Guidelines for the Use of Mobile LIDAR in Transportation Applications

Summary

Subjects addressed:

Data Management and Integration, Inventory and Condition Assessment

Topics addressed:

Data Collection Tools/Technologies

Asset types addressed:

ADA Ramps, General, Other Assets, Pavement, Traffic Signs

Detail

Title: Guidelines for the Use of Mobile LIDAR in Transportation Applications
Resource type: Research Report
Year published: 2013
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
URL: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_748.pdf
Abstract:

Mobile light detection and ranging (LIDAR) uses laser scanning equipment mounted on vehicles in combination with global positioning systems (GPS) and inertial measurement units (IMU) to rapidly and safely capture large datasets necessary to create highly accurate, high resolution digital representations of roadways and their surroundings. These virtual survey datasets can then be used in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of highways and structures as well as for numerous other functions as varied as emergency response and asset management. This report presents guidelines for the use of mobile LIDAR technology in transportation applications. The guidelines (1) are based on an analysis of current and emerging applications in areas such as project planning, project development, construction, operations, maintenance, safety, research, and asset management; (2) address data collection methods, formatting and management, storage requirements, quality assurance, and the translation and formatting of derived products; and (3) are based on and organized around performance criteria such as data precision, local (relative) accuracy, network (absolute) accuracy, and point density. The development of the guidelines comprised several major tasks. The research team first conducted an extensive review of the worldwide literature on the use of mobile LIDAR. Emphasis was placed on exploring current mobile LIDAR trends, including systems components and software, and identifying current and emerging applications of mobile LIDAR for transportation agencies. Of particular interest was an analysis of quality control procedures used to verify the accuracy of the data collected with mobile LIDAR. The literature review was supported by a questionnaire administered to the state departments of transportation, other transportation agencies, and industry. Finally, projects piloting mobile LIDAR technology on network and local levels were identified and evaluated in depth. This information provided a solid foundation for developing the actual guidelines. The guidelines are organized into two parts. Part 1: Management and Decision Making provides guidance on the use and integration of mobile LIDAR data for a wide range of transportation applications without requiring in-depth knowledge of the technology; Part 2: Technical Considerations provides the details needed to completely specify the project requirements and appropriate deliverables.

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