Mobile 3D Data Capturing

3D Laser Mapping (UK) has launched StreetMapper, a mobile system for the capture of detailed three dimensional map data. The vehicle-mounted system uses a series of lasers to measure the position of features relative to the vehicle, which can survey at speeds of up to 70km an hour. These highly accurate measurements are then processed to produce a detailed three dimensional model of the street corridor and overhead features. StreetMapper has been developed in partnership with IGI (Germany).

StreetMapper uses laser scanning technology to measure the position of features relative to the vehicle on which the system is mounted. The lasers transmit a light pulse that is reflected off the road surface or roadside feature and bounced back to the vehicle mounted receiver. Using the time taken for each individual pulse to be returned and the known value of the speed of light the StreetMapper system can automatically calculate the distance of the feature from the vehicle.

StreetMapper is also accurately calibrated so that each laser transmits its optical pulse at a known angle and uses satellite technology to calculate the exact real world position of each laser. Using basic trigonometric principles and these measurements and values the on board computer can process over 40,000 points per second to produce highly detailed and accurate three dimensional models.