Access Using outdated 2D maps as their only guide, the Elios 3 was deployed during low tide to enter underground canals that hadn’t been accessed since construction. This allowed a safe and effective drone river inspection. Data Quality The team captured high-quality visual data, including photos, videos, and a detailed LiDAR scan. The client was impressed with the comprehensive results, which exceeded the original mission requirements without extra effort. Safety These underground canals are extremely dangerous for humans due to fluctuating water levels and strong currents. The Elios 3 provided the only safe way to conduct this critical inspection. Speed All data was collected in just one day, avoiding the weeks of planning and setup required by traditional methods. This made the process much more efficient and cost-effective.
H-Beam Production Line,H Beam Welding Line,H Beam Making Machine,H Beam Products Line Wuxi Zhouxiang Complete Set of Welding Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.beamweldingmachine.comA Drone River Inspection for Underground Canals
Key Benefits at a Glance
Planning a Drone River Inspection for an Underground Canal
Sater, a French company specializing in water and wastewater management, is part of the SARP group under Veolia. With over 30 years of experience, they handle complex projects across France. Recently, they used the Elios 3 to inspect underground canals in Rouen ahead of a major construction project.
The goal was to assess the structural integrity of two parallel 3-meter-diameter tunnels beneath the Marché d'Intérêt National (MIN), which connects to the Seine. Given the tidal nature of the area and the risks involved, a traditional approach wasn't feasible. The Elios 3 offered a safer, faster alternative.
Inspecting Canals with Drones
The inspection had to be timed carefully due to the tides. The team conducted the mission at low tide, using historical charts since no prior inspections had been done. The canals stretched 540 meters underground, with manholes every 50 meters.
The Elios 3 was flown through both tunnels, capturing visual footage and LiDAR data. Pilots used the drone's visual camera and LiDAR point cloud to navigate even when out of sight, ensuring safe operation.
Completing the Drone River Inspection Underground
Despite the tight space and limited visibility, the Elios 3 performed flawlessly. It reached areas that would have been inaccessible otherwise and provided the client with clear, detailed data. The ability to collect both visual and LiDAR information was a major plus.
Impressing the Municipality with Drone Results
The client was particularly impressed with the LiDAR scans, which created an accurate 3D model of the tunnels. This not only helped with the current project but also provided valuable data for future planning and record-keeping.
By using the Elios 3, Sater not only met the project’s needs but also demonstrated the potential of drone technology in urban water management. This success has opened the door to even more ambitious projects in the future. Without the Elios 3, such an inspection would have been nearly impossible.