Utilities and other infrastructure are critical to the livelihood, safety and comfort of citizens, though their inner workings are rarely seen by the public. Maintaining and updating utilities and other necessary public works is a demanding task, and the consequences of falling behind on repairs or not observing defects can be devastating – from power outages to dam failures and other preventable disasters. The complexity of these systems, combined with their relative inaccessibility makes the task an even more challenging one. Recently, emerging technologies, including the utilization of UAVs, autonomous robots, and other advanced 3D scanning and photogrammetry techniques have enabled more efficient workflows for utilities, including those that keep inspectors out of hazardous areas, or concentrate efforts on the most urgent issues, lessening the time from inspection to repair. Case studies in this session showcase the latest innovations and advances in working with critical infrastructure, demonstrating new techniques and approaches that will help utilities to stay on top of their most pressing problems.
