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Aeronautics and Highways Research UAVs

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division is teaming up with MassDOT Highway to take highway inspections and maintenance to the next level using drones and data analytics. They’ve applied for a $1 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Program to fund the second phase of this innovative project.

From an article in Drone Life by Miriam McNabb.

Building on Initial Success

The project’s first phase, backed by a $1 million AID grant in 2021 and an additional $250,000 from MassDOT, laid the groundwork for using drones in highway inspections. Dr. Sinan Abood, MassDOT Aeronautics Data & Analytics Team Leader, said, “The initial phase set up a digital system to manage and deliver UAS imagery and products.” This phase proved that drones could significantly enhance inspection accuracy and efficiency.

Drones provided high-resolution imagery and detailed 3D maps, making infrastructure assessments more precise. They also cut down on inspection times and costs while improving safety by enabling remote evaluations. Specific successes included faster bridge inspections, accurate pavement monitoring, and better environmental management.

How Drones Collect and Use Data

MassDOT’s drones collect various types of data, like high-resolution images, 3D maps, thermal images, and LiDAR scans. This data helps with proactive maintenance and more accurate condition assessments, aiding in better planning and scheduling. Dr. Abood explained, “Thermal imaging helps us spot heat-related issues, while LiDAR scans give us precise measurements of the terrain and infrastructure.”

For the complete article CLICK HERE.

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