In the Press

Pittsburgh, PA – Optech and Michael Baker International are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement for the delivery of two new Lynx SG1 Mobile Mapper™ Systems, the latest model of Optech’s industry-leading line of Mobile LiDAR solutions. The purchase completes an upgrade for Michael Baker International’s existing Lynx system to the SG1 specification, equipping the firm with two of the most powerful mobile mapping systems in the world. The first of the new Lynx SG1 systems is scheduled for immediate delivery to Michael Baker International.

The latest in Optech’s line of mobile mappers, the Lynx SG1 collects ultra-dense 3D data with survey-grade accuracy from a vehicle travelling at cruising speeds, along with co-aligned camera imagery. With Optech’s Lynx SG1 systems, Michael Baker International will remain at the forefront of the engineering profession and will expand its national business by efficiently accomplishing high accuracy engineering surveys and asset mapping for managing highways, runways and other
infrastructure. Michael Baker International will also utilize the technology in support of MAP-21 program objectives for the Department of Transportation by using Mobile LiDAR systems to gather data necessary to achieve highway performance goals for safety, infrastructure condition, and sustainability.

“We are excited to enhance and expand our core capabilities with the new Lynx SG1 Mobile Mapper™ systems,” said Robert Hanson, Michael Baker International’s National Practice Lead – Geospatial Information Technologies (GIT). “We were amongst the first innovators in the use of Optech mobile mapping technology with our system acquired five years ago. The high quality Mobile LiDAR work that is produced by our in-house team of experts has earned a strong reputation. Our registered quality programs have achieved ISO 9001:2008 – ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2008 certificates for both Design and Provision of Professional Engineering and Consulting Services for Mobile LiDAR Field Collection, and for LiDAR Data Processing. At Michael Baker International, we understand the engineer’s needs and a project’s demands, so we are able to make a big difference in our clients’ expectations for the products and services we deliver.”

“The Optech Lynx has been powering Michael Baker International’s mobile mapping and surveying endeavors for some time now, and we are happy to expand their capabilities with the latest model of Lynx,” said Albert Iavarone, Business Unit Manager at Optech. “We are very happy that after examining the various options available to them, Michael Baker International once again decided that the Lynx SG1 was the best fit for their demanding projects. Optech is committed to ensuring that our clients get the best possible value out of their investment, which is why we are also modifying their existing Lynx system to the SG1 model. This upgrade will keep their existing surveying tools at the forefront of the industry for some time to come.”

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, LLC is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services which includes planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. Baker provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. With over $1 billion in annual revenue, Michael Baker International has more than 5,000 employees in over 90 offices located across the U.S. and internationally, and is ranked as the 26th largest design firm in the U.S. by McGraw Hill’s Engineering News-Record. To learn more about Michael Baker International visit: www.mbakerintl.com

About Optech
Optech is the world leader in high-accuracy LiDAR 3D survey systems, integrated cameras, and productivity-enhancing workflows. With operations and staff worldwide, Optech offers both standalone and fully integrated LiDAR and camera solutions in airborne mapping, airborne LiDAR bathymetry, mobile mapping, terrestrial laser scanning, mine cavity monitoring, and industrial process control, as well as space-proven sensors. Accuracy and productivity matter!

Mobile LiDAR and Flood Impact Studies

The Mobile LiDAR vehicle trajectories (shown in red) are
displayed with the 1979 Easter Flood boundary (in blue).

I arrived this morning to the latest issue of LiDAR News magazine sitting on my desk.  I am proud to have been a contributing writer for more than three years now - although lately my commitments do not afford me as much time to write as I once did for both the magazine and this blog.  However, Gene Roe, managing editor and co-founder of LiDAR News, does wrestle an article from me from time to time.

My latest article, Mobile LiDAR and Flood Impact Studies, details work we performed in the Jackson, MS metropolitan area to extract approximately 12,000 first floor elevations and other data to support the work of several partner organizations and stakeholders.  The project, completed over a period of approximately four months, required collection of over 700 miles of Mobile LiDAR data, survey ground control and aerial LiDAR validation.

Entire subdivisions are quickly captured with Mobile LiDAR data alleviating the need for entry onto private property to gain information.  Outreach was performed via news and print media prior to collections.

Several of our staff live within the boundary of the project.  Therefore, we had a more personal connection with the project and its successful completion than is experienced with a typical roadway design type application.  We were working with information pertaining to our homes and property.

Cheers!
Stephen

Picture of the Week - Levee Collection

Last weekend while in Sacramento, our crew performed a collection of a levee.  Having been along the southern California coastline just days earlier, they were not enjoying the 108 degree temperatures.  The hot, dry weather obviously had an impact on the grass along the levee.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Cheers!
Stephen

Sacramento Meet and Greet

After scheduled collections in Los Angeles County, Baker's Mobile LiDAR crew will be visiting our Sacramento office.  Meet and greets area schedule for:

• Friday, June 6th at 2:30 pm
• Monday, June 9th at 10:00 am

The office is located at: 4540 Duckhorn Drive, Suite 202, Sacramento, CA 95834.

To request information on either event, please utilize the Contact Us page for details.

Cheers!
Stephen

 

Noticing Traffic - Not on the Highway

I had no intention of writing today, but while making changes to the site’s design today – those familiar with the blog will recognize significant changes to colors, logos, etc. - I noticed a significant spike in traffic, and it wasn't related to one of the Top 3 Posts. In fact, the increased traffic was for a series of posts written nearly 4 years ago.

On April 24, 2010, a series of storms spawned an EF4 tornado in Yazoo City, MS, a small town approximately 40 miles northwest of Ridgeland, MS - our Mobile LiDAR base of operations. The crew was en route to Florida for a collection and was redirected to document damage.

Last Monday, nearly 4 years to the day, a tornado outbreak once again struck north and central MS – the National Weather Service reported 21 tornado tracks, including another close call in Yazoo City. The map clearly shows Ridgeland in between two lines of tracks. Most of our staff lost power or had minor damage, and thankfully, none were injured.

For more information on the work we performed in 2010:

• Yazoo City: Part 1
• Yazoo City: Part 2
• Yazoo City: Part 3
• Revisiting Yazoo

-Stephen