Latest news with #LightDetectionandRanging
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- Science
- 1News
Experts take to skies to create flood maps of Auckland
Auckland Council is taking to the skies again to deploy state-of-the-art LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to map critical waterways. It's part of the Council's Making Space for Water Programme – a response to the 2023 Anniversary Weekend floods – to ensure flooding on that scale doesn't happen again by combining infrastructure upgrades with the use of natural environments. "As we rely more and more on these natural networks to do the work of stormwater to convey flows, we need to understand how they're able to cope," said Auckland Council's principal of waterways planning Danny Klimetz. The LiDAR technology provides virtual walk-throughs of stream networks to detect changes, helping enhance flood resilience across Auckland. Auckland already utilises some regional LiDAR data, but these data sets are 20 times more accurate. ADVERTISEMENT "We knew we needed something better," said Klimetz. "Something with more density." His team connected with the University of Canterbury, which has been using state-of-the-art LiDAR tech for stream management. "We've used it from anywhere to do change detection on braided rivers in the South Island, we did a lot of the emergency surveys after Cyclone Gabrielle, trying to figure out where stop banks had failed and where stop banks were going to be needed," said Justin Stout, a geospatial research scientist at the University of Canterbury. Earlier this year, a low-flying EC120 helicopter equipped with LiDAR sensors was gathering high-resolution data across approximately 328 square kilometres of the region, covering areas from Matakana and Whangateau in the north, to urban catchments like Swanson and Meola Creek. This time the data is being collected from a 233 km2 area including all of the North Shore, parts of Henderson Creek and Whenuapai as well as areas around Pukekohe. 'This data will help us visualise and understand the intricacies of Auckland's waterways in a way that hasn't been possible before, right down to individual trees, slips, and bank conditions. It will equip us to tackle the challenges of urban flooding and climate change head-on," said Auckland Council's health waters manager Craig Mcilroy. 'It's a game-changer for managing flood risks and ensuring the city's resilience for future generations."
New Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
How does an autonomous car work?
From Silicon Valley in the USA to bustling Beijing in China, self-driving cars, especially the ones driven without the assistance of a driver, are popping up everywhere and are considered to be the next big thing in the automobile industry. These self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), use a combination of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing to navigate roads without human intervention. They rely on multiple technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and real-time data processing, to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and drive safely. The automobile industry currently classifies 6 levels of driving automation ranging from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully autonomous). While the term self-driving is often used interchangeably with autonomous, there is a big difference between the two. A self-driving car can drive itself in some or even all situations, but a human passenger must always be present and ready to take control. Self-driving cars would fall under Level 3 (conditional driving automation) or Level 4 (high driving automation). They are subject to geofencing, unlike a fully autonomous Level 5 car that could go anywhere. Autonomous cars rely on an array of sensors to build and update a real-time map of their surroundings. Radar sensors track nearby vehicles, while cameras identify traffic signals, interpret road signs, and monitor pedestrians and other cars. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology uses laser pulses to measure distances, detect lane markings, and recognize road boundaries. The Lidar creates high resolution 3D maps of the environment, helping the car detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors near the wheels help with close-range tasks like parking by sensing curbs and adjacent vehicles. Then there are multiple cameras fitted in the car which provides visual data for lane detection, traffic signs, and pedestrian recognition. These cars also have GPS and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). GPS provides location data, while IMU tracks acceleration and rotation. This helps the car in navigation and maintaining the vehicle's position on the map.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai RTA deploys AI robot for metro inspections: Here's what it can really do
ARIIS, Dubai Metro's new AI robot, uses LiDAR and 3D imaging to inspect tracks without disrupting operations, cutting manual work by 1,700 hours/ Image: RTA Dubai In a major technological breakthrough for urban transportation, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially introduced an AI-powered robotic system to inspect and monitor the Dubai Metro's rail tracks and related infrastructure. The robotic platform, named ARIIS, short for Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System, was announced on Thursday as part of RTA's latest move to enhance operational efficiency, ensure safer operations, and maintain Dubai Metro's position as one of the most advanced urban rail systems globally. — rta_dubai (@rta_dubai) From 2,400 to 700 Man-Hours: Efficiency Gets a 75% Boost According to the RTA, the deployment of ARIIS enables a dramatic reduction in human labour. Traditionally, conducting full-scale inspections of Dubai Metro's extensive rail infrastructure required approximately 2,400 man-hours by human personnel. With ARIIS in operation, this number can be slashed to just 700 man-hours, delivering a 75% increase in operational efficiency. In practical terms, this means: Faster inspection cycles, enabling the rail network to be checked more frequently and more thoroughly. Reduction in manual inspections by up to 70%, minimising human error and safety risks. A 40% improvement in assessing infrastructure conditions, thanks to the system's advanced sensor and imaging technologies. This leap in efficiency not only saves time and resources, but also strengthens system reliability by proactively detecting issues before they impact service. What Is ARIIS and How It Works ARIIS is equipped with a suite of advanced technologies designed to function autonomously and without disrupting regular metro operations. These include: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors: to measure distances with laser precision and create 3D maps of the rail environment. High-resolution lasers: for scanning surface integrity of rails and other components. 3D cameras: that offer comprehensive imaging of track infrastructure. This system navigates the tracks and continuously collects data on rail alignment, wear, vibrations, and structural anomalies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo It allows for real-time analysis and long-term condition monitoring, enabling predictive and proactive maintenance strategies, a feature RTA has emphasised as critical for improving lifecycle performance and reducing emergency repairs. Also read: World's highest metro station to be built on Dubai's new blue line Top Stakeholders Endorse ARIIS for Efficiency Gains The announcement was accompanied by strong endorsements from senior figures at both RTA and Dubai Metro's operating company, Keolis MHI. Speaking to Khaleej Times , Abdul Mohsin Kalbat, CEO of RTA's Rail Agency, expressed pride in Dubai's leadership in transport innovation: 'Dubai is proud to lead in smart solutions to improve reliability and efficiency of Dubai Metro. The introduction of ARIIS represents another significant leap in our journey to maintain our Metro as one of the most advanced and safest public transportation networks globally,' Kalbat said. Echoing this sentiment, David Franks, Managing Director of Keolis MHI, the operating company of Dubai Metro, highlighted how ARIIS changes the maintenance paradigm: 'ARIIS is a milestone achievement, significantly transforming our maintenance operations by improving safety, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making,' Franks said. With ARIIS now in operation, Dubai sets a new regional standard in automated rail maintenance, aligning seamlessly with its smart city ambitions. Read more: All You Need to Know About Dubai Metro's Blue Line: Route, Timings, Capacity
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Canadian wildfire smoke to hit parts of New York this week
Smoke from the massive wildfires in Canada is expected to affect residents across New York state, creating hazy skies with smoke thick enough to block the sun and lower the temperatures in some areas. Air quality in parts of the U.S. began worsening late last week as high-altitude winds carried smoke from dozens of wildfires in Canada southward. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Binghamton, N.Y., released a satellite image showing smoke and clouds over the western and central parts of the state and much of Pennsylvania. The smoke is affecting solar radiation at the surface, with higher radiation values observed in the east. 'As a result, temperatures in smoke-affected areas could be cooler than originally forecast,' officials said. Just before 11 a.m., the NYS Mesonet at UAlbany — a high-resolution weather observation network operated by the University at Albany, SUNY — reported that Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems in Buffalo, Owego and Belleville had captured the smoke plume gradually 'advecting toward the surface over the past 6 to 8 hours.' In Syracuse, some smoke had already drifted into the area, creating hazy conditions and colorful sunsets, NWS meteorologist Danielle Kittle told 'It could be a little bit more noticeable [Tuesday] afternoon in terms of getting the faint smell of smoke,' she said. As of Tuesday morning, air quality had reached 'unhealthy' levels in parts of the Dakotas, Iowa and Minnesota, with a smaller region in Minnesota — including Minneapolis, Lakeville and Faribault — classified as 'very unhealthy,' according to the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow page. While air quality levels remained 'good' for most of the New York City area, per EPA data, Fox5NY warned that smoke could reach the Big Apple sometime Tuesday. The Canadian fires, which began last month, have forced the evacuation of more than 25,000 people across three Canadian provinces. With News Wire Services
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Cheras intersection affected by sinkhole reopens to traffic
The sinkhole at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat has been filled and the route reopened to traffic. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star AN intersection in Taman Pertama, Cheras, is now reopened to traffic after a sinkhole there has been repaired. The sinkhole, which appeared at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in late April, had led to the closure of sections of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi for public safety. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said initial checks at the site found the subsidence was not caused by any leaks, such as water or sewerage pipes. 'Further investigations are now focused on the underground drainage system, specifically the box culvert structure located 7m beneath the road. 'Inspections using drone technology and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems identified damage to the culvert structure. 'This damage was the cause of soil erosion and cavity formation in the surrounding area,' it said in a media statement. In a May 8 StarMetro report, 'Cheras sinkhole leads to closure of several roads' it was speculated the caving-in could have developed during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works at a nearby development project. DBKL said that as an immediate measure, refilling of the sinkhole with suitable materials was carried out and completed on May 20. 'At the same time, the developer was instructed to stabilise the surrounding area using the polyurethane (PU) foam injection method. 'The affected area remains closed for ongoing safety monitoring, while other routes at the junction have been reopened to traffic,' said the statement. DBKL added that permanent repair of the box culvert structure would be carried out without the need to excavate the road surface, to minimise disruption. The repair works are expected to take between three and six months, depending on the method chosen. Resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema expressed concerns about safety and urged DBKL to share its findings. 'The authorities sealed up the main sinkhole in the middle of the intersection, but another one appeared near the corner of Jalan Selangat, just a few metres away,' he said. Sukhdev, who is a member of the Cheras Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) for sub-zone 3, called for a thorough study to prevent similar incidents in the future.
