Overview: A Practical Fusion of Lidar and Photogrammetry
SimActive Inc. announces a pivotal advancement in highway design through the integration of Correlator3D software with lidar and photogrammetry techniques. The collaboration with Settimio Consulting Services demonstrates how high-accuracy terrain models are produced for critical infrastructure projects, such as highway ramp expansions, by combining imagery from advanced sensors with robust point cloud data.
How the Hybrid Workflow Works
Settimio Consulting Services leverages imagery captured by a Leica TerrainMapper-2 sensor and processes it within Correlator3D. This approach merges traditional photogrammetric methods with lidar data to create a unified, precise ground model. The result is a reliable representation of ground elevations and surface features that engineers can rely on for design, analysis, and decision-making across the project lifecycle.
Why This Matters for Highway Ramp Projects
Highway ramp expansions demand meticulous topographic information. Elevation accuracy, terrain continuity, and surface detail influence alignment, drainage design, and structural considerations. By including lidar-derived reference orthoimagery in aerial triangulation and tying the lidar surface into the overall solution, Settimio Consulting enhances model robustness and reduces uncertainties in critical design steps.
Key Benefit: Robust Geometric Integrity
As stated by Kyler Whittenberger, Photogrammetry Manager at Settimio Consulting Services, Correlator3D’s ability to create a lidar-based reference ortho is a standout feature. This capability ensures that the integrated surface participates directly in the block adjustment, leading to tighter residuals and more dependable terrain models for civil engineers working on ramp geometries and traffic simulations.
<h2 About the Firms
SimActive is a global leader in photogrammetric software, known for delivering accurate, efficient tools for processing imagery and point clouds. Settimio Consulting Services (SCS) is a woman-owned, DBE-certified firm specializing in lidar, photogrammetry, GIS, land surveying, and remote sensing. Since its inception in 2009, SCS has completed a broad array of Federal, State, County, and DOT projects, consistently delivering cost-effective mapping solutions to engineers and GIS professionals.
<h2 Real-World Impact and Next Steps
The highway ramp expansion project showcases how integrated data sources, paired with advanced software like Correlator3D, can streamline the design process. Engineers benefit from higher fidelity terrain models, improved surface continuity, and a more robust data foundation for hydraulic analysis, right-of-way planning, and construction sequencing. This collaboration also demonstrates Settimio Consulting’s capability to merge fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and mobile lidar with imagery technology for rapid, accurate performance on complex civil site projects.
About Settimio Consulting Services
Settimio Consulting Services, Inc. (SCS) is a leading lidar, photogrammetry, GIS, land surveying, and remote sensing firm. The company emphasizes innovative, cost-effective mapping solutions for Engineers, Surveyors, Scientists, and GIS professionals. SCS collaborates with strategic partners to offer full-service photogrammetry and remote sensing, with extensive experience in DOT, GIS, and civil site projects. For more information, visit www.scs-mapping.com.
