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Abstract

Disaster Management with Tripod-Mounted Lidar

Sean Belshaw
Regional Sales Manager, Laser Imaging
Optech Incorporated, Canada
seanb@optech.ca

Albert Iavarone
Product Manager - Laser Imaging
Optech Incorporated, Canada
alberti@optech.ca

Abstract :
Although technology improves daily, it is still impossible to accurately predict the arrival of a natural disaster such as a land-slide or an earthquake. The impact of these events on the surrounding area can be catastrophic. After such an event it is important to have metrically accurate data of the area to assess the extent of the damage, the impact on the infrastructure and the potential for continued danger in the area.

In recent years lidar technology has made it possible to collect highly precise range data very quickly. With the advent of portable, tripod-mounted scanners such as Optech's ILRIS-3D, governments and surveyors can now monitor areas of continual concern before and after the event - developing a detailed, time-adjusted dataset of the area. This information is vital in predicting the timing of the event (and thereby minimizing casualties) as well as assessing its impact.

This paper will document several instances in which Optech Incorporated’s ILRIS-3D laser scanner has been used to monitor areas of slope instability before and after a landslide. The system’s accuracy, ranging ability and Class 1 eye-safety have made accurate, non-contact slope monitoring a reality.