Technical service | 3D tunnel scanning
Measurement and inspection inside a tunnel test not only an aircraft's flight capability, but also communication stability, endurance and data capture.
On 11 September, the Tecway team and Shanghai Pinsheng Digital Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Ltd. carried out tunnel inspection and modelling services in Shanghai for Shangkan Group, using the SCOUT 137 GEN3 drone to complete 3D scanning of the designated tunnel.
1. Tunnel surveying starts with flight and communication
On site, conventional drones found it difficult to complete measurement flights because of the signal conditions inside the tunnel. Flight endurance was another factor to consider when planning the scanning work.
To address these requirements, the team used a tethered drone setup to deal with the limitations on signal and continuous flight, creating the conditions for data capture inside the tunnel.
2. Video and LiDAR record the site
The SCOUT 137 GEN3 used for this assignment combines 4K high-definition video with 128-channel LiDAR scanning, capturing imagery and spatial data to support tunnel inspection and 3D modelling.
The high-definition video records visible conditions on site, while the LiDAR scan provides data on the spatial structure. The two types of information complement each other, so that site conditions are not only visible but also recorded in three dimensions.
3. Scanning completed, data retained for future maintenance
The engineers on site completed the 3D scanning of the designated tunnel.
The data captured provides a basis for subsequent 3D modelling and a reference for future inspection, maintenance planning and review of site information. Leaving behind data that can be used again after a single site visit is an important part of the value of this service.
From flying on site to capturing spatial data, the combination of equipment and working method gives tunnel surveying more flexible options for implementation.