Before Kouwa decided to introduce the IP-S3 HD1, the company rigorously compared the MMS of various companies. “Throughout the comparison, our main focus was to see if we could develop and deploy a completely new application for MMS,” Kikuchi reflected. They discussed the matter internally, but also with professors from local universities and a wide range of others, and the last MMS standing was the IP-S3 HD1. The deciding factor was the excellent handling made possible by the compact, lightweight system. “We felt there was a range of applications beyond the general image of MMS as a technology to be paired with automobiles,” Kikuchi said. “We felt that we could mount the IP-S3 HD1 not only on surveying boat, but also on other types of vehicles.”
Kouwa provided one more example of using an MMS on a vehicle other than an automobile, this time using the IP-S3 HD1 to survey river embankments. “A considerable amount of time and effort were required to transport a 3D laser scanner over the total round-trip distance of 12 km [for this measurement],” Geospatial Information Department Spatial Measurement Group member Yuka Kawamata said. “Moreover, passenger walkways made up most of the survey area, so we could not use an automobile to enter the area. Therefore, I proposed that we take measurements by mounting the IP-S3 HD1 onto a pedal-assist electric bicycle with a trailer or a motorized wagon.” Although the work was estimated to take roughly two weeks using the conventional method, using the IP-S3 HD1 enabled the company to complete the work in roughly two hours. In terms of work time alone, the work was 40 times more efficient.
The ability to complete fieldwork quickly can reduce costs, which presents a major advantage to both clients and contractors. “I believe that the IP-S3 HD1 was the right choice by far,” Kikuchi said, quite satisfied with the performance.。

Kouwa is already using UAV to perform aerial photogrammetry, and now has all the equipment it needs to acquire 3D point cloud data thanks to the introduction of the IP-S3 HD1. The company has begun to use different combinations of 3D laser scanners, UAV and MMS to measure initial and finished dimensions at “i-Construction” worksites.
“In the future, we intend to use this technology not only for construction measurement and to measure present conditions, but also in surveying work for maintenance, for example, to survey roads, buildings, properties and structures,” Kikuchi said. To further promote the effective use of 3D point cloud data, the company has started including 3D point cloud data in conjunction with viewing software along with conventional deliverables. Visualization provided by 3D data seems highly regarded by clients as well.

Perhaps this signals a major change in 3D measurement.

* “i-Construction” is…
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in Japan has been promoting “i-Construction”, that the Japanese construction companies shall utilize 3D data in all the procedure of construction work to increase its productivity dramatically, generated by not only the conventional equipment such as Total Stations and GNSS receivers but also Drones, 3D Laser Scanners, and ICT Construction Machineries. “i-Construction” is a registered trademark of the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management, MLIT.