At DRMP, we’re staying ahead of the curve with our Terrestrial Mobile LiDAR services and expanding this game-changing technology. Back in 2018, we jumped on board with Mobile LiDAR, and since then, it’s been a vital component behind our success in the Survey and Mapping market sector.

And now, with our upgrade to the latest RIEGL VMX-2HA mobile mapping system, we’re taking our capabilities to the next level to continue to deliver top-notch results for our clients. DRMP has a dedicated and skilled staff that strives for perfection. We have spent a lot of time perfecting our craft and creating high standards we uphold in every project.

Advantages of Mobile LiDAR

Mobile LiDAR is a growing geospatial technology used for topographic mapping and assessing infrastructure safely, efficiently, quickly, and accurately. Mobile LiDAR generates 3D point clouds or models of environments by rapidly scanning its surroundings with laser scanners from a moving platform, such as a vehicle or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Our new upgrade to the RIEGL VMX-2HA mobile mapping system offers a significant improvement over the current system in both data collection and image resolution. This enhancement means the new system can collect data at nearly double the rate, 3.6 million points per second compared with 2 million points per second for the existing system. The increased point collection capability translates to higher precision and more detailed datasets in a shorter amount of time, optimizing operational efficiency and reducing project timelines.

We also upgraded to the latest 360-degree camera technology that produces 12-megapixel photos (MP) rather than the previous 5 MP photos. Upgrading the photos results in much sharper and more detailed images. The higher resolution allows for better clarity and more accurate visual representation, which is crucial for detailed analysis, data extraction, quality assurance, and quality control.

Without mobile LiDAR, surveys typically rely on other methods for data collection, including using total stations, GPS (Global Positioning System), or manual measurements to gather data. Each method comes with its own set of advantages and limitations, and the choice between them depends on factors, such as the survey area's scale, the level of detail needed, and the resources available.

With Mobile LiDAR, we can collect an entire roadway project in a day or two compared with traditional surveying methods. We gather all the information in one go, allowing us to adjust the extraction amount to match the service scope. This saves time by avoiding the need to revisit the field for additional data if there are any changes to the scope. Aside from standard Design Surveys, we also use Mobile LiDAR to assist in pursuits, Design-Build projects, and As-Builts for construction.

Significant Investment

Mobile LiDAR is a big investment and one that DRMP Senior Vice President and Director of Surveying and Mapping Joe Di Benedetto, PLS, brought to the firm in 2018. Not every engineering firm provides Mobile LiDAR services, primarily because of its substantial cost and the requirement for a proficient team capable of effectively processing and managing the data involved.

One of our most recent projects, the Tampa Westshore Interchange Phase Design-Build in Florida, is the most difficult and challenging project we have ever took on with Mobile LiDAR. The highway itself is complicated with over 20 bridges and ramps going in all directions. We were also tasked with collecting all side streets and parking lots within the area. That, combined with the heavy traffic in Tampa, makes this project our most intense yet.

The biggest challenge with Mobile LiDAR is data management. We have multiple storage locations containing many Terabytes of data. It is a constant flow of data in and out, and we have a lot of information on our hands at any given moment.

Regardless of the challenges, Mobile LiDAR can be a crucial part of any successful transportation project. The benefits have exceeded our expectations, and it has become one of the most used pieces of technology that we offer at DRMP. Thanks to support from our leadership, we are one of the top firms that offer this service in Florida and soon to be the best in the eastern part of the United States.

As DRMP’s Geospatial Services Division Manager, my vision for Mobile LiDAR at DRMP is to expand our reach to support our Trilon partner firms across the eastern part of the country so we can better serve our clients. I also envision having multiple LiDAR teams to support those areas with extraction and data processing.