Client
BEAR Scotland
Delivery
April 2025
Project Type
Topographic Survey
Location
West Lothian, Scotland
Scope
Adaptive Surveys were instructed by BEAR to conduct a topographic survey along the M8/M9 corridor in West Lothian. The project covered approximately 8.3 miles of dual carriageway, including associated infrastructure and structures with two of our surveyors were onsite for a fortnight to carry out the work. The client required 3D DWG topographic surveys of nine structures along the route, a colourised point cloud of the entire corridor using mobile mapping and drone survey techniques, and a colourised point cloud of nine structures captured using TLS methodologies. All deliverables were aligned to the Ordnance Survey grid for seamless integration into existing datasets.
Solution
Our team adopted an integrated approach, working methodically along the route to deliver the project in the agreed timeframe while minimising disruption to traffic. They started at Lathallan North and concluded at Priestinch, providing full coverage of the designated AOI. Painted control points were established at 100m intervals along the hard shoulder for both carriageways, our survey vehicle was then driven along continuously capturing high density LiDAR data. The drone survey was conducted at designated points along the route with multiple flights undertaken to complement the ground data collected by the vehicle, and provide enhanced detail in areas difficult to access from the road. The team also employed traditional surveying techniques using a total station and GPS to survey areas where data was sparse (under trees, verges etc) tying in all the surveys under one control network. Each of the nine structures was scanned using TLS providing detailed geometry and colourised point clouds. This project included a substantial dataset which was processed in-house to produce the required point clouds and 3D models.
Benefits
The combined use of mobile mapping, drone survey, total station/GPS techniques and TLS delivered a robust dataset to allow the client to make informed decisions about future planning works.
- Accurate, reliable data in different formats
- Multiple deliverables from one project
- Enhanced accuracy with OS grid alignment
- Future proof data providing a strong foundation for digital twin development and asset management