Executive Summary

This technical publication explores the use of integrated sensor technologies for underground infrastructure inspections and geomatics applications. AquaCoustic’s approach combines CCTV, LiDAR, sonar, GPS, and additional sensing technologies to generate accurate 3D imaging and CAD-ready infrastructure data for sewer and pipeline assessments.

The paper discusses how integrated sensor surveys support improved pipe condition assessments, pipe meander mapping, hydraulic analysis, and infrastructure planning while reducing uncertainty associated with aging underground assets.

Publication Details

Publication: Northwest Trenchless Journal
Date: August 2023

Technical Overview

The publication outlines AquaCoustic’s integrated sensor survey methodology for underground infrastructure inspections. Multiple sensor technologies including CCTV, LiDAR, sonar, GPS, gas sensors, and robotic platforms are combined to produce detailed point-cloud and inspection datasets.

The paper also discusses processing workflows used to integrate laser and sonar data into accurate XYZ point clouds suitable for CAD and engineering analysis.

Key Contributions

• Integration of laser and sonar data for enhanced underground pipe visualization

• Accurate pipe geometry and deformation measurements

• Pipe meander mapping and elevation tracking

• CAD-ready point cloud generation for engineering workflows

• Improved identification of sediment, erosion, and structural anomalies

Infrastructure Implications

Integrated sensor inspections provide municipalities, engineers, and infrastructure owners with more accurate underground asset information for maintenance planning, rehabilitation prioritization, and future infrastructure expansion projects.

The ability to combine multiple sensor technologies into a single inspection workflow also helps improve data quality while reducing uncertainty associated with aging infrastructure systems.

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