Reality Capture: Emerging Tools to Meet Your Needs

Reality Capture data collection employs a combination of digital hardware and software technology to quickly and cost-effectively make an accurate record of existing surroundings for use in planning, design, construction, and asset management. Data collected with drones, terrestrial laser scanning equipment, and mobile capture equipment can be published, shared, and collaboratively used by owners, designers, contractors, and the public for a wide range of purposes ranging from site planning to operation and maintenance. The growing suite of Reality Capture tools, including 360° panoramic imagery, 3D point clouds, thermal imagery scanning, bathymetric surveys, and UAV aerial surveys, provides unique collaboration opportunities in a wide range of applications including building repurposing and renovation, confined space measurements, condition assessments, facilities/asset management, historical preservation/documentation, and construction verification. This presentation will present an overview of a variety of Reality Capture tools, discuss when to use each tool (or combination of tools) and provide several case studies showing how these tools have been used in different ways to overcome unique challenges and provide value beyond current traditional methods. The case studies cover a very wide range of applications including: - Stormwater Master Planning and Hydraulic Modeling - Aerial and nautical drones for detention basin condition assessment and bathymetry (see Figure 1) - Spherical Imagery for 360-degree imagery acquisition along streams (analogous to Google Streetview) - Condition Assessment, Rehab and Post-rehab Documentation of Water & Wastewater Facilities Applications include confirmation of as-built conditions and condition assessment of a wastewater pump station, incorporation of CSO control screening and grit facilities into existing infrastructure, inspection and rehabilitation of drinking water storage reservoirs. Specifically, this technology has been used to conduct detailed facility investigations on numerous projects in Detroit, Michigan for existing water and wastewater infrastructure for the Great Lakes Water Authority - Construction Progress Documentation - Using a survey grade aerial drone to capture high-resolution, geolocated imagery at regular intervals to provide a timeline of construction and allow stakeholders to observe site changes from any internet connected device (see Figure 2) - Concept Design Presentations for Stakeholder Engagement. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on lessons learned and ways to effectively leverage Reality Capture tools to suit specific needs, including selecting appropriate combinations of tools, appropriate timing for deploying these tools within a project's life cycle and comments on the investments (approximate levels of effort in terms of cost and time) needed to leverage these emerging technologies.