Mobile LiDAR Scanning

Mobile LiDAR: Transforming Data Collection

Mobile LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a powerful mapping method that uses laser scanning to identify roadway assets and related infrastructure quickly, accurately, and cost-efficiently.  Typically, LiDAR captures data for 30-50 miles of right-of-way a day, making it the ideal solution for use in asset management, geospatial (GIS), and surveying and mapping.

PILLAR offers laser scanning and mapping technology that identifies — down to the millimeter — a wide variety of assets along the roadway. PILLAR is versed in many different scanning platforms and provides the best platform to fit each client’s particular need. Scanning technology is diverse and each system has ideal use cases.

Our systems are typically comprised of laser scanners, high-grade GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and camera(s). The lasers give you points on solid objects, the GPS and IMU give the system it’s position on earth, and the camera helps with asset visualization by providing photographs of your assets in relation with the laser scan. Additionally, we can add systems such as a pavement analyzer, which measures the amount of cracking and roughness of the roadway.

PILLAR’s mobile LiDAR service includes a fully automatic feature extraction system (AFES), rather than traditional “point and click” semi-automatic extraction. This process can reduce cost and time 3-10 fold*.

More than 20 assets can be pulled from the AFES, including:

  • Signs
  • Guardrails
  • Bridge Clearances
  • Trees
  • Mowing Acreage
  • Striping
  • Ditches
  • Overhead utilities

If you don’t see an asset above, contact us to learn more about our full capabilities. In addition, we can export data visualizations using a colorized point cloud, JPG, video files, and more.

*Timelines will vary from project to project and at times will exceed one or two days.

PILLAR will provide the type of accuracy required for the job.

Relative Accuracy
Typically used for mapping grade work and obtaining inventory and measurements, relative accuracy is the exact relationship between point to point within the point cloud obtained.

Absolute Accuracy
Typically used for design or survey grade work, absolute accuracy is the exact relationship between the point collected and its true position – latitude, longitude and elevation – on the ground. This requires setting control points by our survey crews along the scan path so that specific identified points in the point cloud can pull the point cloud to the control point (known location). The more control points set, the higher the accuracy.

When should I use which accuracy? Is one better than the other?
That depends on several factors – desired outcomes, timeframe, and budget.

Having trouble determining which accuracy you need? Give us a call at 276.223.0500 or complete the form below.

Contact us to learn more about the capabilities of the LiDAR.