How geospatial data enables the rollout of fast internet

From maps to Gbps: reality capture technology is being leveraged for fibre-to-the-home infrastructure. The digital economy is growing at an unprecedented rate, and global data consumption will increase exponentially over the next decade. Fibre-optic networks form the backbone of the digital infrastructure necessary to support the pace of growth, but the pressure is on to roll them out fast enough. This article explores the scale of the challenge, and shows how the geospatial industry is a crucial part of the solution. Thanks to mobile mapping, and particularly Lidar technology, everyone will be able to tap in to the enormous opportunities offered by high-speed fibre-optic internet.

A modern fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) or fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure is essential to support the transformation to a full-scale digitized economy. This broadband technology utilizes optical fibre to provide reliable, high-speed internet directly to individual buildings, including homes, individual apartments and businesses. FTTH received a huge boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions of employees ended up working from home. This created a massive need for bandwidth and reliable fast internet, coming straight to their door. And although laser-based and quantum internet solutions are currently being developed, until they actually materialize FTTH is the fastest solution around.

Closing the connectivity gaps

According to the broadband statistics published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), internet connectivity and speeds vary widely from country to country, and there still is a lot of work to do to close the gaps. In the Netherlands, telecom provider KPN offers consumers and small businesses upload and download speeds of up to 4 gigabytes per second (Gbit/s or Gbps), facilitated by a special modem. This speed is exceptionally fast by today’s standards, but it may not be necessary for everyone. For households or workplaces with a maximum of two people, a lower speed of 100 megabits per second (Mbit/s or Mbps) usually suffices.

The European Commission has set ambitious targets for the European Union by 2030; as part of the Digital Decade agenda, it wishes to see a Gbps connection to every household and business (‘Gigabit for everyone’), and all populated areas should be covered by next-generation high-speed wireless networks (at least equivalent to 5G performance). Similarly, in the USA, the government is spearheading a programme designed to connect every citizen to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) programme, US$65 billion has been allocated to support this initiative. This funding bolsters and enhances existing programmes aimed at expanding internet access and usage across the country. Meanwhile, China’s 13^th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) and the current ‘Broadband China’ strategy require operators to offer higher speeds of 100Mbps or more to home broadband subscribers in large and medium-sized cities. In addition, in rural areas, operators are expected to expand FTTH deployment by connecting 98% of villages to fibre-optic networks. This is a challenge of astounding scale. According to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, nearly five million kilometres of optical fibre cable were installed in the country last year alone, bringing the national total to 64.32 million kilometres.

Geoinformation-assisted building of FTTH networks

So how are FTTH networks built? The careful planning process includes selecting the appropriate architecture, designing efficient fibre distribution paths, choosing splitter locations and managing installation logistics. Subscriber density, geographic challenges, and future scalability are important factors. In the execution phase, using pre-terminated cabling and effective network management enhances reliability and cost efficiency.

It is in this context that survey companies are well positioned to tap into this potential market. After all, geospatial data runs like a common thread through an FTTH ecosystem. Although some background mapping data essential for overlaying network plans can be sourced from various platforms such as Google Maps, Microsoft Bing, OpenStreetMap and national mapping agencies, in its FTTH Handbook (currently version 9) the FTTH Council Europe actually makes a strong case against using these sources as they are often not up to date. Instead, it strongly recommends using an up-to-date mobile mapping survey as the most productive method to collect the necessary data. Therefore, at various stages of a fibre-optic network project, it is necessary to record and analyse other data from the environment, including ground cover information, cables, electricity poles, trees, traffic signs, road infrastructure and facades. In particular, knowing the surface type before laying FTTH cables in the ground can produce a significant cost advantage, since there is a big difference between opening up concrete/asphalt compared to sand/grass, for example.

Benefits of mobile mapping for FTTH

Given the need for time-saving solutions, it is very logical to use mobile mapping systems for this purpose, since the emergence of 360° mobile mapping cameras and advanced Lidar solutions has transformed the traditional manual surveying methods for infrastructure networks. However, fibre-optic network installers do not always have a strong background in geospatial technology, which can limit their awareness of how accurate data collection can significantly improve project outcomes. It may therefore be necessary for survey companies to highlight and explain the benefits of mobile mapping in the context of FTTH.

Mobile mapping has the power to transform data collection and application in FTTH by delivering unmatched efficiency and flexibility. Firstly, advanced mobile mapping systems enable high-speed data collection with a stunning level of accuracy. Capable of capturing 3D scans at a range of up to at least three to four million points per second, these systems are designed for versatility and ease of use. They can be effortlessly mounted on vehicles or vessels, which make them ideal for mapping extensive areas. For example, a vehicle equipped with modern mobile mapping technology, driven at standard traffic speeds by a skilled two-person team, can survey around 60-70km per day in an urban setting and over 100km in rural areas. In comparison, traditional methods like a GNSS receiver would cover just a few kilometres per day. As a result, mobile mapping boosts the speed and efficiency of data acquisition, which is also beneficial given the current labour shortages, plus it eliminates the safety risks associated with surveyors working on open roads.

Secondly, mobile mapping systems harnessing innovative Lidar technology enable planners and designers to gain a comprehensive view of real-life field conditions from their offices, significantly reducing the need for on-site visits and therefore saving on associated costs such as travel and accommodation expenses for workers. This is because these advanced systems deliver extraordinary point density, 360° imagery, and are equipped with integrated GPS antennas and IMU systems, ensuring that every detail of the environment is precisely recorded. The resulting highly accurate georeferenced point clouds and imagery offer a comprehensive dataset for various uses, such as map creation, 360° visualizations and asset documentation. The data is provided at centimetre-level accuracy and can be integrated into GIS systems. This enables changes in the environment to be automatically identified during the entire project and the right decisions to be made every time (from design and planning phase to implementation and delivery, including for maintenance purposes afterwards). All of this enhances the speed, efficiency and quality of the total project.

Needless to say, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for capturing the environment as part of an FTTH project. In some situations, there are valid reasons for not choosing Lidar mapping. For instance, while working with Lidar technology can deliver high-end accuracy, it can also be more time-consuming, not to mention significantly more expensive than other mobile mapping methods. Another element at play is the type of information needed, which can differ greatly depending on the context. In the case of hanging FTTH cables that are suspended from posts or buildings, the primary concern is whether there is enough room to add more equipment. Sometimes it can be faster and more cost effective to use just imagery, coupled with GNSS/INS.

Mobile mapping, digital twins and AI

Interestingly for the geospatial sector, the strategic use of advanced mobile mapping tools to optimize FTTP broadband rollout strategies was highlighted at the FTTH Conference 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Industry experts highlighted how Lidar technology, integrated with mobile mapping systems on vehicles, plays a crucial role when creating accurate digital twins of potential deployment areas. This approach is broader than one would imagine at first glance. Firstly, it helps when assessing the feasibility of new rollouts by providing precise data on the number of premises within target zones – often surpassing the granularity of public records. Additionally, it informs critical decisions about where to invest.

Moreover, the discussion emphasized how artificial intelligence (AI) further refines this process. By analysing data collected through mobile mapping, AI can identify surface materials like asphalt, which significantly impact the cost projections for network expansion. These practical insights, shared by leading professionals during the conference, underscored the transformative potential of combining mobile mapping with digital twin technologies to drive greater efficiency and cost effectiveness in fibre-optic deployment and network operations. Clearly, the geospatial industry is well positioned to leverage cutting-edge technology and contribute to shaping the future of FTTH.

Examples from around the world

Canada: setting new efficiency standards

In Canada, where many FTTH cables are hung on poles instead of dug into the ground, Cansel has played a pivotal role in advancing FTTH projects by integrating cutting-edge mobile mapping solutions and streamlined workflows. Since 2019, with the acquisition of its first Trimble MX9 unit, Cansel has transformed the FTTH survey and data collection process. This started with pilot projects that demonstrated the company’s capability to collect extensive data rapidly. One 15km survey was completed in just 90 minutes, whereas it could conventionally take up to 75 hours.

Cansel’s methodology involves three critical steps: data acquisition by using the Trimble MX9, data processing with tools like POSPac and TBC for trajectory processing and point cloud creation, and data extraction using the Trimble MX Asset Manager. This sophisticated system allows for semi-automatic to automatic extraction of key pole features necessary for FTTH deployment. Notably, Cansel’s process significantly reduces manual labour, with up to 60% time savings in the overall survey process and over 35% savings in data extraction.

This workflow automates the conversion of collected data into formats required for permit requests and CAD drawings, ensuring precision and efficiency. The approach has proven to be particularly beneficial in rural areas where high-speed internet demand is critical, addressing challenges like limited human resources and seasonal work constraints. Overall, Cansel’s innovative integration of technology and automation serves as a good example of setting new standards in the FTTH industry, enhancing productivity and accuracy in land surveying and telecom infrastructure projects across Canada, including in remote areas.

USA: efficient resolution of insurance claims

An engineering firm based in Colorado, USA, used the Trimble MX7 mobile imaging system in an FTTH project to capture detailed, georeferenced, time-stamped images of 30,000 sites prior to construction. This methodology provided crucial pre-construction evidence for insurance claims, minimizing disputes and ensuring accurate claim assessments. Besides enhancing project management, it proved cost effective by facilitating efficient resolution of construction-related damage claims. This innovative approach can serve as a model for future FTTH and civil engineering projects.

Germany: leveraging AI and computer vision

Deutsche Glasfaser is one of the leading market players in FTTH network expansion in Germany. The group focuses on nationwide fibre-optic supply to rural and suburban areas. The company has recently integrated the cutting-edge CityMapper platform from Dutch innovator Horus, significantly enhancing the stability and productivity of its mobile mapping fleet. The Horus modular CityMapper platform offers unparalleled flexibility and future-proof system integration, allowing customers like Deutsche Glasfaser to build upon their initial investment in mobile mapping system technology. The modular CityMapper system boasts an impressive array of options, including Teledyne FLIR's advanced Ladybug5+ and Ladybug6 cameras, A700 thermal imagery, and Blackfly high-resolution cameras. Combined with Hesai XT32 Lidar and Applanix GNSS technology, it delivers precise data collection of street-level imagery with exceptional clarity and detail at an affordable price. The MERCAIDO software suite enhances this by leveraging AI and computer vision to automate feature extraction and surface segmentation for speeding up cost calculations. This suite connects AI models with street-level imagery to detect, geolocate and measure objects, producing actionable GIS data. This ensures up-to-date insights and reliable cable routing information, minimizing uncertainties and cost of failure, and maximizing bidding speed and project success for companies like Deutsche Glasfaser.

The Netherlands: AI-supported segmentation and extraction

In the Netherlands, the home country of Horus, BAM Infra considerably enhanced its FTTH projects by using Horus technology. Faced with time constraints during tender processes and the need to minimize financial risks, BAM integrated the advanced Horus CityMapper system. This cutting-edge mobile mapping solution, equipped with FLIR Ladybug5+ 360-degree cameras, Velodyne Lidar, Applanix GNSS/INS, and four high-resolution cameras, enables BAM to capture detailed street-level imagery with exceptional precision. The true power of this implementation lies in its AI-driven analysis, supporting automated surface segmentation and feature extraction. This technological synergy produces valuable, actionable insights that significantly streamline both the design and construction stages. The impact is substantial: project assessment time has been slashed from 18 days to just three days, providing a clear situational overview without surprises. By generating rapid, reliable calculations and GIS data, this innovative approach not only reduces financial risks, but also significantly enhances decision-making processes. As a result, BAM Infra has reinforced its position as a leader in sustainable telecommunications infrastructure development, showcasing the transformative potential of AI and geospatial technology in modernizing FTTH network deployment.

Conclusion

Installation activities for fibre-optic networks are accelerating across the globe, often supported by government programmes to develop fast internet infrastructure as a foundation for the digital future. As a result, 360° imagery has become essential for the precise planning and implementation of FTTH projects. However, many countries around the world lack the necessary highly detailed data of property locations, densities, boundaries and surrounding infrastructure. The absence of this information makes planning FTTH networks extremely difficult for internet service providers. Advanced mobile mapping technologies can contribute to ensuring that every cable is installed accurately and efficiently, supporting the rapid and reliable rollout of fibre-optic networks worldwide.

As highlighted in this article, the global push to offer citizens and businesses widespread access to fast internet presents a significant opportunity for the geospatial community. This transition relies on a high-quality, largely automated workflow that captures spatial data using mobile sensors to record high-resolution point clouds and 360° panoramic images. Laser scans provide depth information and support AI-based object classification. The technology discussed enables detailed recording and analysis of the physical environment, including roads, terrain, buildings, vegetation and other geographic features. The expanding role of geospatial technology and data in this process to drive connectivity offers exciting opportunities for surveying companies, provided that they can successfully convince potential customers of the benefits of mobile mapping.

Will 5G make fibre optics obsolete?

It is a common misconception that 5G (and in the future 6G) technology can completely replace wired connections. While the future of communications is indeed moving towards wireless solutions, the success of these technologies depends on a strong foundation of fixed infrastructure. 5G is set to be a transformative force, but without the support of fibre optics, its performance and reach will be severely limited. In particular, fibre optics will be needed for high-capacity backhaul to manage the immense amounts of data that 5G will generate. Additionally, there are significant economic and political reasons for supporting 5G with fibre-optic infrastructure.