Mobile vision system maps roadways

FEB. 20--Lambda Tech International Inc. (Waukesha, WI) has signed a $2.3 million subcontract with PB Facilities Inc. (Herndon, VA) that specifies the driving of more than 28,000 miles with its GPSVision system for the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Transportation (VDOT). Installed in vans driving at posted highway speeds, the GPSVision system will be used to collect visual right-of-way and centerline road-condition data.

The technology incorporates global-positioning-system satellite data, an inertial measurement device, and stereo digital cameras. This integrated system obtains exact positioning and status of all highways. It is expected to save time and money, when compared to older methods of terrestrial data recording, while delivering highly accurate results.

The VDOT is responsible for management, planning, engineering, construction, and maintenance for Virginia's 56,000-mile state highway system, the third-largest state-maintained road system in the nation. The vision data provided by the mobile mapping system will be used in an Inventory and Condition Assessment System as part of an on-going highway-improvement plan.