Abstract
A point cloud based visualization system of sewer pipe networks was developed based on point cloud data in order to reduce their maintenance and operation costs. Two types of point cloud data were generated. The first type is a point cloud date set obtained via images taken mainly by a UAV mounted camera flying over a college campus. The second type is a data set generated from 3D CAD models of sewer pipe networks found in the campus. These two types of data sets were merged into one hybrid data set by which the sewer networks can thus be visualized in relation to buildings, roads, and other objects above the ground. Due to the huge file size of the point cloud data set, instead of using it directly, alternative video clips were generated by displaying the point cloud on a PC using a point cloud viewer and capturing displayed scenes on various view points in video. By referencing these video clips stored in a data base accessed by a smart phone via the Internet, one can understand how sewer pipes are connected to each other or which manholes are linked to which manholes via pipes. The data base also stores the results of sewer integrity studies such as inspection video clips and damage lists. The developed system can present automatically proper section of sewer pipe networks based on current locations calculated from GPS signals received by a smart phone. Hence the corresponding video clip of point cloud and inspection results are shown on the smart phone.
