PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker
International, a global leader in engineering, planning and
consulting services, has expanded its cutting-edge inspection
services with the purchase of a Topcon Falcon 8 unmanned aircraft
system (UAS). The new Falcon 8 joins the company's growing UAS
fleet, and offers a new perspective for Michael Baker pilots to achieve highly precise
aerial imagery and mapping during the inspection of infrastructure
elements for customers.
Combined with Michael Baker's
mobile and static Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems for
data collection, the integration of this new UAS creates a safer,
more intricate solution for inspection and mapping. By utilizing
the system's flight stability and high-resolution 32-megapixel
digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, Michael Baker pilots can capture more precise
imaging and video in tight spaces, challenging environments and
windy situations. The rotary-wing UAS features eight rotors, three
individual inertial measurement units (IMU) to calculate and fix
the device's position, fully automated flight routes in both two-
and three-dimensions, precise structure analysis and damage
detection, and maximum safety with triple redundancy. Operating as
a two-person team, Michael Baker
inspectors—one piloting the flight and the other using 3D goggles
for a First Person View (FPV)—can establish unprecedented
viewpoints for data capturing imagery.
Additionally, the Falcon 8's integrated thermal camera creates
new service offerings for Michael
Baker's clients as the company can monitor for heat loss and
thermal leakage in concrete and pipeline inspections, and conduct
heat surveys of buildings looking to achieve LEED
certification.
"Michael Baker has an extensive
history of performing inspections, having literally written the
book on bridge inspection training for the Federal Highway
Administration. As new technologies have emerged, including UAS,
the company has been at the forefront of adopting and incorporating
those practices into our existing capabilities to enhance our full
continuum of innovative solutions," said Robert Hanson, senior vice president and market
leader for Michael Baker's
Geospatial Practice. "With the purchase of the Falcon 8 UAS,
Michael Baker is now one of seven
firms in North America to use this
system, which allows us to offer an advanced, highly-engineered
inspection solution for engineering projects."
Michael Baker is deploying the
new UAS as part of two new contract wins: a statewide contract from
the Nevada Department of Transportation for digital aerial imagery
and video, and/or other remotely sensed data; and a task order with
the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for determining the
feasibility for use of UAS in bridge inspections and bridge
inspection procedures. Additionally, the company will use the
system across multiple markets for a host of structural inspection
projects, including bridges, buildings, towers, water control
systems and retaining walls, among others.
Michael Baker has a prestigious
76-year history of conducting bridge and infrastructure
inspections, including more than 25 years of inspection training
for the Federal Highway Administration. The company is also one of
the first in the engineering industry to receive certification from
the Federal Aviation Administration to operate several types of
fixed-wing and vertical take-off and landing UAS.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker
International is a leading global provider of engineering and
consulting services, which include planning, architectural,
environmental, construction, program management, and full
life-cycle support services as well as information technology and
communications services and solutions. The company provides its
comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S.
federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied
governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael
Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90
locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit
www.mbakerintl.com.
Contact: Justin
Falce
justin.falce@mbakerintl.com
(866) 293-4609
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