Mapping 13 kilometers of underground technical galleries in Brussels

Mapping 13 Kilometers of Underground Technical Galleries in Brussels

Key Benefits at a Glance

Safety

Many of the underground galleries had unknown conditions, with potential hazards such as exposed wiring, old equipment, or dangerous materials. The Elios 3 provided a safe alternative to traditional inspection methods, allowing teams to collect data without entering potentially dangerous environments.

Speed

The drone enabled rapid data collection across different types of spaces—confined areas, open zones, and around pipe racks. This allowed the team to efficiently map over 13 kilometers of underground infrastructure in just a few days.

Data Quality

The Elios 3, equipped with a LiDAR payload, was used for 241 flights over nine intense days. Experts recorded and analyzed 1,776 points of interest, providing detailed insights into the condition of the galleries.

Access

The underground galleries are spread throughout the city, with some areas flooded or extremely tight. The Elios 3 proved adaptable, capable of navigating diverse and challenging environments with ease.

Brussels, often called the "Capital of Europe," is home to the European Commission and hosts a large international community. As a hub of business, culture, and politics, it’s a natural place to implement smart city solutions. Smart cities use technology to collect data and optimize operations—from smart traffic systems to green architecture. Effective smart city management requires advanced technology, system optimization, and thorough asset management.

To support this vision, the Maintenance and Inspection Department at Brussels Mobility launched a project to survey and map the technical galleries beneath the city. These galleries, some built decades ago, lacked up-to-date records. The goal was to create a detailed inventory of these spaces, their contents, and necessary maintenance. A specialized team was needed to gather accurate and reliable data while ensuring the safety of all involved.

Building a Specialized Underground Survey Team

Brussels Mobility partnered with several companies to carry out this complex task. They sought experts in data collection and processing, as the underground spaces were uncharted and potentially hazardous. SECO, an engineering and construction firm, joined the project to investigate structural issues and assist with data collection. Their plan included using a drone to safely gather information from confined and dangerous areas.

Sweco, a leading engineering and architecture consultancy, was responsible for creating an inventory of the underground utility structures. They used LiDAR and visual imagery to generate comprehensive 2D maps and 3D cross-sections of the locations. Medexon and Flywel, specialists in drone inspections, contributed their fleet, including the Elios 3, which was ideal for inspecting hazardous and hard-to-reach areas.

With a highly qualified team assembled, the project began. The collaboration between these companies ensured that high-quality data was collected safely and efficiently, laying the foundation for future maintenance and urban planning efforts.

Underground Surveys with the Elios 3

The primary objectives of the project were clear:

  1. Gather data on previously unknown areas to understand the layout and scale of the underground network.
  2. Identify assets and equipment within the galleries for better asset management.
  3. Check for signs of concrete cracking and structural damage due to aging infrastructure.

The team faced numerous challenges, including unpredictable conditions such as waterlogged areas, blocked passages, and electrical hazards. To address these risks, the Elios 3 was deployed for scouting and data collection. Despite cold temperatures, the drone completed over 200 flights, covering 13 kilometers of underground space and collecting both LiDAR and visual data.

One of the most difficult tasks was mapping storm drains and other tight spaces. The Elios 3's Surveying Payload allowed the team to collect precise LiDAR data even in areas where flying was not possible. In some cases, the drone was manually held to capture critical details.

Complex Mapping with a Drone

The Elios 3 proved invaluable in navigating the complex and dangerous environments of the underground galleries. It provided situational awareness and helped the team avoid unnecessary risks. Despite GPS-denied conditions, the drone delivered accurate and reliable data, making it a key tool in the success of the project.

After months of work, the team successfully mapped 13 kilometers of underground infrastructure, capturing 1,776 points of interest. The data was processed into detailed LiDAR maps, overlaid with surface data to help planners identify access points and plan future operations effectively.

This project has been a major success for Brussels Mobility, offering valuable insights into the city's hidden infrastructure. Looking ahead, they hope to share this data with utility companies to aid in maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the maps could be used to repurpose some of the galleries for public use, supporting the city's long-term development goals.

Drones like the Elios 3 are transforming how we approach underground surveys, making them faster, safer, and more efficient. With its ability to collect data and provide real-time situational awareness, the Elios 3 has proven to be a game-changer in complex environments. Medexon-Flywel is confident in its capabilities for future projects, especially with the new Surveying Payload.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and its advanced LiDAR payload to see how it can revolutionize your next survey project.

All images in this article are credited to CLP Power.

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