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GeoWorld March 2012

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Rialto, Calif., Biosolids Facility High-definition terrestrial laser scanning quickly is coming to the forefront in the documentation of existing conditions and engineering design. In this project, LIDAR point-cloud mapping data were coupled with panoramic digital imagery to provide a solution for asset management and support for engi- neering designs for the retrofit of an existing biosolids facility. LIDAR was acquired using a terrestrial unit, and high-resolution panoramic imagery was captured from each of the scan positions with the same focal point as the LIDAR sen- sor. Once acquired, the LIDAR point cloud and panoramic imagery allow the client to remotely "visit" the processing facility from a PC workstation in their home office. The panoramic imagery provides a simple visual reference to understand which plant features were acquired at the time of the terrestrial LIDAR survey. Snapshots from the panoramic imagery were marked up by the client and design staff to communicate piping conflicts, identify areas of concern and respond to requests for solid-model data extraction from the LIDAR point-cloud deliverable. The LIDAR survey solu- tion saved dozens of labor hours as well as enabled the client to efficiently visualize and manage the processing facility without having to make multiple onsite field visits to verify measurements and pipe clearances. TECHNOLOGY USED: High-definition terrestrial LIDAR scanning PROJECT OBJECTIVE: Provide an as-built survey of existing conditions for the engineering design of a biosolids retrofit facility. A color, panoramic image (left) of a pipe rack at a biosolids facility in Rialto, Calif., can be compared to a LIDAR point cloud (right) of the same structure. Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association Tri-State Generation & Transmission used LIDAR data acquisition and modeling for more than 1,500 miles of 100kV and above cir- cuits on a transmission corridor spanning four states. The project used a helicopter platform equipped with a LIDAR scanner, nadir RGB camera, forward and aft oblique digital cameras, full-motion video, and an airborne meteorological sensor. Airborne base stations and checkpoints were established to support required accuracies and provide verification that accuracies were being achieved. PLS-CADD-ready deliverables were provided for transmission-line modeling and conductor-clearance assessment. The aerial survey effort was contracted by Tri-State to enhance its corporate GIS as well as provide information to address potential infield clearance concerns, as outlined in a 2010 NERC Alert issued to transmission owners and operators. To meet NERC recom- mendations, Tri-State needed the aerial survey data to be collected and processed under an aggressive schedule. TECHNOLOGY USED: LIDAR, nadir RGB camera, digital cameras, video, airborne meteorological sensor PROJECT OBJECTIVE: Collect data and document conditions to enhance and/ or supplement Tri-State's corporate information and fulfill recommendations for the National Energy Reliability Corp.'s 2010 NERC Alert. MARCH 2O12 / WWW . GEOPLA CE . C O M 27

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