SAM utilizes the latest Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) platforms to provide clients with a full suite of services capable of successfully performing on projects of any size throughout the US. Our platforms include static, dynamic and mobile terrestrial technology paired with system components like GPS and IMU that support location and orientation of the data. Bob Williams, PSM and VP of SAM’s Geospatial team, explains LiDAR imagery can be acquired simultaneously from aerial manned and unmanned, mobile mapping, and terrestrial perspectives which, in turn, provides clients with an abundance of information compatible for post processing and calibration, data classification and feature extraction.
SAM’s geospatial team is led by licensed Survey Professionals, Certified Photogrammetrists, LiDAR Scientists, Pilots, Remote Sensing Specialists, Thermographers and GISP Specialists. The team utilizes manned, unmanned aerial, mobile and terrestrial scanning services that employ a wide range of sensors working to collect LiDAR imagery in the visible and invisible electromagnetic spectrum. High density, survey grade LiDAR is acquired for terrain, sub terrain, near-shore and marine environments. What makes the process a powerful tool for projects is, coupled with LiDAR, the datasets are used to solve complex engineering design, asset management and conditional assessment requirements.
Once the remotely sensed data is collected, SAM utilizes a new and evolutionary technology system called SiMON™. SAM’s SiMON™ program combines Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a multi-phased platform that streamlines geospatial workflows and enhances energy and transportation infrastructure inspection to reduce project timeframes and costs. This multi-phased platform organizes, filters, sorts and classifies large volumes of imagery and LiDAR data, supporting semi-automated inspection, assessment, and analysis for decision support. Datasets can be served remotely to the client desktop utilizing Orbit™, or delivered directly in a PLS-CADD, MicroStation, AutoCad or ArcGIS data format.
SiMON™ is an extraordinary addition to SAM’s existing technology and allows engineering experts to supervise results and teach the software to mimic human thought while evaluating general structures and individual components. Ground crews can input the condition assessment criteria directly into customized field forms using tablets, and transfer the attribute data using SAM’s Field Data software. Structure anomalies, image datasets, LiDAR, and inspection criteria results are then bulk-loaded into ESRI geodatabase or client specific software systems. The collective, end-to-end process and procedures SAM created integrating the SiMON™ platform could be the new paradigm for inspection across all energy and transportation markets.
Join Mr. Williams and SAM Survey Manager, Brandon Espinosa, PLS at the 11th Annual Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE) Metro East Mini-Conference on May 17 for an in-depth look at the LiDAR platforms SAM uses to provide engineering design grade accuracy, shorter acquisition times and overall, guaranteed project success.