Van Note-Harvey Associates is a full-service consulting, engineering, environmental planning, and land surveying organization, with 3D laser scanning services and deliverables included for over a decade. In the fall of 2019, they were awarded an extensive storm study of a 200+ acre Office Park Campus in New Jersey, USA.
This study was prompted by critical concerns involving existing roadway flooding problems, new construction modifications, and the crucial requirement of maintaining a sterile environment within these facilities. With over 460 manhole structures in need of accurate measurement, documentation, and analysis, Van Note-Harvey soon found they were facing some unique challenges, not easily overcome by traditional methods or even their terrestrial scanning solutions.
This study was prompted by critical concerns involving existing roadway flooding problems, new construction modifications, and the crucial requirement of maintaining a sterile environment within these facilities. With over 460 manhole structures in need of accurate measurement, documentation, and analysis, Van Note-Harvey soon found they were facing some unique challenges, not easily overcome by traditional methods or even their terrestrial scanning solutions.
Dot3D Pro + DotProduct DPI-8S SR with the DPI Extension Kit
Initial tests with traditional stick measurements and inverted tripod scanners raised several concerns about accuracy, time, and cost, both on site and in post-processing. Client safety requirements also immediately ruled out both these options, as any human breaches across the plane of the rim would require individual access permits for each structure, which would substantially delay the project. In addition, the client safety precautions would require fall protection measures be placed across the openings of the structures at all times, which would limit the mobility of using traditional methods and extend the time required at each structure. It became clear that handheld 3D scanning was the only viable option, and Van Note-Harvey looked to DotProduct as a proven solution in the industry.
Their teams were equipped with the DPI-8S and DPI-8S SR handheld 3D scanning kits, powered by Dot3D Pro software, as well as the DPI Extension Kit and DPI Light Kit, completing the package for use in these dimly lit underground structures. Both DPI kits were deployed over the course of the project, with the SR model proving more valuable given the extremely tight nature of most structures being captured. Four AprilTag targets were rigged to a cross and hung into each manhole, improving both accuracy and tracking during scanning.
Their teams were equipped with the DPI-8S and DPI-8S SR handheld 3D scanning kits, powered by Dot3D Pro software, as well as the DPI Extension Kit and DPI Light Kit, completing the package for use in these dimly lit underground structures. Both DPI kits were deployed over the course of the project, with the SR model proving more valuable given the extremely tight nature of most structures being captured. Four AprilTag targets were rigged to a cross and hung into each manhole, improving both accuracy and tracking during scanning.
“The simplicity and speed of data acquisition paired with the ability to confirm results in the field proved imperative in meeting the project schedule. Additionally, data collected allowed for future analysis from the design team.”
- Nick Fetzer, Vice President, Manager, Laser Scanning Services
- Nick Fetzer, Vice President, Manager, Laser Scanning Services
DotProduct point cloud data shown in Autodesk Civil 3D
The resulting scan data was imported into Leica Cyclone for post-processing and registration. Four rivets on the metal cross were utilized to calculate the center of each manhole and tie into control. From Cyclone the data was exported in RCS format and brought into Autodesk Civil 3D for further analysis and comparison to existing models. At this stage "the scan data was very helpful with recognizing debris and running tests with/without the debris in each”
– Nick Fetzer, Van Note-Harvey.
Over 460 manhole structures were captured and processed using this method, producing highly accurate results and detailed deliverables for the client. Key takeaways for Van Note-Harvey included the time savings, cost savings, ease of use, and resulting detail provided by the handheld technology. They estimate that Dot3D handheld scanning saved at least 45 minutes per structure when compared with traditional laser scanning workflows, while also providing significantly more accuracy and detail when compared to traditional stick measurements.
DotProduct point cloud data shown in Dot3D Pro
The benefits of small file sizes and a simple end-to-end workflow also proved to be especially valuable on this project. It was incredibly easy to get multiple staff up and running with the technology, for both capture and post processing. The small DP scan files were rapidly transmitted to relevant parties across the organization, easily viewable and editable across platforms and devices. Building from the success of this project, Van Note-Harvey has continued to expand their investment in handheld 3D scanning across multiple offices as the number of projects calling for this functionality continues to grow.
Scanning manholes with the DotProduct DPI-8S SR and DPI Extension Kit
About Van Note-Harvey Associates, Inc.
Van Note-Harvey Associates, Inc. is a full-service consulting, engineering, environmental planning and land surveying organization tracing its origin back to 1894. Their staff of professional and support personnel have diverse educational and project backgrounds enabling them to provide a large range of services for Fortune 500 corporations, neighborhood businesses, and all levels of federal, state, and local governments. They have served on design teams for numerous academic, institutional, municipal, and private development projects as the prime contractor, as well as under subcontract to major building architects, and design-build contracts, and have represented numerous municipalities and authorities as the engineer of record.
Van Note-Harvey Associates, Inc. is a full-service consulting, engineering, environmental planning and land surveying organization tracing its origin back to 1894. Their staff of professional and support personnel have diverse educational and project backgrounds enabling them to provide a large range of services for Fortune 500 corporations, neighborhood businesses, and all levels of federal, state, and local governments. They have served on design teams for numerous academic, institutional, municipal, and private development projects as the prime contractor, as well as under subcontract to major building architects, and design-build contracts, and have represented numerous municipalities and authorities as the engineer of record.
About DotProduct LLC
Founded in 2012, DotProduct delivers handheld 3D data capture solutions running on tablets and mobile devices. The company's real-time 3D-capture and processing solutions augment and, in some cases, replace laser scanning workflows. Customers include engineering, construction, surveying, manufacturing, shipbuilding, public safety and more. For more on DotProduct handheld 3D scanning solutions, please visit www.dotproduct3d.com.
Founded in 2012, DotProduct delivers handheld 3D data capture solutions running on tablets and mobile devices. The company's real-time 3D-capture and processing solutions augment and, in some cases, replace laser scanning workflows. Customers include engineering, construction, surveying, manufacturing, shipbuilding, public safety and more. For more on DotProduct handheld 3D scanning solutions, please visit www.dotproduct3d.com.