiDAR
Unlike photogrammetry, LiDAR is not reliant on ground control for accuracy and precision.  LiDAR requires significantly less ground control points with more flexibility in placement.

LiDAR requires photogrammetry (imagery)
Design scale ready HD-LiDAR achieves detail logistically unobtainable through any other survey, technological means.  HD-LiDAR needs only one, precision ground control point for absolute positions; the remaining points are for QA/QC.

Requires separate flights for Imagery and LiDAR

HD-LiDAR and Imagery is adjusted and ready for use within 24-48 hours from flight.

Not suitable for design-scale civil engineering applications
The LiDAR point cloud/surface is more useful than contours.  HD-LiDAR provides a more comprehensive, detailed terrain and landscape surface for engineering.

See these facts live with a HD-LiDAR demo by clicking below.

AXIS Environmental Project featured in LiDAR Magazine

AXIS HD-LiDAR is being requested and acquired for several environmental projects here on the East Coast.  Recent data acquired assisted our client with evaluating the yearly changes in the beach environment along a corridor in New York.

HD-LiDAR Point Cloud

Check out LiDAR Magazine and learn more about this on page 12.

Corridor Mapping with HD-LiDAR Technology

From railway corridors to pipeline routes, easily capture terrain data while flying over complex corridors quickly and efficiently with Airborne HD-LiDAR.

HD-LiDAR provides highly accurate and precise elevation data for digital terrain modeling of the ground surface, as well as information on buildings, trees, power lines and everything else the laser hits.

Safety, ease of access and quick turn-around are just a few of the benefits from this design scale surveying technology.

Easily obtain survey grade data for rugged, heavily vegetated, dangerous and inaccessible areas.  In addition, imagery and LiDAR are captured simultaneously in a single flight.  The flight capture and initial processing are complete within 24 hours on average.

You can eliminate land owner/traffic interference while minimizing risk to field surveyors due to reduced ground-based requirements.  HD-LiDAR needs only one precision ground control point for absolute positions.  The remaining points are for QA/QC. 

Vertical accuracies averaging .05'

Deliverables include:

• LAS Point Cloud data
• Digital elevation model
• Contours
• 2D and 3D breaklines
• Intensity images
• 3D Cross Sections

You can achieve detail logistically unobtainable through any other survey, technological means. 

To see a HD-LiDAR demo please contact us below.  We can show you in your office or online whichever is more convenient for you.

Please forward to your team or share with your colleagues below.

AXIS Provides Campus Mapping to local University

AXIS recently provided planimetric mapping services to the University of Delaware for the entire campus.  This data will be used to manage infrastructure, buildings, utilities, land use and planning.  In addition the planimetric source data will be used for stormwater sewer modeling updates.

Services

• Airborne HD-LiDAR & Imagery Acquisition
• HD-LiDAR Collection @ ~4.7 ppsm point density; RGB Color Stereo Imagery Collection at .24′ GSD pixel resolution; AGPS/IMU Processing; Initial Raw Data Processing
• Ground Control Survey
• Aerotriangulation
• LiDAR Processing for Strip-Adjustments; Classification and QA/QC
• Digital Ortho Processing for TRUE COLOR Digital OrthoImage Tiles with a pixel resolution of 0.25′
• Project Management
• QA/QC
• 1″=40′ Planimetric Feature Extraction and DTM Finalization

Deliverables:

• 40’ scale Planimetrics, DTM data and 1′ Topography in  AutoCAD and Geodatabase file format adhering to AXIS’ CADD STANDARDS
• TRUE COLOR Digital OrthoImages in TIFF/TFW format

For more information on AXIS campus surveying services please visit Campus Services or Contact Us.

Ensure your team have the resources necessary to do their job

There's an old saying in project development that, goes something like "Fast, good or cheap. Pick two." Known as the Project Management Triangle or Iron Triangle.

Ensure your team have the resources necessary to do their job. 

Don’t waste time, money and effort on a bad design due to bad data.

Successfully present an accurate existing conditions plan to your design team while having confidence in your ground surface data.

Looking for guidance in evaluating the validity and usefulness of free internet LiDAR data?

Download this free technical exploration of Airborne LiDAR whitepaper below.

AXIS Hires Senior Executive Director of Geospatial Data Production

Easton, Maryland – AXIS Geospatial LLC is pleased to announce that Gary Rockwell has joined its Team as Director of Geospatial Data Production.  Overseeing the firm’s data production operations, Rockwell will lead and expand AXIS’ offering, efficiency, capacity and capability to meet corporate objectives.

With over 33 years’ experience in the management, business development and implementation of mapping and engineering systems, he has worked with a wide variety of government agencies, private organizations, professional associations and individuals.

Mr. Rockwell will be responsible for managing the day to day mapping production operations to ensure AXIS continues to uphold a high level of client satisfaction through continuous assurance and improvements in GeoCapture technology, processes, services and deliverables.

With a diverse background in GIS, Engineering, and Mapping Consulting, Gary brings significant experience in managing and performing digital aerial imagery acquisition, digital orthoimagery production, airborne & mobile LiDAR production, CADD production for design-scale applications as well as GIS applications and deliverables.  He has been developing technology solutions for the engineering and GIS industry for over 30 years.  Many of his early solutions in tax mapping, engineering design, standards and process automation are still in use today. 

“Gary brings decades of experience to AXIS in both operations and business development.  I am delighted to have Gary’s experience, skillset and positive attitude as part of the Team”, says Justin Lahman President/CEO of AXIS GeoSpatial LLC.  “He will play a key role in AXIS’ future growth as well as assist in expanding our spectrum of geospatial solutions, intelligence and service offering."

Prior to AXIS, Rockwell worked at Palura Systems, 3DI Corporation, Civil Solutions Inc. and Raytheon Engineers where he was responsible for revenue growth, customizing engineering and mapping application solutions and overall project and team management.  Mr. Rockwell studied Business Management at the University of Maryland and has over 30 years of programming and data development experience. 

To learn more about AXIS services and solutions please call Erica Insley at 410.822.1441 or