In Trimble Connect, a colorized point cloud was compared to the design to identify areas that required rework.

How Cloud-Based Data Management Benefits Large Infrastructure Projects

Cloud technology is unlocking the value of huge reality capture datasets in large infrastructure projects by enabling stakeholder collaboration and all-digital field-to-office-to-field workflows.

Data sharing and collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, engineers and environmental experts, is a significant challenge for large infrastructure projects. Subsequent delays, miscommunications and inefficiencies can add to costs and negatively impact the quality of the deliverables.

Infrastructure projects today benefit greatly from data provided by reality capture solutions in mobile mapping, UAV, 3D laser scanning and scanning total stations but face ongoing difficulties when managing large datasets, resulting in missed opportunities. However, the development of cloud-based platforms (like the TRCPS) is revolutionizing the way these projects are managed by offering a streamlined and collaborative approach that can significantly enhance productivity and support better decision-making.

Long-Term Impacts of Cloud Technology

Cloud-based platforms have the potential to transform the way large infrastructure projects are managed and executed, and the long-term impacts will carry through the entire lifecycle.

Planning and design – As part of the planning and design phase of a project, cloud technology can provide powerful visualization and reporting tools, enabling stakeholders to visualize and interact with 3D models, point clouds, and other data types. Convenient collaboration aids in the identification of potential issues, design flaws, or environmental impacts. By re-using the original data, augmented reality systems like Trimble SiteVision can help to visualize expansion and upgrades to existing infrastructure in the future.
Construction – During this phase, cloud technology removes the limitations on data storage and distribution and supports more frequent data collection, such as weekly UAV capture of the entire work site and spot scans as construction proceeds. For example, after laying concrete or blasting rock, engineers can complete a scan, create a measurement, and compare the measurement to the model to verify everything is correct before continuing. Improved usability of tools such as the Trimble X9 laser scanning system allows registration in the field, which reduces processing time in the office and means that up-to-date data can be made available more quickly via the cloud.
Maintenance – After the asset is built, maintaining all associated data in the cloud, rather than residing on one person’s desktop, enables more people to extract value through multiple applications. The point cloud can be filtered to remove noise and extract layers such as vegetation and ground, while features like manholes and signs can be extracted and labeled. The data can be turned into a 3D model that contains maintenance information that is connected to a work order system.
Future Projects – More customers have started requiring contractors to conduct their business in a digital environment to provide an opportunity to re-use the data and increase the return on investment. The contractor remains connected to the project because they have all the data preserved, making them a likely candidate for future construction work, environmental reviews, and repairs.

By leveraging the power of cloud technology, geospatial data sharing, and collaboration, as well as the integration of AI and advanced data analysis capabilities, these platforms offer a comprehensive solution that retains data integrity, streamlines workflows, enhances decision-making, and ultimately contributes to the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

Original article written by Gregor Wilhauck, Cloud Solutions Market Manager at Trimble Geospatial. Read the full article on informedinfrastructure.com. All graphics: Credit Donatsch + Partner AG.

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