Dubai’s RTA Adopts LiDAR And Digital Twin For Asset Management
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is taking a significant step in road asset management by adopting cutting-edge LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. This new initiative aims to enhance the precision of data used in digital twin platforms, which is essential for maintaining road infrastructure in the emirate. Through LiDAR, the RTA can assess the condition of road assets with remarkable accuracy, paving the way for more effective maintenance strategies.
Enhancing Maintenance with LiDAR Technology
The primary benefit of LiDAR is its ability to provide detailed data that supports preventive, predictive, and proactive maintenance. Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, explained that LiDAR technology significantly boosts performance, offering up to 300% better speed compared to traditional visual inspections. Not only does this improve the efficiency of inspections, but it also ensures that road network sustainability is maintained and traffic safety is enhanced.
LiDAR technology is capable of delivering up to 95% accuracy in evaluating road asset conditions. As a result, it facilitates more informed decision-making and streamlines maintenance processes. Additionally, LiDAR can inspect elevated assets like traffic signals, lighting poles, and road signs, which were previously more challenging to assess through manual inspections. This contributes to greater road safety by reducing the risks associated with manual checks.
Continuous Monitoring for Improved Road Safety
Another notable feature of LiDAR technology is its ability to assess up to 80 km of roads daily, a drastic improvement over the traditional methods that only covered 3 km. Moreover, inspections can be conducted at speeds ranging from 30 to 100 km/h, ensuring traffic flow is uninterrupted. With a sensing range of up to 80 meters, LiDAR provides comprehensive coverage of various road assets, delivering high-quality data without causing disruptions.
The adoption of this technology ensures the long-term sustainability of Dubai’s road infrastructure. It supports accurate scheduling for predictive maintenance and prioritizes interventions based on clear, strategic criteria. This method will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of Dubai’s road systems, aligning with the city’s vision to be a smart and sustainable global hub.
