Northern Trains has revealed the details of the light detection and radar (LIDAR) scanning technology it is installing across its fleet of 345 trains to make journeys by railway safer and more efficient.
From an article in Global Railway Review by Elliot Robinson.
Chief among the application of LIDAR technology are horizon-scanning cameras that can detect infrastructure defects, environmental threats, and maintenance issues. The train-mounted cameras use the same light detection and radar (LIDAR) process as used by meteorologists to measure clouds and pollution and which was famously used by NASA to map the surface of the moon. Thermal imaging systems will also be deployed to monitor passenger load factors and provide accurate information to service partners in the event of an emergency. Northern is also aligning its on-board CCTV systems with British Transport Police to enable officers to tune-in to live, high-definition footage on-board its trains.
“This is the beginning of what we’re calling ‘Intelligent Trains’,” Nick Donovan, Managing Director of Northern, said. “With these modifications, our fleet won’t just travel the network, they will actively monitor and report back on issues that could have an impact on our operation. The result will be greater efficiencies in terms of resource allocation, faster responses in terms of maintenance programmes and an overall smarter, and safer, way of working. We are sharing details of this new software with other train operators so that passengers the length and breadth of the country can benefit from the approach we have pioneered in the North of England.”
For the complete article CLICK HERE.
Note – If you liked this post click here to stay informed of all of the 3D laser scanning, geomatics, UAS, autonomous vehicle, Lidar News and more. If you have an informative 3D video that you would like us to promote, please forward to editor@lidarnews.com and if you would like to join the Younger Geospatial Professional movement click here
