ESP Associates, Inc.’s Post

Until recently, the water in the Thompson Falls Reservoir was held back by boards that were about a half-century old. Overtime, those boards became worn from the water. “The wooden flashboards on the main dam had been in place for about 50 years,” said NorthWestern Energy Hydro Foreman Noel Jacobson. “The boards were leaking water, which requires a high level of maintenance and frequent repairs.” In October, our crew at Thompson Falls removed the flashboards and replaced them with all new boards. The project was no small task. There are about 175 boards along the face of the main dam, all 24 feet in length. Many of the boards our crew removed had small holes in them. Others were worn in the spots where they sit against the steel I-beams of the dam. Those small leaks can add up to a lot of lost energy generation. A 250-cfs (cubic feet per second) water leak through the dam, about 1,870 gallons per second, equals almost a megawatt of power, enough energy for about 650 homes a year. In order to replace the boards, we had to lower the reservoir elevation by about 16 feet. “In my 25 years here, I’ve never seen the reservoir this low,” Noel said. The low water did uncover some rarely seen artifacts in Thompson Falls Reservoir. The most noticeable was an old set of train tracks dating back to 1915 that were used when the dam was under construction. The tracks run along the bank before falling off into what is now the reservoir. There are also two piers that can be seen rising above the low water. Those piers allowed the tracks to reach the dam. “It’s surprising they didn’t at least remove the tracks,” Noel said. Crews also found some other items in the river, such as chains, pipes and an old rock foundation. While the reservoir was drained, NorthWestern Energy conducted a LiDAR flight. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, will allow us to create a detailed map of the bottom of the reservoir. “The LiDAR provides a high-resolution snapshot of the entire reservoir shoreline and exposed reservoir bed paired with aerial photography,” said Andy Welch, Manager of Hydro License Compliance at NorthWestern. “This data will enable NorthWestern to evaluate such things as habitat complexity, location of shoreline infrastructure, bank stability, and reservoir bed slope and provides something to compare changes to those characteristics with in the future.” Once the boards were all replaced, Thompson Falls reservoir returned to its normal level. The new boards will likely be in place for another 50 years. “Replacing the boards will reduce maintenance and make the dam perform more efficiently,” Noel said. Explore the latest issue of Bright Magazine: Environment 2023 🔗➡️ https://lnkd.in/gH-63dPy

#KLEINMARINESYSTEMS: THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE IMAGE The Klein Marine System 5000 V2 is a well-regarded sonar system in the #hydrographic #survey #industry, known for its advanced capabilities and features. Here are five striking features that make it stand out: 1. High-Resolution Imaging   - The Klein 5000 V2 offers exceptional high-resolution imaging capabilities crucial for detailed underwater mapping and object detection. This makes it ideal for tasks that require precision, such as pipeline inspection, wreck detection, and seabed classification. 2. Multi-Frequency Operation   - It supports multi-frequency operation, typically offering 100 kHz, 400 kHz, and other selectable frequencies. This flexibility allows operators to balance resolution and range, depending on the survey requirements. 3. Swath Coverage   - The system provides a wide swath coverage, which is beneficial for covering large areas efficiently. The wide swath coverage at higher resolutions helps reduce the time needed for surveys, thus optimizing operational efficiency. 4. Advanced Data Processing   - The Klein 5000 V2 integrates advanced data processing features, including real-time data visualization, high-speed data acquisition, and user-friendly software interfaces. This enhances the accuracy and ease of data interpretation. 5. Portability and Integration   - Despite its advanced capabilities, the system is designed to be portable and easy to integrate with various survey platforms, including AUVs, ROVs, and surface vessels. Its compact design and ease of deployment make it versatile for different survey environments. These features make the Klein Marine System 5000 V2 a versatile and powerful tool for hydrographic surveys. One more thing, click on the link below to see our product catalog: https://bit.ly/3Q6YVFC Write us today at nigeria@hydrocharting.com to place an order! 

#KLEINMARINESYSTEMS: THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE IMAGE The Klein Marine System 5000 V2 is a well-regarded sonar system in the #hydrographic #survey #industry, known for its advanced capabilities and features. Here are five striking features that make it stand out: 1. High-Resolution Imaging   - The Klein 5000 V2 offers exceptional high-resolution imaging capabilities crucial for detailed underwater mapping and object detection. This makes it ideal for tasks that require precision, such as pipeline inspection, wreck detection, and seabed classification. 2. Multi-Frequency Operation   - It supports multi-frequency operation, typically offering 100 kHz, 400 kHz, and other selectable frequencies. This flexibility allows operators to balance resolution and range, depending on the survey requirements. 3. Swath Coverage   - The system provides a wide swath coverage, which is beneficial for covering large areas efficiently. The wide swath coverage at higher resolutions helps reduce the time needed for surveys, thus optimizing operational efficiency. 4. Advanced Data Processing   - The Klein 5000 V2 integrates advanced data processing features, including real-time data visualization, high-speed data acquisition, and user-friendly software interfaces. This enhances the accuracy and ease of data interpretation. 5. Portability and Integration   - Despite its advanced capabilities, the system is designed to be portable and easy to integrate with various survey platforms, including AUVs, ROVs, and surface vessels. Its compact design and ease of deployment make it versatile for different survey environments. These features make the Klein Marine System 5000 V2 a versatile and powerful tool for hydrographic surveys. One more thing, click on the link below to see our product catalog: https://bit.ly/3Q6YVFC Write us today at nigeria@hydrocharting.com to place an order! 

I've been staring at point clouds for the better part of 20 years and this stuff never gets old. For my next trick, I shall make the ground reappear! Look what lies underneath the oak woods, as seen from a recent LiDAR survey we are working on for this mine reclamation project in Northern California. If you're an environmental engineer... other than a boots on the ground site walk... how would you know where these tailings piles exist? Or how much volume they entail? Remotely sensed data is a powerful tool! #remotesensing #aerialmapping #lidar #mining #environmentalmonitoring #environmentalengineering #reclamation

National Highways recently conducted trials with 'Spot', a four-legged robot created by Boston Dynamics, for the inspection of geotechnical assets. The trials took place along the M5 motorway in Somerset, UK, and were overseen by National Highways' South West geotechnical team and consultant Aecom. The robot was operated remotely by a technology product manager from construction firm Bam Ritchies. The aim was to test Spot's effectiveness in surveying the embankment - a task typically performed by two human inspectors. The robot scanned sections of the embankment using cameras and a Leica lidar tracker. The implication of these trials is to see if Spot could form part of National Highways’ geotechnical asset management toolkit, reducing physical walkover surveys and related costs. However, Spot's operational boundaries need to be understood and taken into account.

𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘅𝘅: 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 SafeSight Exploration is proud to present DeepTraxx™, a groundbreaking innovation in LiDar Scanning and fire response for underground mining. With the integration of advanced technologies and robust design, DeepTraxx is set to redefine how survey process is managed in challenging environments. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘅𝘅™ - 𝟱𝗚 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: DeepTraxx utilizes 5G technology to provide seamless teleoperation, allowing for real-time video, thermal imaging, and 3D modeling of emergency scenes. This connectivity enables officers to gather and share detailed information with responder teams and control centers. - 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗗 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Equipped with a thermal camera and HD FPV cameras on both front and back, DeepTraxx ensures that every angle of a scene is captured, providing critical insights during an emergency. - 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁: Designed to handle over 60 PSI of water pressure, DeepTraxx is fully waterproof and can maneuver rough terrain while spraying water. It boasts a 200-pound towing capacity and a 30-pound payload capacity, making it an invaluable asset for transporting equipment and supplies in emergencies. - 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: DeepTraxx Fire Rescue™ is compact yet powerful, capable of unfurling 50 feet of standard fire hose in under four seconds. It offers remote deployment capabilities, allowing for swift and effective fire response without putting personnel at risk. - 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Weighing just 9 kg and featuring quick clip mounting, DeepTraxx is easy to transport and deploy. Its illumination system, with 4000 Lumens high-intensity LED lights, ensures visibility in the darkest conditions. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗗𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: While 3D model scanning is optional, the addition of SafeScanner enhances DeepTraxx’s capabilities, providing new data for effective planning and decision-making. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘅𝘅? DeepTraxx is not just a tool but a comprehensive solution for emergency response in the mining sector. Its ability to be remotely operated and its advanced imaging capabilities make it indispensable for modern mining operations aiming to enhance safety and efficiency. Whether it's navigating debris or delivering critical supplies to trapped workers, DeepTraxx is equipped to handle the toughest challenges. For more information on DeepTraxx and how it can benefit your operations, please contact us: 📅 Book a Demo: https://lnkd.in/g379DTNA or info@safesightexp.com 🎥 Watch YouTube Videos: https://lnkd.in/e-j7US26 Discover how DeepTraxx and our suite of 5G-enabled tools can revolutionize safety in your underground mining operations.

Unbelievable opportunity

The May #SinoGNSSCalendar is coming!  P8 GNSS Tablet High Precision Version is used for geographic information systems (GIS) in the Philippines Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g46YNenq #ComNav #SinoGNSS #GNSS #survey #surveying #landsurvey #positioning #mapping #construction #surveyors

This weeks blog post is up! 🚦 🦺 Geospatial Engineering: Key Competencies in Highway Construction.🦺 Whether you're a project manager, engineer, or student, this blog is packed with insights to help you understand the crucial role of geospatial engineering in ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and safety in highway construction. Take a look if you want to learn more about the essential competencies geospatial engineers bring to the table and discover how precise data collection, advanced surveying techniques, and innovative technologies like GPS and LiDAR are transforming our #highwayprojects. Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/egAD4233 #HighwayConstruction #GeospatialEngineering #SiteEngineering #ConstructionManagement #SurveyingTechniques #InnovationInConstruction 

Satellite technology to help map South Wales coal tips The Welsh Government and ground engineering firm Central Alliance are working on a study to further map and evaluate coal tips in South Wales using satellite technology. #Wales #coaltip #landslide #satellite #topography #data #remotesensing