US: Essess, the Boston-based thermal imaging technology pioneer has set up Velodyne HDL-32 LiDAR sensors to help public utilities fulfil energy efficiency goals through advanced 3D thermal imaging.
The new Essess-Velodyne solution consists of a custom-designed HDL-32 LiDAR multi-sensor rig integrated onto the top of the vehicle. As the vehicle drives, the thermal cameras measure the heat signature of the buildings, and the LiDAR imaging rig captures the structures in 3D on both sides of the car, enabling Essess to image large geographic areas each night. The imagery is stored onboard the vehicle using a custom-built data recording system and then processed at Essess headquarters in Boston.
Tom Scaramellino, President and Chief Executive Officer, Essess says, “Each camera captures data in a video format, meaning that we generate hundreds of thousands of thermal images comprising more than two terabytes of data each night. The Velodyne LIDAR sensors enable us to produce a 3D map of the physical environment and map buildings to parcels with exceptional accuracy."
The entry of new solution means that gas and electric utilities can scan their entire service territories in a matter of days or weeks, obtaining thermal and 3D structural intelligence that had been far too costly to obtain.
Source: Essess
