Government Funding for 3D Laser Mapping of Motorway Crashes

3D Laser Mapping is set to revolutionise the investigation of motorway collisions  following the award of GBP 2.7 million (USD 4.2 million) by the Department of  Transport. The funding will enable 27 police forces across England to purchase 3D laser scanners - used to collect highly detailed, 3D images of crash sites up to 50 percent faster than traditional survey techniques. 3D Laser Mapping has established itself as the primary supplier of laser scanning technology for collision investigation.


A laser scanner in use at a motorway crash scene.

Equipment supplied by 3D Laser Mapping is already being used to drive down the GBP 1 billion annual cost of congestion caused by collisions on motorways. Its RIEGL scanners have reduced the time spent collecting evidence at the scene, in turn reducing road closure times by an average of 90 minutes. Data from the scanners is used to produce high quality graphics and detailed plans of collision scenes for use in subsequent enquiries and court cases.

The RIEGL VZ-400 laser scanner has been proven to provide a significantly greater level of detail and  colour compared to other laser scanners and can be used during the day, even in  low light conditions, and at night. The VZ-400 was also significantly faster  than other laser scanner devices in the independent trials. Comparison of the Riegl with total station surveying, widely used by Police Forces across the  country, identified an on-site time saving in the region of 50 percent.

Internet: www.3dlasermapping.com