The device, which is mounted on a rail vehicle, is being used to scan several hundred kilometres of rail infrastructure and the data gathered from millions of individual laser-scanned measurements is used to generate engineering-grade survey data and a 3D topographical map of the track, catenary, and trackside area.

SNCF says the data is being used to provide topographical inputs for studies into infrastructure enhancements, gauging, and electrification projects.

FIT ESIC worked with 3D Laser Mapping to adapt the technology for rail use, identifying locations on the track for staff to measure control points, installing the device on the rail vehicle, and overcoming vibrations from the motion of the train. 3D Laser Mapping also developed specific algorithms for processing trajectories.

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