Nearview Completes UAS Survey for Jacobs Engineering Group at New Bedford Superfund Site

3D densified point cloud of remediation area.

Liftoff! Nearview has successfully completed an UAS survey for Jacobs Engineering Group in response to a request for a survey demonstration at the New Bedford Superfund Site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Jacobs is contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to perform remedial actions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) managed New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site. These activities include excavation of impacted sediments within the intertidal and subtidal areas of New Bedford Harbor, and require surveying and monitoring to be conducted during remedial actions including pre-excavation, post-excavation and post-backfill activities.

 

Orthomosaic of post-dredged and remediated soil areas with 0.5 ft topographic contours derived from photogrammetry.

The objective of this survey was to acquire drone-based photogrammetric data over several areas of interest, and to use the resulting point cloud topographic data and aerial imagery to create a variety of engineering data products needed to assess and plan for the ongoing remedial actions. By comparing this data to recently acquired land survey data, Jacobs was able to assess the accuracy, repeatability, and cost effectiveness of UAS photogrammetry for pre- and post-remediated areas.

Stefan Claesson of Nearview, with assistance from Andrew Kelly of Substructure, effectively acquired all photogrammetric data within a single low-tide period, and delivered a variety of survey-grade data products including 3D models, orthomosaics, and topographic point cloud data that exceeded USACE survey and engineering standards and project requirements. Notably, areas that required days to cover with traditional land survey methods, Nearview was able to survey over a period of hours by UAS, and at much greater point density and resolution. Jacobs engineers were able to confirm the accuracy of Nearview UAS survey data through comparisons to the previously acquired land survey data.

The ortho-imagery and resulting topographic data will be used by Jacobs to evaluate project progress, plan further actions, calculate the volume of remediated materials, and document surficial changes over the course of the project. The UAS methods were also noted by Jacobs as being advantageous in mapping the intertidal zone and wetlands, as well as areas inaccessible due to soft sediments and fragile ecosystems.

With its proven techniques and capabilities, Nearview is excited to be able to offer its expertise and services for complex engineering and soil remediation projects.

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