The topographical survey features for the design included the surveying of the carriageway extents, road markings, crash barriers, channels, top of kerbs, gullies, kerb weirs, verge levels, ironwork frames, sign locations, traffic loops, overhead cables, electrical boxes, railings, fences, steps, bridge soffit level and pier positions.

To survey these sites traditionally is a long and protracted operation using laser scanners, total stations and GPS, to collect thousands of points of data per day. Typically this would take a surveyor around 2 days per site to complete in the field. Also to survey this many sites would have required 119 individual traffic management installations. With a project of this size, there is a significant health and safety risk associated to all involved, to personnel being both in the carriageway and in the verge during all times of the day and night. A safer and more cost effective method was needed to deliver the project on time and in budget.

Mobile mapping provided a rapid data capture solution for Kier, saving them time, reducing safety risk and maximising value by reducing a 200 plus field day project to only 12 days with no traffic management. Furthermore, all 119 sites were surveyed and delivered a week before the final deadline, thanks to the speed of accuracy delivered through using the Leica Pegasus:Two. Sun Hill was able to deliver this project with less than 20mm absolute accuracy. The surveys were then delivered in a staggered program, allowing sites to be prioritised.

“At Kier we aim to be at the forefront of technology. The Leica Pegasus:Two is one of the most accurate mobile mapping units on the market and has helped deliver significant cost savings and all 119 surveys were delivered before the final deadline”

Chris Fuller - Roads Value Stream Manager, Kier Highways