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Surveying Avalanches in the French Alps

Location

Savoie Region, France

Scan time

2 hours

Size

3000 sq/m

Scanned

Avalanches and Snowpacks

Industry

Education

Assessing Levels of Energy Radiation through Differing Conditions

Climate Change is often attributed to greenhouse gases, however, there are also other factors that affect the Earth’s climate. One example of this is the ‘Earth’s radiation budget’. Earth’s radiation budget is energy that enters the earth’s atmosphere that is reflected, absorbed, or emitted by our planet. If the budget becomes out of balance, it can cause temperature increases or decreases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

A team from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), a world-renowned geosciences organisation, have conducted research in this field. Their research focuses on how differences in surface roughness effect the amount of microwave radiation picked up by satellites.

Comparing Surface Roughness of Snowpacks and Avalanches in the Vanoise Massif Mountain Range

For their research, the team have been concentrating on snowpacks and avalanches in the Vanoise Massif Mountain range. They aim to compare the two satellite observations to assess the effect of the change in roughness when avalanches form using radiative transfer modeling. This is the process that measures radiation from the Sun into and out of the Earth. High levels of sun radiation can cause snow to melt which, in turn, can cause avalanches.

The Vanoise Massif Mountain range is in the Granian Alps, in the Savoie region of France. It is the third highest massif in France, sitting at 3,885 meters at the summit Grande Casse. The range is the location of France’s first National Park, the Vanoise National Park.

The Mountain Range’s Dangerous and Difficult to Access Environments

To collect data from the snowpacks and avalanches, the team needed an accurate 3D model of the area. Vanoise National Park is a no-fly zone which meant that UAVs were not an option. Additionally, the team did not want to spend extended periods of time on the mountain due to the risk of avalanches. This ruled out more time-consuming methods of scanning, like terrestrial laser scanners.

As a result, the team needed a more efficient way of mapping the difficult area. They decided SLAM was their best option and chose to use GeoSLAM’s ZEB Horizon with the backpack solution.

We were looking for a portable, versatile and affordable LiDAR scanner solution and GeoSLAM allows us to meet all our constraints.

Using ZEB Horizon to Safely Map Avalanches in the Vanoise Massif Mountain Range

The walk and scan method and versatility of the ZEB Horizon stood out to the team from IPGP.  The specificity of the environment meant they needed to use technology that was easily movable and durable. In addition, the backpack solution was essential because it meant that the person carrying out the scan had their hands free to help them navigate the rough terrain.

Furthermore, the ZEB Horizon’s speed of capture meant the team were able to scan the 3000 sq/m area in approximately 2 hours. This ensured that they did not spend too long in the hazardous mountain range, whilst capturing the accurate data they needed.

Creating Accurate Data to be used in IPGP’s Research

The scan was processed using GeoSLAM’s software package. The resulting point cloud is being integrated in IPGP’s research analysis and modelling.

The ZEB Horizon’s ease of use and accuracy means the scan data can be compared with the data collected from the satellite observations. This is known as ground truth analysis and helps with clarity within the research. The scan data also aids with data calibration which allows for atmospheric effects and obstructions to be considered when analysing the final data.

The positive outcome of the data has encouraged the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris to plan additional surveys in this area.

Monitoring environmental changes are just one of the ways GeoSLAM customers are using their mobile mapping devices, alongside more common everyday uses like measuring buildings or construction sites.

Thanks to the team at Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris for sharing their story with us.




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    GeoSLAM Sample Data

    View and download data in our free point cloud viewer

    Here’s some helpful tips for the best viewing experience

    • If your internet connection allows, move the Point Budget slider to the maximum amount available to view all the points in the cloud.
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    Chemical Plant

    Location: Europe
    ZEB Scanner: ZEB Horizon/ ZEB Discovery
    Scan time:     15 Minutes

    Colourised data was captured using the ZEB Discovery backpack solution.

    View data

    Would you like to see a specific dataset that’s not on this page? Contact [email protected]

    How do you colourise a point cloud?

    With ever-increasing research and development in the technology, the advances in both scanning hardware and processing software are improving the detail, scale and use of point cloud data. One of these improvements is colourisation. Adding colour has plenty of benefits when viewing and analysing point cloud data.

    On-demand Webinar

    Watch a previous webinar in your own time

    Introduction to Handheld Laser Scanning

    Handheld laser scanning has become a crucial tool for many businesses who need to collect geospatial data. Compared to the more traditional methods, handheld laser scanning is considerably more efficient and makes it much easier to navigate through difficult spaces such as underground or narrow passages. GeoSLAM handheld LiDAR mapping solutions use next generation SLAM technology to simultaneously localize and map a space up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.

    If you’re new to handheld laser scanning or think your company could benefit from this technology, then this webinar is for you.

    Key takeaways:

    • What is a handheld laser scanning and how does it compare to a static scanner
    • Which industries are using this technology and how are they using it?
    • GeoSLAM scanning solutions – Meet the ZEB Family
    • The software behind it
    Watch on-demand

    GeoSLAM Sample Data

    View and download data in our free point cloud viewer

    Here’s some helpful tips for the best viewing experience

    • If your internet connection allows, move the Point Budget slider to the maximum amount available to view all the points in the cloud.
    • Making the point size smaller using the Point Size slider makes the data easier to view and interpret.
    • In the tools section of the viewer, you can measure the distance and angles of features within the pointcloud.
    • Using the materials section of the viewer, you can use the Select Attributes dropdown to view by intensity, elevation and RGB (if point cloud is coloured).

    British Residential Street

    Location: United Kingdom
    ZEB Scanner: ZEB Horizon
    Scan time:     5 Minutes

    Colourised data was captured using the ZEB Vision camera accessory.

    View data

    Would you like to see a specific dataset that’s not on this page? Contact [email protected]

    3D Mapping Informal Settlements in Bengaluru, India

    Location

    Bengaluru, India

    Scan time

    25-27 minutes per scan

    Size

    40 acres

    Scanned

    Informal Settlements

    Industry

    Surveying

    Accurately Mapping Informal Settlements in Bengaluru, India

    The informal settlements in Bengaluru, India, house roughly 16% of the city’s population and there are around 500 recognised in this area.

    Currently, Bengaluru is going through a period of modernisation and urbanisation which has caused the city limits to expand. As a result, the local government must provide documents of every house, detailing accurate measurements of its structure, such as boundary lines and roof heights.

    The government has plans to formally declare ownership of the settlements to the people living in them, which means a map of the whole area was needed.

    The Informal Settlements Narrow Lanes and Changing Environments

    A team from a reputed geospatial company appointed by government, surveyed the area and collected this data. This involved mapping the informal settlements in Bengaluru with their complex layouts. The task was challenging as they include many narrow lanes that are difficult to access. Additionally, people were going about their daily activities.

    Furthermore, some parts of the settlements are in dark and cramped areas whereas others are in direct sunlight. Consequently, the team needed to find adaptable solutions and technology that could handle these difficult environments, as well as deliver on the task in hand.

    The area in question is a no-fly zone, which meant that drones were not an option. However, other methods for capturing data such as static scanning wouldn’t be feasible because of the busyness of the area. The cramped streets also meant the team would struggle to use a backpack solution either.

    Scanning Difficult to Access Areas with ZEB Horizon

    A fast and effective way to map the informal settlements was to walk through the complex passages, and a handheld laser scanner was the most suitable option. The geospatial company chose GeoSLAM’s ZEB Horizon scanner, due to its quick method of capturing accurate data and ease of use. The lightweight solution means that only one person is required to scan an area at any one time. This is less disruptive to the surveying team, which in turn is cost effective for them and their client.

    The extensive maze of restricted passages and dead ends did not affect the versatile SLAM technology. By using the ZEB Horizon, the team were able to scan 40-45 different areas of the settlements. The team captured smaller areas of the informal settlements in a single scan ranging from 25-27 minutes. The team mapped larger areas over multiple scans, sending them to the client individually.

    The ZEB Horizon provided good quality data and allowed us to scan difficult to access areas accurately and efficiently.

    Creating accurate point clouds for the client

    The final scans were imported into GeoSLAM Draw where orthophotos were automatically created. As a result, the engineers could make accurate measurements in a timely manner. In addition, the point clouds were exported to Terra Solid, where further information was extracted for the final report.

    The final data delivered on their client’s accuracy goals. They were able to smoothly extract the boundaries and roofs of every single house in the informal settlements.

    GeoSLAM’s technology in use elsewhere

    This is not the first time that GeoSLAM technology has been used to map informal settlements in India. The ZEB Revo was used to accurately scan the settlements of Mumbai in 2017. The resulting 3D point cloud helped to extract information about the elevations and sections of each house frontage.




    View the PDF here

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      Scanning behind a dropped ceiling using mobile LiDAR

      Surveying buildings is difficult and accessing hard to reach areas, like dropped ceiling or raised floors, without disrupting business can be seemingly impossible. In this blog we’ll discuss how SLAM and LiDAR technology has made scanning behind dropped ceilings a simple process.

      GeoSLAM Sample Data

      View and download data in our free point cloud viewer

      Here’s some helpful tips for the best viewing experience

      • If your internet connection allows, move the Point Budget slider to the maximum amount available to view all the points in the cloud.
      • Making the point size smaller using the Point Size slider makes the data easier to view and interpret.
      • In the tools section of the viewer, you can measure the distance and angles of features within the pointcloud.
      • Using the materials section of the viewer, you can use the Select Attributes dropdown to view by intensity, elevation and RGB (if point cloud is coloured).

      Peak Cavern

      Location: Peak District, UK
      ZEB Scanner: ZEB Horizon
      Scan time:       27 Minutes

      This data was captured as part of the Big SLAM Tour of the UK, read about it here.

      View data

      Would you like to see a specific dataset that’s not on this page? Contact [email protected]

      One scanner, many solutions

      Boulby mine was one of the first in the world to use SLAM technology, having adopted GeoSLAM’s ZEB1 into their workflow, in 2013. Nowadays, the mine operates GeoSLAM ZEB Horizons for most of their survey needs.

      Surveying Boston City Hall

      Location

      Boston, USA

      Scan time

      Approx. 20 minutes per scan

      Size

      Over 1 million sq/ft

      Scanned

      Boston City Hall

      Industry

      Surveying

      Mapping an Iconic Landmark

      Boston City Hall was built in 1968, to help boost the city’s economy after years of stagnation. The building and surrounding plaza sought to modernize the city’s urban centre, reinvigorating the run-down neighbourhood of Scollay Square.

      Despite the public investment project being welcomed by the people of Boston, the buildings ‘brutalist’ style of architecture created debate amongst the locals, with some suggesting you either love or hate the concrete design. In spite of the concerns from the public, the city
      hall has been home to the mayor of Boston and the city council for over 5 decades, and the ‘brutal’ style of architecture has become part of Boston’s rich history.

      To encourage more people to use Boston City Hall and to increase accessibility, it was decided in 2017 that the City Hall would be renovated to serve a more modernized purpose. The infrastructure upgrades include better access to utilities, plants and fountains in the plaza area, with the intention of encouraging more people to visit.

      The Horizon was a gamechanger…it’s just amazing in terms of the scanning distance, power of the sensor and the ability to easily capture the entire plaza.

      Peter Garran and his team, from Aerial Genomics, were appointed by The City of Boston and Sasaki with the task of scanning both the interior and exterior of the City Hall, in anticipation of the renovation project. Spanning 9 floors and housing multiple individual rooms, as well as a busy plaza area, the task of mapping the building threatened to take several months to complete. Also, the City Hall is an active office that contains confidential rooms and Aerial Genomics did not want to disrupt everyday operations too much. Considering their options, the team decided the fastest and most cost-effective way of mapping the building and its surrounding area would be to use mobile LiDAR scanners.

      Surveying Boston City Hall

      They chose a ZEB Horizon to scan the exterior and inside the Main Hall. The ZEB Revo RT was used to map the buildings vast interior. These scanners were chosen due to their speed, accuracy and mobility. By simply walking around the building, Peter and his team captured the large layout, saving them time.

      As they were scanning during the pandemic, it was key for Peter and his team to spend as little time as possible in the building and compared to other scanning methods, GeoSLAM’s scanners were able to deliver on that goal. With the ZEB Horizon, Aerial Genomics captured both the exterior and interior of the Main Hall in just 4 scans, and in less than 2 hours. This scanner was specifically chosen to scan the Main Hall due to its 100m range being able to capture the high walls. To help combat getting in the way of the City Halls’ day-to-day business, the team were given limited amounts of time in the evening to scan a multitude of rooms inside the Hall. Using the ZEB Revo RT, the team could scan the almost 1 million square feet interior, in just 4 nights, consisting of 5 hours each night.

      The scans were processed using GeoSLAM Hub and merged to create one point cloud, by Aerial Genomics. The manoeuvrability, ease of use and accuracy that the ZEB scanners provided meant the data collected was ready within a week, to be created as a BIM model to send to the architects. The simple, easy to use solution meant the architects could start thinking about the redevelopment and renovation, without the need to visit the hall during a pandemic. The final BIM model, created in Autodesk Revit, is still referred to today.

      Video courtesy of Aerial Genomics
      Surveying Boston City Hall
      View the PDF here

      Get in touch

      If you’d like to learn more about how GeoSLAM solutions can help you, submit the form below.





        Please select your Country


        How did you hear about GeoSLAM?

        GeoSLAM and its authorised partner network will use the information you provide to contact you about products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

        Opt in to the GeoSLAM mailing list for updates and offers

        GeoSLAM Sample Data

        View and download data in our free point cloud viewer

        Here’s some helpful tips for the best viewing experience

        • If your internet connection allows, move the Point Budget slider to the maximum amount available to view all the points in the cloud.
        • Making the point size smaller using the Point Size slider makes the data easier to view and interpret.
        • In the tools section of the viewer, you can measure the distance and angles of features within the pointcloud.
        • Using the materials section of the viewer, you can use the Select Attributes dropdown to view by intensity, elevation and RGB (if point cloud is coloured).

        Lace Market

        Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom
        ZEB Scanner: ZEB Horizon
        Scan time:         25 Minutes

        Colourised data was captured using the ZEB Vision camera accessory.

        View data

        Would you like to see a specific dataset that’s not on this page? Contact [email protected]