FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Non-Disruptive Survey Captures Track Geometry, Above-Ground Assets, and 360° Visual Data for Enhanced Safety and FRA Compliance
AUSTIN, TX - September 15, 2019
Reality IMT announced today the successful completion of a comprehensive, high-speed rail corridor mapping survey for CAPMetro Rail in Austin, Texas. The project utilized Vehicle-Based LiDAR Rail Survey and 360° Geovideo Photogrammetry, demonstrating a fast, effective, and non-disruptive method for documenting linear assets and complex railway infrastructure.
The railroad industry faces unique challenges due to limited track access and continuous traffic flow. Reality IMT’s innovative approach solves this by conducting the LiDAR rail survey at normal travel speed, capturing vast amounts of data without interrupting service schedules or requiring costly track closures. This method far exceeds the data density and detail achievable through conventional surveying techniques.
“Rail safety and efficiency depend entirely on accurate, up-to-date geometric data. Our solution allowed CAPMetro to capture the entire right-of-way in a single pass at speed, minimizing risk and maximizing the value of the data collected,” said Ala Hamdan, CEO of Reality IMT. “By combining sub-foot accurate LiDAR with omni-directional geovideo, we essentially bring the entire track corridor directly onto the engineer’s desktop, supporting everything from routine maintenance decisions to crucial FRA regulatory compliance.”
Key Project Deliverables & Advantages
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Non-Stop Data Capture Lidar survey car drives at speed limit, capturing angular measurements 20 times per second without disrupting track time.
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High Accuracy Positional accuracy for all above-ground assets is verified to up to 1/10th of a foot using precision GPS/IMU systems.
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Risk Reduction Accurate geometry data—including vertical/horizontal curves and superelevation—helps reduce risks associated with derailment.
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Comprehensive Deliverables: Includes Tracks Geometry, Plan and Profile maps, Track Charts, Superelevation reports, and a Geodatabase of all assets (buildings, powerlines, signals).
Reality IMT utilized a unique system combining a single-head LiDAR unit with a precision GPS/IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and omni-directional geovideo cameras. The resulting dataset provides a comprehensive visual and dimensional as-built. The LiDAR captures the geometry of the tracks and all above-ground features along the right-of-way, while the 360° geovideo provides a visual record of asset condition and position. These surveys serve as a critical resource for infrastructure maintenance and support compliance with FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulatory requirements.
Ensure Safety and Compliance with Non-Disruptive Rail Mapping
Leverage Reality IMT’s expertise to obtain accurate track geometry and asset data while maintaining continuous rail traffic flow.
Contact Our Rail Survey TeamDefinitions for Editors
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging):
- A remote sensing method that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances and create precise, three-dimensional representations (point clouds) of the Earth's surface and assets.
- GPS/IMU (Global Positioning System / Inertial Measurement Unit):
- Integrated sensor system used in mobile mapping to provide highly accurate, real-time positional and angular data for the collected LiDAR and photogrammetry data.
- Superelevation:
- The difference in elevation between the two rails on a curved section of track, applied to counteract centrifugal forces and ensure passenger comfort and safety.
About Reality IMT
Reality IMT is a technology-driven professional service firm specializing in high-accuracy reality capture and documentation for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and Utility sectors. Utilizing advanced 3D laser scanning, mobile mapping, and photogrammetry, the firm provides precise as-built documentation and asset data to help clients streamline design coordination, minimize construction risks, and accelerate project delivery across North America.
Media Contact
Jeff Anderson
Marketing Director
Reality IMT
Email: media@realityimt.com
Phone: 713-636-9844
Website: www.realityimt.com
High-resolution media assets, including company logo and project visuals, are available upon request.
