With the help of UAS and SmartDigital, rail network operators can simplify any number of processes– be it inventory, status monitoring, planning new routes or response in the event of a malfunction. Even early on in the planning stages of new lines or repair work on existing lines, terrain can be measured precisely and visually rendered using 3D-models. Likewise, the progress of construction can be documented effortlessly from the air.

SmartDigital offers attractive options, not only for planned repair work, but also for regular operations. It can simplify the inspection of hard-to-reach places, routine infrastructure checks or vegetation monitoring, the data is detected and selected automatically without negatively impacting rail operations. In emergency situations such as weather disasters, avalanches, falling rock or landslides, data from the air offers a significant advantage, as it provides a quick big-picture view of the situation without having to physically access the site.

SmartDigital can provide support for:

• Inventory of all infrastructure assets
• Inspections and damage detection
• Vegetation monitoring
• Landslides
• Emergencies
• Planning for repairs and route extensions
• Construction site monitoring
• Documentation of construction work and construction sites

Advantages for rail network operators:

• Facilitating inspections
• Shortening inspection intervals
• Improving occupational safety for line personnel
• Automatic detection, reporting, and documentation of anomalies using AI.
• Quality improvement thanks to UAS
• Preventing or shortening route closure times
• Option to increase rail traffic frequency

Monitoring services can cover:

Track systems, railroad ties, tracks, conductor rails, poles, signal systems, hectometer signs, balises, markers, overhead lines, switches, noise protection barriers, rockfall- and landslide-barriers, avalanche protection, cabling, vegetation, slopes, dirt and debris;

Data sources:

Historical data, UAS-flights, track control measurement trucks, satellite data;

Data types:

RGB, laser, radar, multispectral, thermal, video, stationary sensor systems;

Output:

2D, 3D-models, digital twins, integration of ERP, video live streams;

UAS and ARCA© can be used to greatly simplify responses to malfunctions, periodic inspections, asset management and network upgrades.

Using SmartDigital offers key advantages even for regular operations. Regardless of the hour, be it overhead lines, pylon systems, gas or oil pipelines, UAS can carry out routine checks around the clock thanks to night vision devices and modern laser sensor technology. UAS helps you detect sources of malfunctions or conduct preventive infrastructure inspections of large areas at short notice. You can keep a constant eye on vegetation, because UAS provide a bird’s eye view, optionally supplemented by thermal and multispectral cameras and other sensors, helping to see the big picture.

The terrain in question can also be surveyed with pinpoint accuracy and visually rendered using 3D-models during the planning or the construction phases of new gas and oil pipelines. Once work has begun, construction progress can be documented from the air and any possible errors can be identified in time. Moreover, gas leaks, fallen trees and illegal construction sites can also be identified from the air using the proper sensor technology, enabling you to immediately take the appropriate countermeasures.

SmartDigital can provide support for:

• Malfunctions and emergencies
• Damage detection
• Inspections
• Thermography to detect relevant hot spots
• Vegetation monitoring
• Inventory
• Documentation of construction work and construction sites
• Planning for construction work and energy grid extensions

Advantages for energy network operators:

• Prompt identification of damaged overhead transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines
• Automatic detection and documentation of anomalies using AI
• Simplified maintenance work facilitates inspections
• Predictive maintenance
• Ensuring grid stability – preventing blackouts
• Drastically shortening grid outages
• Improved night vision
• Quality improvement thanks to UAS, support for power line inspectors

What can be monitored?

Pylon systems, high-voltage power lines, oil and gas pipelines, power lines, transformers, associated infrastructure, conductor cables, markers, signs, vegetation and greenery, substations;

Data sources:

Historical data, UAS flights, satellite data;

Data types:

RGB, laser imaging with night vision, radar, multispectral, thermal, video, stationary sensor systems;

Output:

2D-, 3D-models, digital twins, integration of ERP, video live streams and radar images;