Spatially Registered Video and Visual Post-Rating Survey Methodology

Fugro PMS utilise a spatially registered video system. Spatially registered because it possesses a calibrated grid on screen which enables the viewer to gain approximate sizes of potholes, lane widths etc. Further, for more accurate measurement the user is able to simply “click and drag” to measure gutter widths, lane widths etc and a yellow line appears on screen with measurements (accurate to within 15cm) appearing at the bottom of the screen.

GPS locations can also be collected during survey.

The imagery is collected at normal vehicle speeds limiting traffic and safety issues. The imagery is then post rated in the office under controlled conditions. Alternately, rating can be undertaken whilst in the vehicle with the rater entering defects as they are seen. Both options however, provide valuable video footage upon conclusion of the survey. Footage can be utilized in litigation cases, to verify data, or for something as simple as verifying whether or not a tree or a sign is in a particular place. Imagery is collected with between 2 and 5 cameras depending on the requirements of the client and the information to be collected.

This system has several advantages, including:

Single Pass: It is a ‘one pass once’ operation eliminating data matching and miss
matched sections;

Accurate: The raters have the ability to:
Stop, reverse, pause and replay the video image until the rater is
satisfied they have correctly logged the fault or asset item.
To identify and log all assets from the comfort and safety of the office.
Increase accuracy because the rater is not distracted by traffic, noise or
weather, heat/cold, need for toilet stops.

Verifiable: It is easy to revisit or replay a particular section if a supervisor or QA
auditor wishes to verify the type, density or location of collected items.

Multiple-uses: Allows the post processing at a future date of other items that maybe
of interest to other departments including road safety surveys, utility companies to
identify power-poles or transmission line locations.

Safe: Removes the rater from potential harm by not requiring them to be on the road
surface.

Measuring Tools: The rater can use ‘in-built’ tools like scales or length
measurements to verify locations, extents, height etc. For example you can measure
the lane width, kerb height, width of footpath or the distance of a power-pole from the
edge of the roadway.

Record of exact condition: Represents a defensible record of the condition of the
network at thattime for duty of care responsibility issues that may arise up to seven
years later.

PMS Video (Viewing Software)

PMSVideo is a computer software tool used to enable the playback and examination of video collected using Pavement Management Services LinSERVO digital video system. The LinSERVO digital video system offers continuous, high resolution video capture of five different views along the roadway. The PMS Video software allows the user to playback this video in a logical and orderly way, easily finding road sections according to the road owners road referencing scheme and even recording notes and other useful information for use in other road management systems.