Abstract

Using Mobile LiDAR to Develop a Municipal Enterprise GIS
Track: Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
Authors: Tom Elkins, Matthew Howell

Using Mobile Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, the City of Charleston, WV performed a complete scan of the roadway network for the state capital, developing a 3D model of the entire City in the process.
The City of Charleston is undertaking an aggressive Long Term Storm Water Comprehensive Plan that required a data collection of storm water inlets and manholes. The City decided that the most cost effective method to acquire these features was through the use of a ground-based Mobile LiDAR system. By including a full sign inventory for their traffic engineering division, the return on investment of the entire project was significantly increased.
In the future, the City has the ability to continue developing their GIS based on the information contained in the point cloud. Finally, a "snapshot" in time has been created that the City will be able to use as a reference in the future.