Woolpert hired to conduct UAS surveys in Colorado

May 19, 2020 | AUVSI News

Woolpert has announced that it has been hired to complete right-of-way (ROW) and TMOSS design surveys in Castle Rock, Colorado using UAS.

The design and ROW plan surveys are being conducted in accordance with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) standards. TMOSS, which stands for InRoads Terrain Modeling Survey System, represents the best practices followed by CDOT surveyors and contract consultant surveyors.

Woolpert was contracted by Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU), who will use the imagery and mapping collected by the UAS to assess and design a frontage road adjacent to Interstate 25, which runs through Castle Rock and Douglas County. The project team will evaluate and define ROW acquisition needs for the new road based off the design and ROW plans produced from the imagery and field surveys. 

“This is a unique opportunity to introduce new technology to the town with a proven survey team,” says Woolpert Project Manager Chris Raml.

“Using UAS will save the client time and money, and offer a superior, visual deliverable. We know what’s required by the town of Castle Rock and CDOT, and our drones are collecting exactly what’s needed safely and efficiently.”

For this project, Woolpert will use senseFly’s eBee X drone. Capable of extended flight times, the UAS is equipped with real-time kinematic (RTK) technology. This technology, when combined with Woolpert survey group’s ground control point data, produces a highly accurate topographic base map and orthorectified imagery.

Woolpert has worked with CDOT for more than 20 years and with the town of Castle Rock for almost 10 years, providing transportation design surveys and ROW acquisition support services. According to FHU Senior Engineer Rick Erjavec, FHU hired Woolpert based on Woolpert’s favorable reputation with Castle Rock for previous work completed, as well as for the firm’s ability to tie into the same control used for an upcoming Crystal Valley interchange project.

Woolpert says that the project is now underway.