Road

Mandli's automated Vertical Clearance Measurement System (VCMS) is a cost-effective and safe method of collecting of highly accurate vertical measurements. The VCMS collects data from a vehicle traveling at highway speeds using a series of laser sensors that are projected onto overhead structures. A sensor bar is mounted to the trailer-hitch of the data collection vehicle, and incoming data is monitored from a laptop in the passenger seat. The automated system is fully self-contained, keeping personnel off busy road systems. It does not compromise the safety of other vehicles, and it is cost-effective since data can be collected without closing roads.

Features

• Data collection at highway speeds
• Accurate, repeatable results
• Mounts easily to any vehicle with a 2" receiving hitch
• Customized software suite

Major System Components

The system layout can be modified to meet customers desired configuration in a variety of vehicles. The vehicle, system components, and displays are capable of operating in US customary and metric units.

PPU The PPU provides power to the Sensor Bar, and does real-time data processing that is then sent through an Ethernet Cable to the System Controller.

Switch Box The Switch Box controls the systems power and Laser Safety Key. It provides power for the PPU and GPS unit. The ON/OFF switch controls the system power to the PPU and the Key Switch controls the laser power.

Sensor Bar The Sensor Bar consists of four laser sensors (two upward, two downward) attached to a rigid beam and protected with metal casings. The bar is mounted to the trailer hitch of the data collection vehicle and connected to the PPU. The laser sensors detect the scattered light from the target surface and the PPU converts that signal to a distance value.

Integrated GPS The VCMS includes integrated GPS that tags position information to each structure collected. Vehicle latitude, longitude and altitude are collected along the whole route or from the location just before each structure. GPS is accurate within 1 to 5 meters under normal satellite conditions.

System Controller Data collection is controlled by a laptop computer in the passenger seat of the collection vehicle. The laptop has the necessary processing speed, storage, and software to collect data in a real-time environment. It is secured to the vehicle with an ergonomically placed shock-absorbing mount that features a spring-loaded rubber-coated hold-down with side locks.

Distance Measurement Instrument (DMI) (optional) Add an optional DMI System that measures accurate distances within +/- one-thousandth (0.001) mile per mile.

Imaging System (optional) Add an optional Imaging System to collect high-resolution digital images of each structure.

The output of the VCMS is a text file containing all of the information for each structure and a raw binary data file containing the continuous profiles of each structure. Structure information includes the structure ID, county, underpass, overpass, clearance information, and other customizable fields. The output file can be edited using the VCMS viewing software and easily imported into a standard database software package.

Software

The VCMS software suite handles all collection and analysis needs of the system. Applications include: VCMS Data Collector, VCMS Data Viewer.

Purchase Options

Customized systems can be built for purchase, or data can be delivered with a service package.

Further Information