Laser Scanning and Surveying

THE PROJECT
In 2010, Erdman Anthony integrated laser-scanning technology with traditional surveying to build a 3D CADD model of the tunnels at Wards Island’s wastewater treatment plant. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection needed the model to construct a new steam heating system due to the decommissioning of the existing shared heating plant.

FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
The island’s wastewater plant serves over 1 million people in the western Bronx and on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Decades of modifications at the plant, which was constructed in the 1930s, resulted in inaccurate and incomplete records of which utility lines existed in the tunnels and where they were located.

By integrating GPS control, surveying, and laser scanning, our firm produced a 3D model of 6,000 linear feet of tunnels and their contents.

The model, which was dimensionally and spatially accurate within a quarter of an inch, allowed engineers to lay out the proposed pipes within it and “build” the new system in virtual reality. 

IMPACTS
Our firm’s process eliminated having to adjust the routing in the tunnels during construction if other pipes or equipment were in the way, and it saved this publicly funded project time and money.

Awards

2011 Diamond Award

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of New York

2011 National Recognition Award

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), National