Public Agencies find that monitoring the condition of infrastructure facilities requires extensive data collection efforts. Present data collection methods are either costly or time consuming; therefore, automated methods of data collection are needed to meet evolving management requirements.
Roadware Corporation has introduced a subsystem for their Automatic Road Analyzer (ARAN) vehicle that addresses the need for automated data collection of features visible from the roadway. Surveyor is a patented new technology used to make measurements from images recorded on video tape by the ARAN vehicle. Surveyor integrates computer controlled video with differential GPS and a high accuracy inertial measurement unit, POS/LV, to collect exact distance and location data. Images are captured with high resolution video cameras and digitized at office workstations using specialized algorithms to measure dimensions and locations.
When combined with GIS, Surveyor allows users to not only view full motion digital video by pointing and clicking, but also allows users to make measurements of objects on the screen. With Surveyor compatible video and measurement data, an operator at an ARAN Workstation can measure the size and location of objects quickly and accurately by a simple point and click. Surveyor data can be stored in various database formats and is fully compatible with Geographic Information Systems and Computer Automated Design systems.
Sign management is one of the primary functions of Surveyor, but there are several applications for this technology. These include public works applications such as measuring road width, shoulder width, guardrail offset and length, location of manholes, valve covers, fire hydrants, utility poles, intersections, driveway access, trees and any other object that can be seen on the right-of-way video.
Implementing an automated data collection system ensures a more comprehensive database, for more accurate planning and design. Automated data collection provides accurate data in a timely and cost effective manner.
Gil Boettcher
U.S. CORPORATE OFFICE
Box #209, 1 Roadware Drive
Kylertown, PA 16847
Telephone: 814-345-6938
Fax: 814-345-6943