Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Engineering and Surveying at Walbec
As new technologies emerge, Walbec continues to search for
opportunities to automate our land surveying and engineering data-gathering
tasks.
Drones equipped with cameras and sensors are used to
quickly and accurately map large areas of land, capturing high-resolution
images with precise GPS-derived photo positions. Artificial intelligence (AI)
is used to create high-resolution orthophoto mosaic images from the data for
conceptual designs or exhibits. These images are helpful when processing
traditional survey data to ensure the automated line connectivity and
topographic feature mapping correctly depict the site conditions. Having
high-quality aerial mapping saves time and minimizes the chances of having to
travel back to the site to collect missing information.
Our engineering and surveying services team has applied
automated data processing with machine learning algorithms to analyze and map
pavement distress from orthophoto mosaics. The pavement distress data is then
used by engineers to develop a pavement rating necessary to select an
appropriate course of action for asphalt or concrete rehabilitation.
Robotic total stations also utilize AI to identify, lock
onto and track a 360-degree prism to measure angles and distances with a single
operator. Monitoring total stations are programmed to work autonomously on a
fixed schedule to collect angles and distances to fixed targets. This
technology is most often used for settlement monitoring for bridges, quarries,
and buildings.
AI applications are rapidly advancing each year in exciting
ways. The costs of automated data processing are dropping as the technology
becomes more mainstream. Survey data collected using drone images is not as
precise as what is collected by a land surveyor. Pavement distress mapping
doesn't inform engineers of the underlying causes of distress. There will
always be limitations and expert judgment required to ensure that the data
acquired is dependable and accuracy standards are achieved using best
practices.
The talented team throughout Walbec’s family of companies
continues to seek out innovative opportunities to integrate AI to assist our
team members with decisions regarding complex problems and reduce errors that
have previously required human oversight and verification. Learn more about the Engineering & Surveying services Walbec has to offer, and reach out today with any questions.
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New Walbec Corporate Videos Launch
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