Introduction

Efficiency and accuracy are paramount in modern road maintenance. As technology progresses, traditional methods are being replaced by innovative solutions that streamline processes and improve infrastructure quality. 

Leading the charge in Hungary is one of the largest road construction companies, utilizing Leica Geosystems (part of Hexagon) mobile mapping systems and Detekt to innovate their inspection and maintenance processes.

The Challenge

Hungary's extensive road network requires meticulous attention to detail for effective maintenance. This Hungarian company - having under its management almost 1,000 km of roads, faced typical challenges of the industry: inspect and assess the conditions of the road to be repaired, and replacing road signs and markings where necessary. 

Traditionally, these tasks were simply done by visually inspecting the roads frequently and marking with pen and paper any maintenance task that was required for a road. However, this approach is clearly inefficient, leaving space for the deployment of innovative technologies to make it better.

In the first instance, they equipped their BIM team with mobile mapping systems - a technology that enables them to capture and inspect hundreds of kilometers of roads in a fraction of the time. By mounting high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors onto vehicles, these systems continuously capture detailed imagery and data as they traverse the road network.

While the data captured was a first step into the right direction, a manual annotation of the data was necessary in order to build a 3D model of the road. However, this work was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error. 

The Solution

Detekt emerged as the ideal solution for optimizing their workflow, leveraging AI to automatically detect, classify, and localize road assets. The implementation of the solution processed through several key steps, executed in a matter of days.

1. Data Collection: Leica Geosystems' mobile mapping equipment was deployed to gather high-resolution data of Hungary's extensive road network. This comprehensive dataset included detailed imagery and point cloud information, laying the foundation for subsequent analysis.
2. Data Analysis: The collected data underwent processing, wherein roads requiring maintenance were identified, road signs were mapped, and the visibility of road markings was ensured. Utilizing Detekt's AI capabilities, this process was streamlined, significantly reducing manual effort and time.
3. Data Delivery: The results were exported as shapefiles and promptly delivered to the customer. These outputs served as valuable inputs for generating a BIM model of the roads, fulfilling the final deliverable requirements.

Conclusion

The combination of mobile mapping and AI yielded remarkable results:

1. Efficiency: The automated detection and analysis of road features significantly reduced the time and resources required for manual inspections. Maintenance teams could prioritize tasks based on real-time data insights, leading to more efficient operations.
2. Accuracy: The AI algorithms demonstrated remarkable accuracy, reducing subjective judgment on specific objects, minimizing the risk of oversight, and ensuring thorough maintenance coverage.
3. Cost-effectiveness: By optimizing maintenance processes and minimizing the need for manual intervention, they realized substantial cost savings in the long run.
4. Infrastructure Quality: The proactive approach facilitated by AI-driven analysis significantly improved the overall quality and safety of Hungary's road infrastructure, enabling a proactive approach to maintaining the transportation network.