Commendium

Water Services Locating Leakages

Water Services Locating LeakagesAre you grappling with the issue of water leakage in your pipelines?If you are seeking solutions to meet leakage reduction targets while maintaining sustainability and operational productivity. Look no further. Our LiDAR surveying company is here to assist with your water management practices and help you to tackle leaks head-on.Global ProblemWater leakage is a pressing global problem that hampers sustainability and efficiency, especially as leakage rates reach their highest levels in years. It is time to explore new approaches, and that's where LiDAR technology comes into play.LiDAR to the rescueLiDAR,  scanning and mapping technology, offers a comprehensive solution that visualises potential issues within your pipes, identifying factors that could lead to leaks in stunning 3D detail. From cracks and pipe deformations to joint displacement, our LiDAR experts can detect and measure these irregularities with accuracy. By partnering with our LiDAR surveying company, you unlock a range of advantages tailored to your specific projects. Precise Leak Detection and Localisation:Our LiDAR technicians can survey vast lengths of pipe, accurately pinpointing potential leakage spots. By generating highly detailed 3D models of your water infrastructure, we provide you with an all-encompassing view, enabling you to swiftly identify issues and prioritise repairs with precision.  Optimised Resource Allocation:Use our LiDAR survey data to gain insights into leak severity and environmental impact. With our data-driven approach, your limited resources are strategically deployed to address critical leaks and future pipe problems.Network Modeling and Simulation:Integrate our LiDAR data with modeling software to evaluate the potential impact of leaks on your network. Our data will help you plan effective strategies to reduce water loss and  improve your system efficiency.Proven track recordOur LiDAR surveys have a track record of successful collaborations with renowned industry leaders, including ‘Thames Water, Scottish Water, Wessex Water, and Veolia'.CollaborationOur collaboration with Thames Water has provided valuable insights into their unique requirements. Through our LiDAR solutions, we have effectively detected pipe issues. Additionally, our partnership with Veolia, a global leader in environmental solutions, has further enriched our experience in implementing LiDAR and GPS technology for water management projects.  

Client Testimonials 3D LiDAR and Drone Surveys

Client Testimonials  3D LiDAR and Drone Surveys Through the utilisation of LiDAR technology, our clients have experienced precision and accuracy in their scanning projects. By harnessing the power of laser pulses, we capture high-resolution, three-dimensional data clouds with remarkable detail and resolution. This enables our clients to visualise and analyse their environments with clarity. This in turn helps them to make informed decisions to drive their projects forward with confidence. Testimonials from our clients     "Commendium has shown adaptability, innovation, determination and skill in order to deliver our surveys on time and to budget."WARDELL ARMSTRONG   - Technical Director      “Commendium was able to address many issues for us during the installation of Pooley Bridge, which led to significant time saving and reduced cost.”ERIC WRIGHT CONSTRUCTION - Project Manager "Commendium's commitment and the quality of their models has contributed overwhelmingly to the success of our TV productions."UNDERWORLD  - Series Producer  "Commendium has taken sonar data and produced 3D models which have enabled our client to design remedial works to fix failing flood management systems and thereby save millions"THE WATER SERVICES GROUP  - CEO  “The blend of LiDAR surveys of underground pipes and GPR which Commendium provides, has enabled us to plan building works and mitigate risk with great precision, saving both costand time.”JOHNSON CONSTRUCTION - Managing Director  We have worked with a myriad of industry-leading companies: NETWORK RAIL LiDAR scanning to conduct comprehensive surveys and assessments of railway viaducts, to capture intricate details and facilitate  structural analysis. Click here.      VEOLIA advanced GPS positioning technology,  generating accurate and detailed maps, harnessing precise location data to creating visual representations of both urban and rural environments.        THAMES WATER  inspection and assessment of water pipes, employing advanced laser technology to accurately capture three-dimensional data, enabling  detection of anomalies, identification of structural integrity, and optimisation of maintenance procedures.      NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC    LiDAR scanning and film effects. Click here      BBC  Documentaries , presenting. Click here      SPINCRAFT - STANDEX    LiDAR scanning and film production animation.      GIBRALTAR NATIONAL MUSEUM   Film Documentary, and Presenting.  Click here     ZDF STUDIO  Scientific cave films for Underworld -  Curiosity Channel.       ZRC SAZU The fusion of LiDAR scanning and film production animation  propelled the boundaries of visual storytelling.  Integrating cutting-edge laser scanning technology with the artistry of animation. We create immersive cinematic experiences that captivate audiences and transport them to extraordinary realms of imagination.      Case studies  Riegl  DroneDJ Global Railway  Rail Engineer 

Building and roof survey by drone

Building and roof surveys by drone Cost The cost of erecting scaffolding, ladders, lifts and undertaking work at height comes with increased risks and expense. Try an alternative option, our drone service. Our registered drone service may be applied to any building and is especially ideal for older tall buildings and areas of difficult access. All drone flights are carried out with minimum disruption to your daily routine. Why a drone is better Drones are flown into areas where there is little or no easy access and can zoom in close to view those delicate and sensitive areas. Areas such as glass roofs or decaying architectural work, where careful surveys are required are exactly where the drone excels. Accurate  Drone surveys are highly accurate and do not require the intense preliminary work that traditional surveys need to undertake; such as abseiling services, ladders, scaffolding, pickers & lifts. Weather issues also come into play, drones do not like gusts of wind, but they have no issues with many of the weather conditions that call-off manual inspections. Inspection Drones can quickly put your mind at ease, by inspecting dilapidated, hard to reach, delicate building areas or roof problems. Big or small, surveying manually can be a complex and costly affair. Use our drone service to carry out useful surveys of your buildings. Our team of drones or (UAVs) are piloted by registered experienced operators, who have carried out work for civil engineering companies, homeowners, and filmmakers. Capture Our drones fly up to a height of 120m and can cover miles of terrain, though typically we fly a lot closer and survey smaller areas. Our fleet of drones capture real time information in full-colour high-definition (HD) clarity. The camera footage may be viewed live or stored digitally for closer inspection. We can cover outputs for use in a wide range of other applications. Save time For reduced health & safety, environmentally friendly, highly manoeuvrable, quicker, and precise surveys call out the drones.

Photogrammetry for Archaeology

Photogrammetry for ArchaeologyDiscover the Power of Photogrammetry in ArchaeologyPhotogrammetry, creates highly accurate records of topology, objects, features, and landscapes. In the field of archaeology, the use of photogrammetric methods has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, enabling comprehensive documentation of everything from expansive landscapes to intricate artifact models.At Commendium, we have worked on numerous projects focused on capturing the essence and context of diverse archaeological sites around the world. Using drone photography, we employ oblique and top-down aerial shots to generate astonishingly realistic 3D models that vividly depict the surroundings.How photogrammetry worksPhotogrammetry relies on capturing a series of overlapping photographs of the subject or site from multiple angles. These photographs are then processed using specialised software that analyses the images, identifies common points, and calculates their relative positions and orientations to generate a 3D model.Understanding the Process:Equipment Requirements:To embark on a photogrammetry journey, you'll need the following essential equipment:Camera: A digital camera capable of capturing high-resolution images is recommended. DSLR or mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses are commonly used for their flexibility.Tripod: Sturdy tripods provide stability and ensure consistent framing across images.Targets: In some cases, using targets, 'distinctive markers or patterns placed strategically in the scene', can enhance accuracy and alignment during the processing stage.Optional: Drones equipped with cameras can capture aerial photographs, enabling detailed site documentation and topographic mapping.Important Considerations:To achieve the best results with photogrammetry in archaeology, keep the following in mind:Lighting: Optimal lighting conditions are crucial. Aim for even lighting without harsh shadows or blown-out highlights.Overlap: Ensure sufficient overlap between consecutive photographs (typically around 60-80%) to facilitate accurate reconstruction.Consistency: Maintain consistency in camera settings (e.g., focal length, aperture, ISO) throughout the capture process to ensure uniformity in image quality and scale.Scale: Incorporating a scale reference, such as a ruler or known object, in the photographs provides a reliable size reference for accurate measurements in the final model.Capturing Techniques:Consider the following techniques to capture photographs for photogrammetry:Site-Level Photogrammetry: Capture multiple images from different angles, ensuring coverage of all desired elements in the scene. Vary heights, perspectives, and distances to capture comprehensive data.Object-Level Photogrammetry: When focusing on individual artifacts, capture multiple images from various angles while maintaining a consistent distance and lighting setup. Incorporate close-ups to capture intricate details.Software and Processing:Choose suitable photogrammetry software based on your specific requirements. Popular options include Agisoft Metashape, RealityCapture, and Pix4Dmapper. These software packages facilitate the reconstruction of 3D models using the…

Network Rail Bathymetry survey River Calder

Network Rail Bathymetry Survey River CalderRiver Calder After the successful initial 3D terrestrial scans of Whalley Viaduct, Network Rail requested an additional survey. This involved conducting a Bathymetry survey of the River Calder bed. This survey aims to investigate any potential issues related to the viaducts' crossing of the river Calder.Whalley ArchesThe Whalley Arches hold significant importance as crucial components of this busy railway route. Constructed between 1846 and 1850. The viaduct consists of 48 arches, over 600 yards long, and 70 feet above the valley. It is worth noting that the viaduct not only spans across land for a significant portion of its length but also crosses the river, adding to its unique architectural and engineering features.BathymetryTo ensure the viaduct's integrity over the river Calder, a bathymetry survey was conducted. The survey mapped a 100m river section using a HyDrone RCV remote control survey platform and the HydroLite-TM portable echo sounder kit. By connecting the HyDrone RCV to a GNSS receiver, precise geo-location of points on the riverbed was achieved. This GNSS data greatly aids in constructing the 3D river model. Furthermore, the receiver was linked to a LIDAR survey of the riverbanks. The resulting scan data accurately builds a profile of the river beneath the viaduct. Monitoring erosion and scourMonitoring the riverbed around the structures is crucial. The main focus of viaduct base failure is the flood-prone and scour-prone areas. Changes in river hydraulics due to flooding, climate change, and increased rainfall can lead to severe issues for the structures' base. This survey specifically targeted riverbed scour, detected using our high-resolution sonar bathymetric remote-control platform.Data CollectionOur bathymetric underwater surveying technology enables engineers to inspect water retention and riverbed features. They use specialised software back at our base to analyse the collected data. This data characterises the River Calder location both above and below the waterline. Furthermore, we visualise the impact of objects on river flow and assess the changes caused by sediment dynamics in the river.The captured bathymetric data provided precise resolution and detail of the area. This improved sonar detail increased the evaluation of the watercourse and facilitated the inspection and assessment of the viaduct features, ensuring the structure's safety by identifying areas of concern.Network Rail will utilise the 3D and assessment models to evaluate future maintenance needs and determine any necessary remedial works.

Scanning with Network Rail – Scans, drones and viaduct arches

Whalley viaduct built in 1846 stretches across the river Calder. The viaduct is a magnificent structure, consisting of 49 brick arches, 620m long and 21.3m high. Locally the area is known the Whalley Arches. Traditionally, the surveying and inspection of these structures would be undertaken manually, with measurements and repetitive paper-based data entry. The traditional method is both time consuming and expensive; requiring extensive scaffolding. To eliminate the human errors attached to traditional surveying, and to save on time, we employ terrestrial 3D laser scanning techniques to capture buildings and structure data. Combined with photography of the structure, the laser scan data assists in assessments, helping with the prioritisation of maintenance issues,which may or maynot be required. Our team travelled to Whalley Arches late in the evening, our job was to scan the top railway section at midnight, the best time to work when scanning railways - whilst trains were stopped. However, due to strong wind gusts and torrential rain, the night time scan was cancelled much to our dismay. Undeterred, the next morning, clear skies and a mild breeze greeted us as we set off with a RIEGL scanner, two drones and camera team to capture the arches. Several areas under the arches required cleaning out of saplings, brambles and general discarded waste. These were cleared by the ever helpful team from Network Rail, armed with Chainsaws, and industrial hedge trimmers. As soon as these obstacles were cleared, giving us line of sight for the scanner and operator and easier access to the grounds, our job commenced. Each arch was scanned with terrestrial lidar, which made for some interesting scrambling up embankments and into residents gardens to ensure a clear view of the arches for the scanner. Thanks to all the residents who allowed us into their property, who were all very kind and welcoming. A total of 187 scan positions, combined with 3,000 high resolution photographs gave us a highly detailed accurate comprehensive analysis of the complete structure.

Practicalities of 3D scanning

3D scans useful in so many ways Our forte is our ability to combine data from the following different sources and technologies: Sonar, Bathymetry, LiDAR, and Photogrammetry. Promote your service with an exciting 3D interactive film or animation, or accurately measure your buildings or terrain. For speed and accuracy of capturing geospatial data, such as buildings, bridges, objects, and terrain. We give you asset management, 3D virtual films and surveys, and promotional marketing services too. The benefits of using our services are twofold “accuracy and speed.” 3D cameras vary in specifications; they are expensive and complicated to use regarding downloading and stitching the collected 3D data images. With our service, you tell us what you want and we do the work for you, from travelling to the location, capturing the data, processing your data, and passing you the finalised product. Our scans are precise to submillimetre distances, and can be used in a variety of scenarios, from forensics to wind turbines, terrain and building structures. Most recently we have been making 3D animated films to assist the tourist industry and engineering companies. 3D scans take your Quality control and quality assurance workflow to the next level of speed and accuracy. We quickly and accurately collect, process, and deliver your data even in hazardous and demanding conditions. Our data provides you with the ability to process, manage and collaborate more efficiently with greater detail. In addition to measuring benefits, your 3D data lends itself to immersive film and fly throughs giving you total “ real time” experience and clear views of your buildings, installations, and terrain.

Surveying and scale plans in 3D illustrating speed and accuracy in Forensics

Surveying and scale plans in 3D illustrating speed and accuracy in ForensicsTraditional versus  3DTraditionally forensic tools consisted of cameras, to take photos and videos and measuring tools, tape measures and measuring wheels.The problem with traditional methods, is that it is a complicated and time consuming process.Time and complexity are not helpful when collecting information as quickly as possible. In traffic accidents, with 'fast moving and changing environments' or crime scenes where deterioration of the scene can happen very quickly. Scanning is invaluable for capturing the scene quickly.When time is vitalTo enable the fast and accurate collection of data there is a vast array of geospatial tools to capture vital forensic evidence and information. This information is helpful and can be relevant in court or for insurance purposes.3D Surveying and scale plans illustrate accidents and crime scenes as pristine views of what exactly occurred. The 3D scans offer the ability to capture precise measurements, and record everything for prosperity and for further thorough analysis.Accuracy is paramountUsing multiple scan stations, and line of sight positioning of the scanner, we obtain every detail in perfect 3D precision.Dependent upon the type of scanner used, and your requirements, our Scans can be viewed in real time or taken away to be compiled, processed, and delivered to you; in which ever format you require.Measuring in precisionScans lend themselves to measurements from every angle, allowing for clear and precise forensic information.Scans can easily be viewed as a walk-through; this Provides both inspectors and a jury insight into the scene that was not previously possible.High definition colourOur 3D survey and scale plans are presented in high definition colour, which adds to the immersion of the scene itself, and assists with both spatial and visual referencing of event. Our 3D captured models bring not only speed of delivery, but clarity and understanding to all your scenes.

Riegl scan to 3D film – The process

Riel Scan to 3D Film - The ProcessCool film opportunityA glorious film project landed on our desk at the beginning of December. A mixture of photogrammetry, a LIDAR Scan, and drone footage. The task: To take all the above disciplines, fix, remodel, and turn the resulting 3D objects into a film.Collecting the dataWe had collected data earlier in the year when we visited the cave in winter to gain the advantage of low water levels and sparse vegetation. The first model, created by drone, using thousands of aerial shots was of the entrance dolines, huge depressions in the ground, along the bottom of which the River Reka flows before entering the caves. The second model of the cave, a stupendously huge file, created using a Riegl  terrestrial (TSL)  scanner converted to a single 3D point cloud.Processing the resultsUpon opening the resulting point-cloud, it presented itself as perfect, but consisted of four million polygons, which meant slow processing even with our high spec computers. First task, the model had to be decimated, bringing it down to a manageable size.Huge modelThe model, an exact replica of Škocjanske Jame, one of the largest known caves in the World, started out in magnificent detail. The reduction of data was handled carefully, a fine balance was required, to reduce the size and maintain the exquisite details captured by the Riegl scanner. Once the model data was refined, it was time for a thorough inspection. As we delved inside the cave, it felt like virtual caving, as the camera twisted and turned through the labyrinth of passages. Working your way around a cave system in 3D software can be quite disorientating, even when it is one of the largest caves in the world.Using photographsThe second issue presented itself while working our way through the caverns. We found areas of the model that were blank, and hidden from the scanner; it is quite impossible to place the scanner in all the positions required to capture everything in the cave due to restricted access, lighting and angles. We solved this problem by digitally creating realistic walls, from photographs, under the guidance of our own expert caver, who has first-hand knowledge of the cave.Creating texturesOnce the erroneous areas had been solved, the next task was to texture the model of the cave.  Using photographs taken from sections of the cave, our art department created bespoke images to be used…

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Surveying Water Pipes

Surveying water pipes Commendium accepted the challenge of surveying an 800m long 0.9m wide water pipe in North London. Being underground, without the aid of location, provided by GNSS. Surveying a metal pipe poses one of the most challenging subjects for LiDAR. There are few clues in the scanned data to assist with the registering and alignment of scans. The challenges We set about overcoming the challenges by mounting a Riegl TLS scanner into a crawler remote vehicle (provided by The Water Services Group). The process was set up to take scans at every 3m through the length of the tunnel. Inertial measurement unit We supplemented the displacement measurement by using an IMU to measure orientation and displacement between scans as precisely as possible. Scans were taken manually by connecting the scanner via a fibre optical link. Using ethernet switching also allowed us to capture photographs and video at the same time. Scan Processing Back at the office, the scan data is realigned using data from the IMU (Inertial Measuring Unit) . Next step the scans were brought into RiScan Pro for manual, fine stitching using the MTA (Multiple time around) tools. It was vital to prevent roll, and pick tie points from small imperfections in the pipe, revealed by the scanners. There is no way around this slow manual process. However, the results of our labour were excellent, a tribute to the quality of the core Riegl LiDAR technology. Closing the survey loop We 'closed the survey loop’ by surveying over the surface, to the opposite end of the pipe, this time enabling auto-registration as GNSS , with plenty of street ‘furniture’  available to identify and align the scan data. In the end, the loop closure was just under two metres over 1.8km; that will do nicely. Pipe Anomalies found The scan survey showed in detail, four additional anomalies that were unknown to the client engineers. Had these not been identified, it could have rendered planned maintenance ineffective. It did mean that additional access had to be dug to address issues, but this remains hugely less expensive and time-consuming than the alternative.