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# Mapping 13 Kilometers of Underground Technical Galleries in Brussels
## Benefits in a Nutshell
### Safety
Exploring the underground technical galleries in Brussels presented significant challenges due to the unknown conditions within. Hazards such as exposed wiring, old equipment, or potentially dangerous materials could exist. To address these risks, the Elios 3 drone emerged as a safer alternative to conventional inspection methods. By using this advanced drone, the team could collect critical data without exposing personnel to unnecessary dangers.
### Speed
One of the most impressive aspects of this project was the speed at which data could be collected. The Elios 3 allowed for rapid scanning across various types of underground spaces, including confined areas, open sections, and regions near pipe racks. This efficiency proved invaluable when navigating the extensive 13-kilometer network of underground infrastructure.
### Data Quality
The Elios 3, equipped with a LiDAR payload, was utilized over nine intensive days, resulting in 241 flights. These flights documented 1,776 points of interest, which were meticulously analyzed by experts to assess the condition of the galleries. This method ensured high-quality data collection, providing a clear picture of the current state of the underground spaces.
### Access
The underground galleries spanned the entire city, presenting unique challenges due to their varying environments. Some areas contained pooled water, while others featured tight spaces. The Elios 3 demonstrated exceptional adaptability, proving capable of accessing and collecting data from diverse environments. This flexibility was crucial for the success of the project.
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## Brussels: A Hub for Innovation and Smart City Development
Brussels, often referred to as the "Capital of Europe," plays a pivotal role in global affairs. Hosting the European Commission and serving as a hub for international diplomacy, the city also boasts a vibrant business and cultural scene. Given its prominence, Brussels is an ideal location to pioneer smart city initiatives.
Smart cities leverage technology to gather data and enhance urban operations. This includes innovations like smart traffic systems and sustainable architectural designs. A truly smart city requires a blend of cutting-edge technology, systematic optimization, and thorough asset management. Brussels Mobility, the city's transportation authority, recognized the need to optimize the management of its underground technical galleries and networks.
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## Building a Specialized Underground Survey Team
Brussels Mobility aimed to create an inventory and accurate record of the existing underground galleries. However, many of these structures lacked up-to-date documentation. To achieve this goal, the organization collaborated with several expert firms to form a specialized team.
### SECO
SECO, a company specializing in engineering and construction, joined the project to evaluate structural defects in the concrete and assist in data collection. The confined spaces presented potential hazards, making the use of drones essential for safe and efficient data gathering.
### Sweco
As a leading engineering and architecture consultancy, Sweco was tasked with creating an inventory of the underground utilities. Their expertise in processing and analyzing data was instrumental in transforming raw information into actionable insights. Sweco employed LiDAR and visual imagery to generate comprehensive 2D maps and 3D cross-sections of the underground locations.
### Medexon and Flywel
Medexon and Flywel, partners in drone inspection services, contributed their specialized drone inspection capabilities. Their Elios 3 drone was particularly valuable for exploring hazardous, confined spaces and scouting areas before human entry. This partnership ensured that the project could safely navigate even the most challenging environments.
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## Exploring the Underground Galleries with the Elios 3
The data collection team embarked on their mission with three primary objectives:
1. **Gather Data for Unknown Areas**: Many galleries had limited or no records of their current condition. Accurate data was essential for understanding the layout, size, and scale of the network.
2. **Identify Assets and Equipment**: The collected data needed to provide detailed information about the assets and equipment within the galleries.
3. **Assess Concrete Cracking**: Given the age and lack of maintenance of much of the network, determining the structural integrity of the concrete and walls was a priority.
The inspection process was fraught with challenges, including potential hazards such as electrical cables submerged in water due to drainage issues or large equipment obstructing pathways. To mitigate these risks, the team relied heavily on the Elios 3 drone.
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## Complex Mapping with the Elios 3
Operating in cold temperatures, the Elios 3 completed over 200 flights to gather LiDAR and visual data across the 13-kilometer network. In some cases, the team held the drone manually to collect LiDAR data where flight was not feasible. The Elios 3 Surveying Payload proved indispensable, especially in challenging environments like storm drains.
Despite encountering some drift in the LiDAR datasets, the team collaborated with the Flyability team to refine the results. Sweco successfully created a detailed LiDAR map overlaid with a surface map, enabling Brussels Mobility to visualize the location of underground assets relative to the above-ground environment. This integration facilitated strategic planning for maintenance and future inspections.
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## A Yearlong Collaboration and Future Plans
This project has spanned a year, with seamless collaboration among all parties involved. The outcome has been nothing short of remarkable, providing Brussels Mobility with comprehensive and actionable data. Moving forward, the city plans to share this data with utility companies to support maintenance and repair efforts. Additionally, the maps will guide decisions on repurposing these galleries for public use.
The use of drones like the Elios 3 has revolutionized underground surveys. Whether in mines, sewers, or technical galleries, these specialized UAVs enhance safety and efficiency. The Elios 3's dual capability—collecting data and offering situational awareness—proved invaluable in navigating complex environments, even in areas lacking GPS signals.
For Medexon-Flywel, this project underscored the Elios 3's potential for future endeavors, especially with the enhanced capabilities of the new Surveying Payload. Discover more about the Elios 3 and its specialized LiDAR payload to learn how it can transform your next project.
All images in this article are credited to CLP Power.