The funding is part of a Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) application submitted on behalf of Montgomery County to expand a pilot program that uses 3D imaging technology for the design, construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure. The program expedites public facing projects, using technology to reduce time and cost by relieving the need for traditional surveying.
MCDOT launched the Precise 3D Survey and Engineering of Transportation Infrastructure (P3DSETI) pilot project in 2017 to facilitate the use of 3D modeling technology and data-sharing across departments. The new funding will allow MCDOT to work with MDOT SHA to upgrade and expand the program across the state.
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“This grant is a win for Montgomery County and for Maryland,” said County Executive Elrich. “By expanding the use of advanced 3D imaging technology, we’re reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This is the kind of innovation that ensures our transportation infrastructure remains safe, reliable and ready to meet the needs of our growing community.”
The P3DSETI database allows project managers to upload 3D scans of transportation infrastructure, such as parking garages or bridges, into a database. Project managers can also create 3D renderings of changes or upgrades to infrastructure to overlay over the scans to ensure their plans are accurate. The technology reduces time and cost by relieving the need for traditional surveying.
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In one project, MCDOT is using the technology when upgrading County parking garages with EV charging stations. Project managers can use the 3D scans to accurately measure and plan for the new charging stations. Engineers are able to draft and test designs using the database and share their designs with project teams.
“The expansion of this program supports our efforts to work collaboratively to manage our infrastructure safely and in a more cost-effective manner,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The funding will allow us to upgrade our technology platforms while working with MDOT to ensure this program is deployed effectively across the state.”
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46461