October 2005
Doncaster Railway Survey... by Helicopter

A small but significant project was undertaken on behalf of a Leeds based consulting engineer to survey a major rail crossing in Doncaster. The junction and sidings extend to fourteen active lines with crossover points and a major road above.

The site which forms part of the busy east coast main line required a very detailed 1:500 topographic survey, including all overhead lines and railway infrastructure, but with no rail access. The client, having heard about Photarc’s helicopter based aerial camera system, commissioned the survey on which all hard detail was
to be mapped to a precision of 15mm SD in both plan and height.

The aerial photography (see image) was taken at an altitude of 100 metres above ground. This survey is a good example of the benefits to be gained from low level helicopter based photography particularly when access is difficult or impossible.
 

May 2005
A very versatile model...

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) is the latest organisation to purchase PhotoModeler from Photarc. TRL has been commissioned by the Highways Agency to run comparisons on the different methods available for capturing data at road traffic accidents.

Photogrammetry (PhotoModeler), laser scanning and conventional survey techniques will be rigorously tested to determine which system delivers the best results in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness. The findings from the study will assist police forces and RTA investigators to adopt the most efficient system for collecting essential data prior to reopening roads and restoring traffic flow following a collision.

PhotoModeler is proving a highly effective and versatile surveying tool for a diverse number of applications. Photarc has recently supplied the package to architects, archaeologists, police forces, survey companies and for a new study looking at access to public transport for the disabled.

February 2005
The best in Wales

In February 2005, Photarc was awarded a contract by CADW to undertake a photogrammetric survey of most of Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey.

The survey, which required in excess of 350 stereo pairs of photography, is one of the largest of its type to be awarded in recent years.

The construction of Beaumaris was started in 1295 at the request of King Edward I to enable him to stamp his authority on the Welsh. Unfortunately, by 1298 the King had run out of money and interest and no further work took place. It is generally regarded as the finest of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales and the best example of British mediaeval architecture despite seeing little action until the civil war in the 17th century.
For further examples of architectural projects undertaken by Photarc Surveys, click here.

November 2004
People in glasshouses

During October Photarc undertook a major photogrammetric survey of Kibble Palace in Glasgow. This Grade A listed Victorian building is to be dismantled, refurbished then re-erected with the help of the engineering data provided by Photarc.

The Palace was built in 1865 in Coulport, but was re-erected at the present site in 1873. The main dome is 45m in diameter and 13m high. The building was originally intended for use as a venue for promenade concerts claiming to hold over 6000 people. First named as “The Kibble Crystal Art Palace and Royal Conservatory” it was changed to a plant house in 1881.

For further examples of engineering projects undertaken by Photarc Surveys, click here.

The Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) recently awarded John Walsh, an employee of Photarc Surveys for over ten years, the Richard Carter Prize at their annual dinner. This prestigious bi-annual award is given to the engineer that, in the opinion of the panel of judges, has made an outstanding contribution to Geospatial Engineering.

John Wilding, the ICES President, presented John Walsh with the prize in recognition of his work in the field of close range photogrammetry, particularly in the areas of forensic investigation and ship repair. In both these fields John has developed a number of systems and techniques that have greatly improved efficiency and increased awareness of the technique to a new audience.

July 2004
Police force adopts photogrammetry

Northumbria Constabulary has become the latest UK police force to adopt photogrammetry as one of its measurement techniques for recording both traffic collisions and scenes of crime. A total of ten officers will shortly be coming to Harrogate for system training.

The use of photogrammetry drastically reduces site time thereby greatly improving public safety. A number of forces are currently looking at this method of data capture, which retains the traditional police requirement for archive photography. Rapid advances in digital photography and photogrammetric software, have made the system provided by Photarc an attractive and cost effective alternative to conventional survey techniques.

Helen Gisbourne (North Yorkshire Business Link),
Phil Willis, Rory Stanbridge and Rachel Benson
Photo: Polo PR

Andy Bewsher demonstrates the ISM stereophotogrammetry system to Phil Willis.
Photo: Polo PR