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NETWORK SURVEY VEHICLE

The Network Survey Vehicle is based on the latest survey techniques utilizing Laser, Global
Positioning System, Video image processing tools, etc. The Survey Vehicle automatically
collects road inventory and pavement condition-related data required for Road Asset
Management, Pavement Maintenance Management Systems, and Road Safety Audit-Related
Studies. The system is capable of collecting the following information at Highway Speeds:
• Longitudinal profiling (International Roughness Index)
• Transverse profiling (Rut Depth)
• Pavement Texture in terms of Mean Profile Depth
• Road Geometry Data (cross slope, gradient, curvature)
• GPS coordinates (X, Y, Z) viz. longitude, latitude & altitude
• Video imaging for Roadside furniture / Road Assets
• Video imaging for Pavement Surface Distresses

1.1 Components of Network survey vehicle

The various components of the Network survey vehicle are a Transverse profile logger, laser
profilometer, HRDMI (High-resolution distance measuring instrument), LCMS (Laser crack
measurement system), GPS receivers and geometry, right-of-way video and mobile mapping.

1.1.1 Transverse profile logger

ROMDAS offers high quality laser-based Transverse Profile Logger (TPL) with 15 single-
point laser sensors to output the industry standard transverse profile across the lane. These
transverse profiles are then analyzed to calculate the extent of surface rutting. This unit is
mounted on the front of the vehicle and is easy to remove for storage.

Figure .1 Transverse profile logger

Compared to most laser-based Rut Bar units, ROMDAS TPL offers a higher number of
contact points to provide quality transverse profiles, just as good as laser-based units with

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fewer points of contact. This ASTM-compliant TPL is extremely robust and economical
offering heightened accuracy characterized of laser-based equipment.
ROMDAS Data Acquisition Software then analyses the profiles to calculate the extent of
wheel path rutting under a theoretical straight edge
The TPL is available in two options with 15-point laser sensors and with 9-point laser
sensors, with the 15-point laser TPL providing higher accuracy transverse profile. If
requested, the number of sensors can be customized to suit the specifications of a project or
available budget.
1.1.1.1 Data outputs
 Transverse profile
 Rut depth measurements (using theoretical 2m straight edge method)

1.1.2 Laser profilometer

The ROMDAS Laser Profilometer module is a Class I Inertial Profiler and conforms to
ASTM E950. It uses a combination of laser and accelerometer to measure the longitudinal
elevation profile of the road for a high degree of accuracy at highway speeds. The profile is
then analysed to calculate International Roughness Index (IRI) values for road surface. The
ROMDAS Laser Profilometer is an exceptionally portable system and can be used for
construction control surveys, large scale network surveys or projects where high accuracy
road surface roughness data is required.
The latest version of this laser profiler is extremely lightweight and portable, weighing only 3
kg, and offering exceptional value for money when purchased with the central ROMDAS
System

Figure. 2 Laser profilometer

1.1.2.1 Data outputs

 Roughness (IRI)
 Raw Longitudinal Profile

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  Macro-texture (MPD) Upgrade available.
1.1.3 High-Resolution Distance Measuring Instrument
The High-Resolution Distance Measurement Instrument (HR-DMI) is used in projects where
extremely accurate (< 0.1 m) distance measurements are required.
The robust encoder is programmable from 360 to 10,000 pulses per revolution depending on
the application.

Figure. 3 High-Resolution Distance Measuring Instrument

The HRDMI is a requirement for any ROMDAS system using laser-based equipment like
LCMS, Transverse Profile Logger, or Laser Profilometers. The HR-DMI is not designed for
extended use on unsealed roads.

1.1.3.1 Data outputs

High-Resolution Distance/Chainage.

1.1.4 Laser Crack Measurement System

ROMDAS LCMS uses the latest laser scanning technology from Pavemetrics for automated
road condition survey. LCMS collects high accuracy 3D road surface profiles for automated
pavement condition surveys. These 3D profiles are then analysed using industry standard
algorithms to calculate a variety of important datasets. Along with automated pavement crack
detection and classification, this scanning laser unit also measures potholes, patching, rutting,
macro texture (MPD), raveling and joints/faulting.

Thanks to its operating principle, the ROMDAS LCMS offers several practical features that
ensure flexibility and quality of data collected at normal traffic speeds, and in day or night
time. This multifunctional module is an excellent option for private and public entities
wanting to perform high-accuracy network level road surveys without the need for traffic
management

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1.1.4.1 Standard outputs
 Cracking (Longitudinal, transverse, alligator, multiple, sealed cracks)
 Potholes
 Rut depth, width & cross-sectional area for each wheel path
 Macro-texture (MPD) across whole lane width in 5 AASHTO band
 Bleeding
 Raveling
 Shoving
 Concrete joint/faulting
 Water pooling
 Lane Marking
 Pumping
 Patching
 Water entrapment
 Geotagged Pavement images (.JPEG)
 Longitudinal profile/Roughness (IRI in both wheel paths)*Optional Upgrade
 Geometry (slope, cross-fall, radius of curvature, superelevation)*Optional Upgrade

1.1.5 GPS Receivers and Geometry

Geo-reference all simultaneously collected ROMDAS survey data with GPS coordinates. The
system can also use GPS data to establish location of the vehicle or road centre line. The geo-
referenced data allows for easy integration with GIS mapping or asset management software.
From real-time submeter accuracy to Real-Time Kinetic (RTK) Base stations for up to 5cm
GPS accuracy, ROMDAS system can connect with a range of GNSS configurations to suit
specific accuracy needs and budgets.

ROMDAS GPS with Inertial Navigation System

Experienced operators of high-speed surveying equipment know the real-world limitations of
collecting GPS where civilised constructions and environmental obstructions lead to GPS
drop-outs. Correcting these GPS drop-outs or outages during quality control in post-
processing can be time-consuming.
ROMDAS’ GPS with Inertial Navigation System (INS) is our standard and cost-effective
solution for improved accuracy, and reliability, of your GPS data. It uses dual antennas to
provide continuous stream of spatial data such as position, speed and orientation of the
vehicle while it is traveling. This helps to fill-in the gaps during these GPS outages (Dead
Reckoning) to provide navigationally useful information. The ROMDAS GPS with INS
module increases reliability of your data to give you error-free location reference points,
especially useful for mobile mapping and asset inventory.

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 Figure. 4 GPS receivers and Geometry

ROMDAS GPS with INS: Geometry Upgrade

ROMDAS System can output road geometry characteristics with a simple and Geometry
Upgrade to your GPS with INS module. With this economical Geometry upgrade, the system
will automatically calculate and record pavement gradient, radius of curvature, and cross-fall.
Using the GPS with INS dual antennas and sensors, the unit provides real-time output of
vehicle pitch, roll and yaw for accurate positioning and orientation while traveling. This
information is displayed in ROMDAS data collection software at the time of survey which
helps to calculate the road geometry.
Road geometry data and the data referenced with GPS coordinates, is essential for accurate
mobile mapping. This collected data is easy to integrate with most commonly used GIS
mapping software or Pavement Management Systems (PMS)
1.1.5.1 Data outputs
 GPS Coordinates
 Geometry outputs: Cross-slope, gradient (%), radius of curvature (m)

1.1.6 Right of Way Video & Mobile Mapping

The ROMDAS Right of Way Video Logging module is used to create a visual record of the
road right-of-way (ROW) to collect information about road assets and inventory. You can
choose between high-resolution single ROW cameras or the 360-view camera. The number
of single ROW cameras can be customized and adjusted in the desired directions to suit
project requirements.

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 Figure. 5 3600 Camera Figure. 6 Right of way cameras
The ROMDAS Right of Way Video Logging module collects the road corridor images and
directly digitizes them to output in standard JPEG or AVI format. These images are easy to
view with the most commonly used media players such as WMP, Quicktime, VLC, MPC,
and many others. Users can define and customize the resolution and Images are recorded and
stored on the survey computer at user-defined intervals to reduce file size (e.g. every 5 or
10m). As you conduct the survey, you can see the road images in real-time to constantly
monitor the quality and aspect of the collected data.

1.1.6.1 Data outputs

 Right Of Way Video Logging
 GIS maps extracted from survey imagery
 Standard .JPEG or .AVI image format

1.2 Instructions Followed during surveying

 The survey speed shall be within 30 to 80 kmph.

 The pavement surface shall not be WET for data collection using LASER sensors.
 The survey shall be conducted under good daylight conditions for video data.
 The survey system incorporates the use of LASER technique for data collection, so a
trained operator on “LASER SAFETY” is mandatory.
 The survey vehicle shall only be driven by a“TRAINED DRIVER” for safety reasons.
 The system shall not be used for extremely bad road conditions.

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2. Conducting survey using Network survey vehicle
Generally, a survey has been conducted on newly constructed roads or already used roads.
Before conducting the survey there is a need to do calibration for all components of NSV. If
the calibration has become a success with 95% probability then we can start the survey.

Figure 7. Survey doing image

The above figure describes the windows of each instrument of network survey vehicle. 360-
degree camera window shows images of all directions. One window on left side top shows
the speed of the vehicle and chainage. Trasverse profile logger windows show the 15 lasers
fluctuation. Laser depth represents the transverse profile of the road. GPS window shows the
latitude and longitude values. GPS windows shows the values even though the vehicle is
under the bridge because it is incorporated with inertial navigation system. Laser profilometer
window shows the longitudinal profile of the road and texture also. In the above figure, the
top left side window shows the the various codes given like point, continuous keycode. Laser
profilometer give good results when vehicle is moving with minimum speed of 20kmph.

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3. 360 Degree camera image calibration
It is recommended that before performing ROMDAS surveys that you record short
calibration videos for each camera. The videos are then used as a reference when calibrating
in DataView and allow users to perform measurements on images. This appendix describes
the process to follow when collecting these calibration videos.
It is important to note that if the physical setup of the cameras change then operators will
need to collect new calibration videos. It is therefore recommended that the camera mounting
is not changed during a project. This will mean only one set of calibration videos will need to
be recorded. Additionally, it will also make it easier for coders as they do not need to track
which calibrations relate to specific video files.

Recording Calibration Videos

1.Accurately mark a 3 x 3 grid on the ground with 1m spacing between points.

2. Position the vehicle so that the baseline of the first camera image is parallel with the
bottom of the grid.

Figure. 8 360degree front camera calibration doing image

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3. In the ROMDAS Data Collection software turn on Survey Test Mode. This will
simulate an odometer input and trigger the camera to record images while the vehicle is
stationary.

4. With Survey Test Mode turned on open a New Survey with only Video PGR Logging
selected in the devices

Figure. 9 Doing calibration in software

5. Start the survey and record at least 30-40 meters of data. End and save the data.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for the remaining cameras

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 Figure 10. 360 Degree 2 cameras calibration doing image

7. Once all calibration videos have been collected copy them from the survey computer to the
office and perform the Conduct Video Measurement Calibration step in DataView.

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4. Data Processing
Before starting data processing, we should have to know what is ROMDAS data view
module
ROMDAS DataView Module
When the database is first opened, a predefined logic stepper (called ROMDAS Data View
Module) will display and guide the user through the data integration and viewing process. It
is important that these steps should be completed in sequence as a number of the later steps
are dependent on the completion of earlier steps.

Figure 11. ROMDAS data view module

By highlighting (clicking) any step, a comment on the step will be displayed at the status box
at bottom. Double clicking or selecting Execute runs the predefined operations that are
selected or highlighted.

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4.1 Data Integration
4.1.1 Survey data type to include

Double click “Select Data Type to Include”. A table will appear with a list of predefined
datatypes. Select the datasets that apply to the equipment used during the survey (e.g. Laser
Profiler Roughness, BI Roughness, Video Logging, Geometry etc…). To check what data
types are in your data, you can open one of the survey files in Microsoft Access and see
which data tables are included.

Change the Preselected flag to select which data sets to include (Yes/No). Close window once
required data values have been selected.

Note: if integrating images from a 360 camera then it is required to select both “Video_processed”
and “romdas360camera”. E.g.

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4.1.2 Client GPS Coordinate Re-projection
The typical process for performing the co-ordinate reprojection as below;
Note:
• Co-ordinate convertor step to be performed only when GPS co-ordinates needs
to be converted to different co-ordinate system and Zone.

Survey data type selected (step 1-i: a), the next step is to select the GPS co-ordinate
projection to convert GPS data to local data,

• Go to, Client GPS coordinate Re-projection

• Click on Select Client GPS Coordinate Projection, a new window will open as
below,

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• Please select the required System and zone and select ok.

At this stage, only the Co-ordinate system and zone is selected and not executed. The GPS
co-ordinate projection can be unselected at this stage if conversion is not needed.
The GPS data is converted to selected coordinate system and zone after the “survey data to
integrate” and “Integrate data” step is executed.

Note: Once you have selected the GPS system, zone and datum, the settings will be saved for
the rest of the data integration done with survey files. If new set of survey files are selected
for data integration you do not have to go do this step again, select the survey files and go to
integrate data the conversion will be done with respect to Co-ordinate system and datum
selected previously

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