IP-S2 Mobile Mapping System – The Google Car
Topcon’s IP-S2, more commonly known as The Google Car, is responsible for creating the Google Street View images that let you view street level images and explore virtually any location from your desktop. But what you’re seeing on your desktop, is just a small portion of the literally googles of bytes of data the system is capable of capturing.
The system is composed of a GPS antenna, three laser scanners for three-dimensional (3D) measurement and an omni-directional camera (optional). When a car is driven with the system installed on the ceiling, it simultaneously measures three types of data, (1) positional data obtained by the GPS, (2) 3D point group data on the road surface and building structures around the car and (3) image data.
Topcon’s IP-S2 Mobile Mapping System overcomes the challenges of mapping linear features to a high level of accuracy. Accurate vehicle positions are obtained using three redundant technologies: a dual frequency GNSS receiver establishes a geospatial position; an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) tracks vehicle posse; and connection to the vehicle CAN bus or external wheel encoders obtains odometry information. These three technologies work together to sustain a highly accurate 3D position for the vehicle even in locations where satellite signals can be blocked by obstructions such as buildings, bridges, or tree lines.
The IP-S2 provides fast, high accuracy data and dynamic imaging for any linear mapping project. The vehicle-mounted system can map data at normal travel speeds for roadway surface condition assessments and roadside feature inventories. The influences of vibrations and shakes during driving are eliminated by corrections made by a gyro. Safety is increased by removing pedestrians from the travelled lanes – no surveyors in the streets. Other applications include pipelines, railways, utility corridors, and waterways. Homeland security and disaster management are critically important to our health, safety and welfare. The IP-S2 is perfect for 3D street-view city mapping and provides essential information for these applications.
This video requires QuickTime®.
Can’t see the video? Try downloading (right-click and Save As):
IP-S2 Mobile Mapping System (.wmv)
IP-S2 Mobile Mapping System (.mov)
