Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) recently launched its IP-S2 vehicle-mounted, mobile 3D precision mapping and survey system. The IP-S2 combines dual-frequency GNSS signal tracking and positioning and inertial measurement to integrate laser scanning and digital imaging.
Using 3D laser scanners, LIDAR, and/or cameras, the data collected is integrated, time-stamped and geo-referenced. The customer can then quickly and accurately combine LIDAR point cloud and digital imaging data to build 3D models of the areas driven. Sensor integration creates unlimited applications for the technology in GIS, construction, agriculture, mapping, and machine control.
Ray O’Connor, TPS president and CEO, said Topcon’s Inertial Positioning System (IPS) “makes it possible to track motion through 3D space, creating an instant solution to myriad asset management and data collection applications.”
The IP-S2 can gather accurate measurement data in difficult conditions, such as tunnels, under bridges, in heavily wooded areas or urban canyons. One pass of an area at normal vehicular travel speeds provides a complete dataset of highly accurate position information and high resolution imagery.
Using software tools, GIS operators can identify features, assign attributes, and then export them to geospatial applications. The reduction in cost and improvement in safety are exponential compared to traditional ground survey methods.
The IP-S2 standard system includes three high-resolution LiDAR scanners which cover the vehicle path at ground level and sweep the adjacent areas to a distance of 30m.
The technology can provide location and geo-referencing with survey accuracy of visible utilities, traffic signals and roadways, modelling GIS maps, examining tunnels, taking inventory of and collecting 360° digital images (at a rate of 15 frames per second) to catalogue surroundings in real time.
There are more than 400 of the units currently in use worldwide. In Australia, the first installation will be commissioned very shortly, according to Bob Bent, executive director with Topcon’s Australian distributor, Position Partners.