New mobile mapping technology

3D Laser Mapping have teamed up with IGI to develop a new mobile system for the capture of up to 40,000 3D points as map data. Called the ‘StreetMapper’, this vehicle-mounted laser scanning technology uses basic trigonometric principles to transmit a light pulse that is reflected off the surrounding features, which are then bounced back to the vehicle’s receiver.

This permits StreetMapper to not only produce highly detailed 3D images but also calculate the distance of the subject from the vehicle. The system is founded on airborne laser solutions, and has already been successfully used to create detailed highway models, vegetation mapping, and cliff face mapping for the monitoring of coastal erosion. And judging by StreetMapper’s capabilities, thanks to its advanced software and peripherals, 3D Laser Mapping believe the system could benefit the mining and mineral extraction industries as well.  

Martin Redstall, managing director of Reality Mapping, one of 3D Laser Mapping and IGI’s UK clients, said: ‘The system will revolutionize the way we map our environment as it provides more detailed and accurate measurements than traditional survey techniques. Using StreetMapper, we can safely survey all features associated with our changing landscape, including quarries and mines, slope and cliff monitoring, as well as forestry and vegetation mapping, and street corridor mapping.’