- The use of laser scanning can lead to a reduction in vehicle emissions.
- David Evans and Associates believes this is increasingly important to their clients.
- The use of mobile scanning can lead to a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
As I mentioned in the Day 1 summary, one of the more interesting mobile mapping sessions at Spar 2009 included an analysis of how the use of mobile laser scanning can lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and therefore one’s carbon footprint.
Now I am sure some of you are smiling, particularly in this economy, but once this crisis has passed, and BTW there are some very encouraging signs that the rate of deceleration is decreasing, then we are going to see a renewed emphasis on this topic. This is still a BIG issue with the new administration, just ask Rick Wagoner and the auto industry. (I visited the Auto Show on my last night in Denver. I am a car nut, but that was too weird.)
Marcus Reedy, Director of Survey and Mapping for David Evans and Associates opened the discussion on this by noting that DEA has made a commitment to reduce their carbon footprint as a company by 10% in 2009. This is corporate policy and he noted that some of their major clients, who are Fortune 500 companies, do care about this.
You might remember that DEA is also part of an innovative geomatics education consortium that includes Leica Geosystems and Oregon State University. It seems to me that DEA is taking a leadership position in our industry. Must be a great company to work for.
Reedy’s analysis only looked at the reduction in vehicle travel, which will be the key component, but offsetting these savings there might be an increase in use of electricity in the office, for instance. This was not included. As mentioned in the earlier post, for the project Reedy analyzed the use of laser scanning resulted in a 90% reduction in the creation of carbon dioxide emissions. He also noted, but did not try to include the reduction in traffic jams.
I think it’s important to note that although results will vary, that in general the use of laser scanning technology is beneficial to the environment. This is not always the case with a new technology, and although it may not be a primary factor in making the decision to use mobile scanning, if we think long term it’s nice to know that as an industry we are doing our part to help reduce the carbon footprint.
