The Riegl USA Newsroom

Riegl USA Announces the Fully Automatic Multiple Time Around Processing Detection Software

rieglusa — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:30:01 +0000

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Orlando, Florida, January 23, 2012

Riegl USA Announces the Fully Automatic Multiple Time Around Processing Detection Software

Riegl USA is excited to announce the release of the RIEGL fully automatic Multiple Time Around (MTA) zone detection workflow for the LMS-Q680i scanner. RiMTA is an automatic range ambiguity resolution algorithm which detects all MTA zones automatically during post processing. Multiple Time Around (MTA) processing allows multiple laser pulses to be in the air during data acquisition. The RiMTA improvement is especially beneficial for projects in the mountainous terrain, because it relaxes the requirements in flight planning.

Combining both a hardware and a software approach, RiMTA analyzes the pulse position modulation (PPM) applied to the Q680i scanner’s pulse repetition rate (PRR). This small variation (e.g. ± 2.7kHz at 400kHz) of the pulse repetition rate flags each emitted laser pulse where the software algorithm analyzes its effect on the measurement ranges. Only pulses in the correct zone will not be affected by this time offset caused by the modulation. This technique allows for the software analysis to automatically determine which MTA zone the data point lies in by looking for the lowest calculated noise in the data.

The benefits of this innovation are:

Easier flight planning in mountainous terrain
Automatic range ambiguity resolution for MTA zones
Smooth integration into the RIEGL data processing workflow

About Riegl USA

The key factor to Riegl USA’s reliability and success is the full service experience offered to our customers, from your initial purchase, integration of the system, training and support. Riegl USA stands out as a LiDAR industry leader.

Riegl USA located in Orlando, FL, is the North American office for RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems, GmbH, with headquarters in Horn, Austria. With over 33 years experience in the research, development and manufacturer of time-of-flight based optical radar systems, our products are used for tripod, airborne survey, industrial process control, altimetry, aerospace, mobile, hydrographic and bathymetric applications.

Riegl USA is recognized as the performance leader in the mobile mapping, civil infrastructure, airborne scanning, hydrographic, mining and terrestrial based industries. Our instruments are well known for their ruggedness and reliability under demanding environmental conditions. RIEGL’s various 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing “Innovation in 3D” for the laser scanning business.

For More Information

Susan Licari, Marketing Manager

Riegl USA

7035 Grand National Drive, Suite 100

Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-248-9927, Fax: 407-248-2636

Toll Free: 1-855-Go-RieglUSA

slicari@rieglusa.com ; info@rieglusa.com

Serving the North American Market since 1993

SarPoint Engineering to take delivery of the First RIEGL VMX-450 Mobile Scanning System

rieglusa — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:30:42 +0000

For Immediate Release

Orlando, Florida, December 20, 2011

Riegl USA is proud to announce SarPoint Engineering as the first industry leader to take delivery of the RIEGL VMX-450 Mobile Scanning System. SarPoint Engineering will utilize the RIEGL VMX-450 with the CS6 Camera System to collect detailed information specializing in a wide range of applications including as-builts, surveying, architecture and cultural heritage, topography and mining, monitoring and civil engineering, and transportation.

“We are excited about being the first in both Canada and the world to own the first RIEGL VMX-450 Mobile Laser Scanning System,” said Chris Tucker, P. Eng., SarPoint’s President. “We are positioning ourselves for the future.” “We are also excited to have the opportunity to partner in research with the University of Calgary; Department of Geomatics who is the leader in Geomatic Research inWestern Canada,” said Dr. Robert Radovanovic, P. Eng., SarPoint’s Chief Executive Office.

The RIEGL VMX-450 mobile scanning system consists of two RIEGL VQ-450 scanners on a mounted platform accompanied by a GPS-INS and up to 6 digital cameras or video equipment. Accommodating multiple cameras ensure a 360 degree field of view. Most standard station wagons or off-road vehicles can be utilized for easy installation and the scanners are powered directly from the car’s battery. Data acquisition is operator controlled using a touch screen and a wireless keyboard. The system was designed with the user in mind– set up is fast, easy and safe!

At 1,100,000 measurements per second, the RIEGL VMX-450 mobile scanning system allows surveyors to capture highly accurate and high resolution dynamic 3D data at highway speeds. The ability to travel at high speeds significantly increases safety for all applications, including mapping of highways, railroads and waterways as well as extended urban area, construction sites and open pit mines. The speed also contributes to a significant reduction in project time.

The cutting edge echo digitization technology used in the RIEGL VMX-450 mobile LiDAR scanning system penetrates foliage, fences and other obstacles. The system’s online waveform technology allows for more than 10 measurements per laser shot. The combination of these technologies results in laser precision of 5mm or better and engineering grade accuracy.

The new high performance fully calibrated VMX-450-CS6 Camera System completes the RIEGL VMX-450 Mobile Laser Scanning System by supporting six digital color cameras. The new system is extremely compact and user-friendly. As seen below, the VMX-450-CS6 is positioned on a lightweight aluminum frame for versatility and stability.

RIEGL’s RiACQUIRE Software manages acquisition of precisely time stamped images by the VMX-250-CS6 in addition to the acquisition of the VMX-450 laser scanner data. In addition, the software controls the camera’s parameters and enables image monitoring during acquisition in real time.

The sealed camera housing can be used under demanding environmental conditions.

About Riegl USA

Riegl USA is recognized as the performance leader in the mobile mapping, civil infrastructure, airborne scanning, hydrographic, mining and terrestrial based industries. Our instruments are well known for their ruggedness and reliability under demanding environmental conditions. RIEGL’s various 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing “Innovation in 3D” for the laser scanning business.

About SarPoint Engineering

SarPoint’s strong background in surveying, engineering and environmental science, coupled with our superior team of technicians, engineers and agrologists, helps ensure that we meet our clients’ needs. But our relationships with our clients are built on more than our knowledge and expertise – we build collaborative partnerships with every participant on a project, working together to find solutions to your specific challenges.

Our personnel work at the project site, allowing us to provide you with the most knowledgeable advice and efficient service in the industry, while upholding strict safety standards. Working so closely with our clients ensures open communication, which in turn allows us to better understand your challenges, present solutions, and deliver the results you expect.

For More Information

Susan Licari, Marketing Manager

Riegl USA

7035 Grand National Drive, Suite 100

Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-248-9927, Fax: 407-248-2636

Toll Free: 1-855-GO-RieglUSA

slicari@rieglusa.com ; info@rieglusa.com

Serving the North American Market since 1993

For More Information

Chris Tucker P. Eng. President

SarPoint Engineering Ltd.

3423 Exshaw Road NW

Calgary, ABCanadaT2M4G3

Phone: + 1-403-210-0661, Fax: +1-403-210-0665

info@sarpointeng.com, ctucker@sarpointeng.com

SarPoint Engineering Ltd.

RIEGL USA will host the RIEGL International Airborne and Mobile User Conference, “RIEGL LiDAR 2012”

rieglusa — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:37:13 +0000

Press Release

ADVANCE NOTICE

RIEGL USA will host the RIEGL International Airborne and Mobile User Conference, “RIEGL LiDAR 2012”

Orlando, FLSeptember 27, 2011: RIEGL USAwill host the first RIEGL International Airborne and Mobile User Conference, “RIEGL LiDAR 2012”, in Orlando, Florida. The User Conference will be held on February 28^ththru March 1^st 2012 at the Hilton Orlando.

Attendees will be offered three days of learning and networking sessions that cover various topics ranging from best practices to team building. These intensive sessions will provide an opportunity to optimize current systems’ investments through in-depth training and Q & A sessions.

During this year’s event, users will learn more about all the new and exciting instruments introduced by RIEGL at the INTERGEO 2011 Conference. Users will also have the chance to see the new RIEGL VQ-820-G Bathymetric System and the RIEGL VMX-450, which will be on display.

All international RIEGL Airborne and Mobile Users are welcome to join us in Orlando. A preliminary agenda, registration and more detailed information on the User Conference will be provided at a later date.

About RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems

RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH is an Austrian company with more than 30 years of experience in the research, development and production of laser rangefinders, distancemeters and 3D laser scanners for terrestrial, airborne, mobile, and industrial applications. For more information about the products and services, please visit RIEGL’s corporate website www.riegl.com.

About RIEGL USA

The key factor to RIEGLUSA’s reliability and success is the full service experience offered to our customers from your initial purchase, integration of the system, training and support. RIEGLUSA, located inOrlandoFlorida, is the North American office for RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems..

For More Information

Susan Licari, Marketing Manager

Riegl USA

7035 Grand National Drive, Suite 100

Orlando,FL 32819

Phone: 407-248-9927, Fax: 407-248-2636

Toll Free: 1-855-Go-Riegl USA

LiDAR2012@rieglusa.com ; info@rieglusa.com

Serving the North American Market since 1993

Connect to the RIEGL INTERNATIONAL USER CONFERENCE

Riegl USA in CE News

rieglusa — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:43:10 +0000

Working in a 3D world

September 2011 » Products » ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS

Laser scanners and software provide accuracy and time savings for infrastructure asset management and rehabilitation.
By Bob Drake

e-Mail

A laser scan of a typical railway crossing, captured by a RIEGL VMX-250 system and shown here with false color reflectance, can provide information on sign and road surface conditions.
Photo: RIEGL USA

As infrastructure owners, operators, and managers strive to accomplish more with less money, surveying and software technologies are helping civil and structural engineers meet the challenge. “Experts agree that more than $41 trillion will need to be spent on global infrastructure projects over the next 25 years,” said Terry Bennett, senior industry program manager for Civil Engineering and Planning at Autodesk. “Many of these will be large, complex, high-risk projects set in confined urban environments that require a precise and accurate 3D spatial assessment of the existing infrastructure conditions.”

Obtaining accurate as-built information often is the foundation for asset management and rehabilitation projects. “Laser scanning and the rapid creation of rich 3D models have changed infrastructure development from a 2D profession to 3D,” Bennett said. “We now have the capability for 3D modeling tools, such as AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012, to interrogate rich point clouds, captured by aerial LIDAR, mobile, or terrestrial laser scanning. From here we can extract limitless 3D information providing 3D existing conditions that are comprehensive, precise, and accurate. This results in the reduction of mistakes, saving weeks or months on projects, and more importantly, providing rich 3D models useful throughout project lifecycles.”

The following descriptions of recent projects and applications demonstrate some of the capabilities that laser scanners offer.

Railway tunnel clearance
One of America’s important railways received a facelift as work was completed in 2010 on the Heartland Corridor. With the goal of facilitating efficient travel on rail lines from Norfolk, Va., to the Midwest, the public-private partnership between the Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), the Federal Highway Administration, and the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio included renovations to existing infrastructure. As part of this project, 28 tunnels were cleared and 24 overhead obstructions removed to accommodate rail cars with double-stacked shipping containers. Blacksburg, Va.-based Anderson & Associates (A&A; www.andassoc.com) was selected to scan the tunnels to ensure clearance for the larger railcars.

While the centers of the tunnels had clearance to accommodate the railcars, rounded corners at the entrances posed potential problems for the squared outside corners of the cars’ rooftops. A&A specializes in civil and environmental engineering, surveying, planning, and landscape architecture. In operation since 1968, the firm is well-equipped to handle a project of this scope.

Obstructions were addressed during the construction phase of the project using conventional equipment such as total stations. However, this approach introduces uncertainty by relying on visual observation to select the cross-sections that appear to be the lowest point in each tunnel section. “If traditional methods would have been used to validate this project, it would have been nearly impossible to ensure that the entire distance covered by the survey was free of conflicts,” said Assistant Survey Manager Justin Lewis.

Instead, A&A turned to FARO Technologies’ laser scanner. This phase-based scanner captures as many as 976,000 measurement points per second. When implemented with FARO software, A&A could make quick judgments on a tunnel’s clearance. Survey technicians established control points at tunnel entrances with a GPS. Using a series of reference spheres, the technicians traversed the tunnels, scanning and recording reference points with the GPS. “We found we could collect field data on the typical 1,000 foot tunnel in less than six hours,” said Joey Conrad, survey technician. Such a job normally might take as long as 15 hours.

The various scans were imported into FARO Scene software, enabling the data points to be merged into one continuous set. Real Reality Tunnel software was used to run a template for a double-stacked train across the centerline for the entire tunnel. A&A was then able to produce cross-sections of conflicts and provide them to contractors for rework and recheck by A&A technicians. After the structure was verified as conflict-free, the final drawings were provided to NS.

Using a FARO laser scanner, Anderson & Associates was able to conduct detailed surveys of railway tunnels to ensure clearance for larger, double-stacked railcars. Technicians could collect field data on a typical 1,000-foot-long tunnel in less than six hours.
Photo: Faro Technologies

“The scanner turned out to be ideal for this project,” said Lewis. “Its high scanning speed made it possible to complete the job in a fraction of the time required by the conventional method. We got the job done right on schedule.”
Information provided by Faro Technologies

Highway bridge as-built
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) currently is working on a project to replace the northbound bridge deck for the I-275 bridges spanning the Lower Branch River Rouge in Canton Township, Mich. The northbound and southbound bridges, originally constructed in 1976, carry a great deal of traffic on a daily basis. The challenge for the team of engineers on the project (which is currently in the planning stages) was to locate accurately and in a timely fashion all of the cylindrical piers that support the northbound bridge decks.

Point cloud rendering shows bridge pier and deck details captured by laser scanning under an I-275 on-ramp along the bank of the Lower Branch River Rouge, Canton Township, Mich.
Photo: Great Lakes Geomatics

The team, which included Great Lakes Geomatics, immediately concluded that conventional survey methods would be too time consuming and not economically feasible. Additionally, to obtain the existing elevations and locations of the bridge deck surfaces by conventional survey methods would require intermittent lane closures, which MDOT wanted to avoid.

Laser scanning allowed the Great Lakes Geomatics team to obtain the data required by MDOT without lane closures, accurately locating piers and measurements of the undersides of the bridges. Laser scanning also kept survey crews out of the path of freeway traffic.

Point clouds were obtained using a Leica HDS ScanStation 2 time-of-flight laser scanner and a Leica HDS 6000 phase-based laser scanner. The ScanStation 2 obtains 50,000 points per second at a range of up to 300 meters; the HDS 6000 obtains as many as 1 million points per second at a maximum range of 79 meters. The long-range scanner allowed the team to tie the two bridges together and obtain coordinates outside of the HDS 6000 range. The individual coordinates were extracted from the point clouds using Leica Cyclone virtual survey software. Autodesk BIM for Infrastructure solutions allowed for the 3D point information to be uploaded so that the 3D bridge deck and surrounding surfaces could be created. The data also was used to create conventional 2D drawings as deliverables.

The laser scan surveys took about 24 hours to collect the point cloud data on each bridge. Drafting required about 60 hours to select the points and prepare the drawings for each bridge. According to the Great Lakes Geomatics team, it would have been impossible to obtain the level of detail with conventional survey methods and cost savings can be determined only by estimating the amount of time that would have been required for lane closures.

Additional benefits of the laser scanning survey are that other points can be extracted from the point clouds without returning to the site. The point cloud is historical information that can be used at a later date to verify exiting conditions prior to construction. A free viewing software tool called Truview by Leica can be used as a communication and measuring tool. The software allows the viewer to simulate the individual scanner setup locations. The software can create .XML markup files that can be distributed to clients or coworkers. The program allows for measuring within each of the laser scanner setups.
Information provided by Great Lakes Geomatics

Mine site surveys
Most surveying professionals know that 3D laser scanning technology can make their job safer and easier, completing surveys eight to 10 times faster than traditional methods with far greater resolution. Integrated hardware-software systems offer the most value by optimizing data acquisition and processing workflow.

I-Site laser scanning technology developer Maptek has visited mines across the United States, demonstrating how to realize a further 50-percent gain using mobile laser scanning. The Maptek I-Site 8800 truck-mounted scanner demonstrates the speed and accuracy of data capture.

The I-Site 8800 has a range of up to 2,000 meters and is designed to be used in the high-vibration and dusty environment of the mining industry. The mounting plate for the I-Site 8800 scanner can be fitted to any vehicle – tractors and utility vehicles have been used to access locations inaccessible to light duty-vehicles.

I-Site Sales Director John Dolan recalls scanning a leach pad half a mile long and quarter of a mile wide in 2.5 hours with 22 setups. The vibration-absorbent mount allows the scanner head to remain on the vehicle when moving around the active site. The leach pad was modelled and ready for volume calculations by the time surveyors returned to the office. In another case, an entire tailings pond was scanned in a day. Data from 44 scanning setups was processed and delivered within 48 hours, compared with days – or even weeks – with aerial photography.

The Maptek I-Site 8800 scanner, mounted here on a truck, has a range of up to 2,000 meters and is designed to be used in high-vibration, dusty mining environments.
Photo: Maptek

Using the I-Site 8800, large open pit mines can be scanned in one day, generating toe-crest data plus detailed surfaces and contours within 24 hours of scan completion. The same survey effort provides detailed surfaces of complete benches as well as the toe-crest data normally used for as-built analysis.

Scan data is processed in the cab of the Maptek truck on the same laptop that acquires the scan and GPS data, making the import of data seamless. This allows the scan data to be updated, registered, and viewed while driving. Holes in the data are able to be spotted and filled in while in the truck, rather than discovered back in the office. The vehicle-mounted scanner eliminates the 5 to 6 minutes for tripod setup time at each scan location, leaving only 3-1/2 minutes scan time on average.

Intelligent filtering of data in I-Site Studio software reduces the high-resolution point clouds to data that can be used by all CAD-based software programs. Accuracy is not compromised because redundant laser points are removed and can easily be checked against GPS ground shots for verification.

Laser scanning, using the latest technology, represents the future reality of mine survey. Mine operators find the solution to be cost effective, delivering measurable safety and accuracy key performance indicators, cutting survey time by 65 percent, producing reports in hours rather than days, and increasing detail for improved mine planning.
Information provided by Maptek

Railway asset surveys
RIEGL USA, in partnership with EarthEye LLC, performed a railway collection project to demonstrate the abilities of the RIEGL VMX-250 to acquire railway data. The main object was to collect the positioning of railway signals and features. Secondary objectives were to determine the ability of the system to collect track profile, ballast, and gauge information. EarthEye LLC collected stereo camera data to aid its feature extraction study on railroad asset management. A stretch of 10 miles was closed to rail traffic for a period of two hours. All 10 miles were collected during this time period with the VMX-250.

The VMX-250 hardware consists of two RIEGL VQ-250 2D laser scanners, an INS-GNSS unit, and an on-board computer fitted into a portable case. The INS-GNSS unit includes all of the electronics for real-time kinematic (RTK) and three sensors: an inertial navigation system (INS) sensor, a global satellite navigation system-receiver (GNSS) including antenna, and a wheel sensor (distance measuring indicator).

Mounting the RIEGL VMX-250 on a Hi-Rail vehicle was accomplished using two mounted racks that bolted into the truck bed. A Honda generator was used to charge the main power supply – a car battery.

RIEGL’s RiPROCESS software package was used to process and analyze the collected data. RiPROCESS uses RiWORLD and other RIEGL software utilities to project collected target returns into georeferenced points. The VQ-250 uses advanced signal processing and digitalization to extract targets from the returned full waveform pulses in real time. This allows the focus of the VMX-250 user to be on processing the best possible trajectory, while still producing quality data quickly. The total project generated 134 GB of data including exported LAS files. Processing time was about five to eight hours, including exporting and quality control.

Dale Stockstill & Associates used a GLS-1000 high-definition laser scanner from Topcon Positioning Systems to develop a 3D survey of an accommodation vessel for offshore oil workers.
Photo: Dale Stockstill & Associates

Using the view capabilities of RIEGL’s RiPROCESS, the cross section of several points along the railroad can be analyzed. A feature extraction software package such as TopoDOT can use the partial profile to fit the type of rail beam to the data collected. This is important since it is not always possible to traverse every single track in a rail yard or along a stretch of rail with a second parallel track. This is mainly accomplished by defining the rail profile and fitting it to the scan data.

RIEGL’s VMX-250 performs well on a Hi-Rail vehicle and provides an ability to collect feature information quickly and rail location information for use in third-party software point cloud feature extraction software. The compact mobile LiDAR system can be integrated on new vehicles without modifying the vehicle permanently. The rail data collected gives users many additional capabilities that traditional surveys and airborne laser scans do not. With efforts across the country to add digital speed control to the U.S. railways, RIEGL’s VMX-250 is an effective tool to use in completing this effort.
Information provided by RIEGL USA

Offshore oil facility as-built survey
Laser scanning is a far more efficient surveying technique than using conventional practices on large structures with extremely tight design tolerances. Dale Stockstill & Associates (DS&A), a provider of surveying, mapping, and laser scanning services on the Gulf Coast, recently developed an as-built survey of a five-story accommodation module and helipad – a vessel that serves as living quarters for oil workers – using Topcon Positioning Systems’ GLS-1000.

The structure was scanned on all four sides and top and the point clouds registered in Topcon ScanMaster software. DS&A also provided color maps of the bulkhead walls, which showed the amount of “hogging and sagging” in the bulkheads. The 3D model of a given section and the cloud were placed together in PolyWorks software. The color map that DS&A presented to the client revealed a color-coded picture of the structure represented by different colors for each specified measurement range. The color-coding allowed the client to define the deviations to a structural engineering firm to analyze the as-built structure in a global structural analysis in order to certify the integrity of the accommodation module. It was critical for fabrication tolerances to be within tolerance because of the direct relationship to the results of the initial structural analysis.

Topcon’s newer GLS-1500 speeds up point cloud collection at a rate of 30,000 points per second and a range of 150 meters. The unit’s “all-in-one” design also reduces the amount of equipment needed in the field. It has a built-in 2.0 megapixel digital camera, so when it is connected to a PC and used with Topcon’s ScanMaster software, a live video feed of the job site can be streamed to aid in scan setup and data acquisition. Also, it has an onboard data collector with a keypad and LCD display that allows use as a stand-alone laser scanner. Data collected can be stored onboard on a SD memory card or logged into a PC. A built-in wireless LAN connection allows control of the scanner on a PC from the inside of a vehicle.

Topcon Precise Scan Technology is designed to allow high-accuracy measurements over a wide range of distances. Lens array optics technology maintains distance accuracy from 1 to 150 meters; additional ranging past 330 meters is available. The unit’s Class 1 laser classification allows scanning near airports, busy traffic areas, and populated areas, as well as low power consumption and fewer battery changes.
Information provided by Topcon Positioning Systems

Bridge rehabilitation
In December 2008, a routine inspection of the Chaudière Bridge linking Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec, revealed structural cracks in two of the bridge’s masonry arches. Because the Chaudière Bridge is a crucial interprovincial connector, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) determined that both arches needed substantial rehabilitation.

Surveyors combined RTK GPS and 3D laser scanning to create a georeferenced 3D model of the arches of a 180-year-old bridge being rehabilitated. Trimble RealWorks Software was used to integrate the scans and deliver 3D surfaces in DXF format to the client.
Photo: Trimble

The project provided engineering and logistics challenges. Because of the 180-year-old bridge’s historical significance, its original structural characteristics needed to be preserved, and traffic demanded that restoration occur without closing the bridge or impacting the Ottawa River. Engineering teams developed a plan to install prefabricated concrete support panels into the arches, and PWGSC awarded the construction contract to Peter Kiewit Sons’ Infrastructure Group. Denis Dubois, arpenteur-géomètre inc in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, was selected to provide surveying services.

The restoration required detailed measurements of the existing structure. “This work is ideal for 3D scanning,” Dubois said. “It’s a challenge to capture the precise shape of an arch. Site access was difficult, and conventional total station surveys would be time-consuming and could not produce a comprehensive view of the arches.” The measurements needed to be absolutely correct. Once the panels were fabricated and delivered, they could not be changed.

To gather the information, Dubois combined GPS and 3D scanning to create a georeferenced 3D model of the arches. After establishing five control points via RTK GPS, the team used a Trimble VX Spatial Station to conduct the scan. Occupying the GPS points along the river, they collected 80,000 individual 3D points in roughly five hours. The points, spaced 2 inches apart, were measured with a precision of 1/8 inch and tied to the local geodetic coordinate system. In the office, the surveyors used Trimble RealWorks Software to integrate the scans and deliver 3D surfaces in DXF format to the client.

After comparing the point cloud to previous engineering data, Kiewit Project Engineer Robert Cornell was confident they had the spatial and positioning information to build the arch panels. “I was surprised by how Denis used the VX to shoot the bridge with that amount of precision,” Cornell said. “The point cloud gave us the confidence to design and build our prefabricated panels with assurance that we could successfully complete this project.”

Dubois said that the precision measurements and dense data were the keys to success. The data revealed irregularities in the arches that conventional surveying might have missed. “We produced better information in less time,” Dubois said. “Without the scanning functionality, fieldwork would have stretched for many days, and produced less detail.”

Seven months after the initial survey, twelve 20-ton concrete arch panels were ready for installation. Dubois’ survey team returned to the site, this time using the Trimble VX as a robotic total station to set control and align rails used to move the panels into place. Less than two years after the discovery of the deteriorating arches, the restoration was complete and all four lanes of the Chaudière Bridge were re-opened to traffic and pedestrians.
Information provided by Trimble

The Riegl VZ-400 in Action

rieglusa — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:31:02 +0000

Surveying Solutions, Inc. delivery of the Riegl VMX-250 with the CS6 Camera System

rieglusa — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:19:24 +0000

Press Release

Orlando, Florida, August 18, 2011

Surveying Solutions, Inc. delivery of the Riegl VMX-250 with the CS6 Camera System

Riegl USA is proud to announce Surveying Solutions, Inc. (SSI) as a new Mobile Mapping User. SSI will utilize the Riegl VMX-250 with the CS6 Camera System to collect detailed topography, asset management, and precision survey data at near highway speeds. The use of the system will allow for safe non-hazardous working conditions.

”SSI is extremely pleased to be able to offer Mobile LiDAR (MoLi™) to our clients giving them an ability to utilize this phenomenal technology. After a thorough investigation into the technology and mobile mapping systems, the Riegl VMX-250-CS6 proved to be the superior solution for SSI’s surveying and mapping applications, and since taking delivery in April, we have successfully completed nearly two dozen projects with the system. SSI is proud to be the newest members of the already extensive Riegl family, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with Riegl USA. ” - Brian Bailey, Geospatial Services Director, SSI

The VMX-250 mobile scanning system consists of two VQ-250 scanners on a mounted platform accompanied by a GPS-INS and up to 6 digital cameras or video equipment. Accommodating multiple cameras ensures a 360 degree field of view. Most standard station wagons or off-road vehicles can be optimized for easy installation and the scanners are powered directly from the cars battery. Data acquisition is operator controlled using a standard laptop. The system was designed with the user in mind– set up is fast, easy and safe!

At 600,000 measurements per second, the VMX-250 mobile scanning system allows surveyors to capture highly accurate and high resolution dynamic 3D data at highway speeds. The ability to travel at high speeds significantly increases safety for all applications, including mapping of highways, railroads and waterways as well as extended urban area, construction sites and open pit mines. The speed also contributes to a significant reduction in project time. Traditionally mobile scanning of a 10-mile road was dangerous and took up to ten weeks, from data acquisition to post processing. The new VMX-250 is capable of completing a 10-mile project in a matter of hours.

The cutting edge echo digitization technology used in the VMX-250 mobile LiDAR scanning system penetrates foliage, fences and other obstacles. The system’s online waveform technology allows for more than 10 measurements per laser shot. The combination of these technologies results in laser precision of 1cm or better and accuracy 3cm or better.

The new high performance fully calibrated VMX-250-CS6 Camera System completes the Riegl VMX-250 Mobile Laser Scanning System by supporting six digital color cameras. The new system is extremely compact and user-friendly. As seen below, the VMX-250-CS6 is positioned on a lightweight aluminum frame for versatility and stability.

Riegl’s RiAcquire Software manages acquisition of precisely time stamped images by the VMX-250-CS6 in addition to the acquisition of the VMX-250 laser scanner data. In addition, the software controls the camera’s parameters and enables image monitoring during acquisition in real time.

The sealed camera housing can be used under demanding environmental conditions.

About Riegl USA

Riegl USA located in Orlando, FL, is the North American office for Riegl Laser Measurement Systems, GmbH, with headquarters in Horn, Austria. With over 32 years experience in the research, development and manufacturer of time-of-flight based optical radar systems. Our products are used for tripod, airborne survey, industrial process control, altimetry, aerospace, mobile, hydrographic and bathymetric applications.

Riegl USA is recognized as the performance leader in the mobile mapping, civil infrastructure, airborne scanning, hydrographic, mining and terrestrial based industries. Our instruments are well known for their ruggedness and reliability under demanding environmental conditions. Riegl’s various 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing “Innovation in 3D” for the laser scanning business.

About Surveying Solutions, Inc.

SSI is a professional services firm specializing in a wide range of surveying services. Being a full service surveying company, SSI provides professional services to a wide range of clientele that includes government, residential, municipal, engineering design, and private development clients. SSI is adept at providing a leadership role on all types of surveying projects. In addition, SSI strives to support the needs of other firms in a sub-consultant role to meet any project demands.

Providing professional surveying services for more than a decade, SSI’s dedicated staff is fully trained and experienced to complete the work necessary to take any project from planning to final deliverables. With extensive experience in surveying and LiDAR, SSI is a major asset to any project team anywhere in the world. Being certain that LiDAR will continue to revolutionize the way survey projects are completed in the future, the SSI team is focused on providing the benefits of LiDAR today.

For More Information

Susan Licari, Marketing Manager Brian Bailey, Geospatial Services Director

Riegl USA Surveying Solutions, Inc.

7035 Grand National Drive, Suite 100 4471 M-61

Orlando, FL 32819 Standish, MI 48658

Phone: 407-248-9927, Fax: 407-248-2636 Phone: 989-846-6601, Fax: 989-846-6607

Toll Free: 1-855-Go-Riegl Mobile: 601-520-9304

slicari@rieglusa.com ; info@rieglusa.com bbailey@ssi-mi.com

Serving the North American Market since 1993 Surveying-Engineering-Construction Services

Riegl LMS-Z210 involved in disaster assessment at Fukushima 1 in Japan

rieglusa — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:27:50 +0000

(18.03.11)

Since the great earthquake of Friday, March 11, 2011, and the disastrous tsunami that followed, RIEGL Austria has been closely observing the developments in Japan. The precarious situation at the nuclear power plants involved terrifies all of us.

At this very moment, we are concerned by the catastrophes that have taken place, and full of anxiety in view of danger yet ahead.

Mr. Teruo Sasaki, CEO RIEGL Japan, keeps us informed of the current situation on site, that is, in Tokyo, where RIEGL Japan is headquartered. We pay our greatest respect to him, his family and his team – as to all Japanese people– for their calm and sobriety in managing this extremely demanding situation.

Today Mr. Sasaki informed us that also a disaster monitoring robot equipped with a RIEGL LMS-Z210 Laser Scanner is working at the dangerous area of Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant to provide the necessary information for a better overview of the situation and to support further important decisions. An appropriate article is to be found at the ASAHI newspaper company’s website. The robotic vehicle belongs to Nuclear Safety Technology Center, www.nustec.or.jp/
We are excited that our laser scanner can assist the brave remaining technicians at Fukushima in executing their important and substantial work knowing that on their success the fortune of so many will be decided.

rieglusa — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:51:38 +0000

Press Release

Riegl’s New High Performance VMX-250-CS6 Camera System

Fully Calibrated Camera System

Orlando, FL March 14, 2011: The new High Performance fully Calibrated VMX-250-CS6 Camera System that compliments the Riegl VMX-250 Mobile Laser Scanning System, by supporting six digital color cameras, has arrived in the United States. This new system is extremely compact and user-friendly. As seen in this release, the VMX-250-CS6 is mounted on a lightweight aluminum frame designed for versatility and stability.

Riegl’s RiAcquire Software manages acquisition of precisely time stamped images by the VMX-250-CS6 in addition to the acquisition of the VMX-250 laser scanner data. Accordingly, the software controls the camera’s parameters and enables image monitoring during acquisition in real time. Riegl’s RiProcess software then delivers high quality colorized point clouds.

Riegl USA will be holding an on-site demo of this new exciting System at SPAR 2011.

Marriott Waterway Hotel and Convention Center, The Woodlands, Texas

March 21^st thru March 24^th

About Riegl USA

Riegl USA located in Orlando, FL, is the North American office for Riegl Laser Measurement Systems, GmbH, with headquarters in Horn, Austria. Our company has over 32 years’ experience in the research, development and manufacturer of time-of-flight based optical radar systems. Our products are used for tripod, airborne survey, industrial process control, altimetry, aerospace, mobile, hydrographic and bathymetric applications.

Riegl USA is recognized as the performance leader in power line mapping, mobile mapping, civil infrastructure, airborne scanning, hydrographic, mining and terrestrial based industries. Our instruments are well known for their ruggedness and reliability under demanding environmental conditions. Riegl’s various 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing “Innovation in 3D” for the laser scanning business.

For More Information

Susan Licari, Marketing Manager

Riegl USA

7035 Grand National Drive, Suite 100

Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-248-9927, Fax: 407-248-2636

Toll Free: 1-855-Go-Riegl

slicari@rieglusa.com ; info@rieglusa.com

Serving the North American Market since 1993

Riegl USA- LiDAR Solution with the new association between Tuck Mapping and AeroMetric

rieglusa — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:16:47 +0000

Tuck Mapping and AeroMetric to Provide High Accuracy Mapping Services

RIEGL’s Latest Integrated Airborne and Mobile Software Suite is Fast, Cost Effective and Extremely User Friendly

rieglusa — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:35:59 +0000

Riegl USA is proud to announce the latest features for the RIEGL Software Suite. This all inclusive software suite is fast, cost effective, and extremely user friendly. Thus no other third party software is required to produce accurate geo-referenced point clouds for LiDAR with RIEGL equipment.

Please see the exciting upgrades that have been made in the following Riegl Software Suites:

RIEGL RiACQUIRE 1.3.7

The RIEGL RiACQUIRE software allows for real time data monitoring and recording of LiDAR data, image and trajectory.

The main features are:

Controlling RIEGL Airborne and Mobile Laser Scanners

Supporting IMU/GPS Systems
System Status Feedback for Fast Recognition by the Operator
Configuring System Parameters
Operational Data Acquisition
system status and navigation information, visualization of on-line data
Verification and Testing of
cabling, communication & configuration
System Integration
configuration of system components, definition of interfaces

The latest upgrades are:

Improved real-time data visualization
Improved stability
Auto logging on/off for Riegl LiDAR scanners controlled by Applanix POS Track flight management software

RIEGL RiPROCESS 1.4.10

The RIEGL RiPROCESS software is the shell that enables perfectly calibrated LiDAR point cloud data to be delivered for the airborne and mobile data processing user.

Main Features:

Project-oriented managing tool for processing of RIEGL airborne- and mobile laser scanner data
Utilizing RiANALYZE and RiWORLD in remote control mode
System calibration and scan data adjustment based on matching data acquired on flat objects
Statistical analysis of data matching quality; comparison of laser data to surveyed reference objects
Interface to further post-processing tools via LAS, Terrasolid, and ASCII data exchange
Operation in a multiple-workstation environment enhancing data post-processing throughput by parallel computing

The latest upgrades are:

The integrated boresight algorithm provides for faster and more accurate planar surface matching which checks overall system component calibration resulting in correct data alignment in the raw data and scan data adjustment.
Improved and more user friendly work flows, views, RGB and colorization methods
Improved processing of integrated camera systems and GPS-IMU Systems

RIEGL RiANALYZE 5.1.11

The RIEGL RiANALYZE software allows the LiDAR user to extract and digitize the targets from full waveform pulse returns.

The main features are:

Target detection and target parameter estimation by means of Full Waveform Analysis

Different analysis algorithms available with configurable parameters
Extraction of an unlimited number of targets per emitted laser pulse
Coordinate transformation into the well-defined Scanner’s Own Coordinate System
Smooth integration into RiPROCESS
Point cloud with additional target descriptors
First, second, …, last target indication
Pulse width and pulse amplitude
Time stamp (UTC, GPS)
Different data output formats for a variety of post-processing software packages

The latest upgrades are:

Automated MTA zone detection
Advanced time stamp correction of data (UTC, GPS)

RIEGL RiWORLD 4.3.6

The RIEGL RiWORLD software combines LiDAR and trajectory data that produces real world point clouds.

The main features are:

Transformation of laser data into the coordinate system of the position and orientation data set

Provides information for subsequent transformation into a local, leveled, north-east-aligned coordinate system for accurate visualization
Processes a large number of files for unattended operation in batch mode
Provides different data output formats including LAS format
Smooth integration into RiPROCESS
Makes use of geometrical system description and calibration information
Supports different formats of position and orientation data
Compatible with different definitions of the navigation frames

The latest upgrades are:

Improved performance
GeoSys Manager
Fully LAS file format 1.2 compliant

RIEGL GEOSys Manager Utility 1.2.1

RIEGL GEOSys Manager is a LiDAR data management tool for coordinate systems and projections.

The latest upgrades are:

Simpler more user friendly format
Supports the EPSG geodetic data set
Support for Lambert Conformal, Transverse Mercator and Oblique Mercator projections
Native implementation of GeoID-09
Customizable projections ellipsoids and transformation perimeters
Native implementation of all NAD 83 state plane coordinate systems
Integrated geodetic calculator
No need to leave your workflow

RIEGL POF- IMPORT UTILITY 1.4

RIEGL POF-Import is a trajectory conversion utility for LiDAR processing.

The latest upgrades are:

Allows for multiple types of trajectory files
Allows for importing quality information about the trajectory.
Improved analysis of the LiDAR accuracy based on trajectory quality

We are pleased to offer this upgraded software suite. For more information please contact us at info@rieglusa.com

About Riegl USA

The key factor to Riegl USA’s success is the full service experience offered to our customers, from your initial purchase, integration of the system, training and support Riegl USA stands out as an industry leader.

Riegl USA is recognized as the performance leader in the civil infrastructure, airborne scanning, mobile mapping, hydrographic, mining and terrestrial based industries. Our instruments are well known for their ruggedness and reliability under demanding environmental conditions. Riegl’s various 3D scanners offer a wide array of performance characteristics and serve as a platform for continuing “Innovation in 3D” for the laser scanning business.

More Information

James Van Rens, President

Riegl USA

7035 Grand National Drive, Suite 100

Orlando, FL 32819

Phone: 407-248-9927, Fax 407-248-2636

Info@rieglusa.com

Serving North American Market since 1993