Abstract: A corridor modelling system models a corridor to be constructed along an existing terrain. The system obtains an electronic representation of the existing terrain, an electronic representation of a typical cross-section of the corridor, and an electronic representation of a 3D baseline of the corridor that aligns the typical cross-section relative to the existing terrain. The system also generates a digital surface model of the corridor based on the electronic representations. The system does so by extruding the typical cross-section along the 3D baseline and fundamentally modeling continuous surfaces of the corridor resulting from the extrusion as a collection of non-planar parametrically defined surfaces, rather than as a group of discrete facets formed from a triangulated irregular network.

Abstract: A corridor modelling system models a corridor to be constructed along an existing terrain. The system obtains an electronic representation of the existing terrain, an electronic representation of a typical cross-section of the corridor, and an electronic representation of a 3D baseline of the corridor that aligns the typical cross-section relative to the existing terrain. The system also generates a digital surface model of the corridor based on the electronic representations. The system does so by extruding the typical cross-section along the 3D baseline and fundamentally modeling continuous surfaces of the corridor resulting from the extrusion as a collection of non-planar parametrically defined surfaces, rather than as a group of discrete facets formed from a triangulated irregular network.

Abstract: This invention is a method for remotely obtaining roadway crown point elevation and horizontal location based on projecting a horizontal laser beam configured vertically in either a continuous or discrete manner across the roadway surface at a predetermined elevation substantially coincident with the crown point of the roadway. The highest elevation of the roadway partially occludes the vertically configured laser beam. The lowest elevation of the laser beam which contacts an array of vertically configured laser receivers positioned on the opposite side of the roadway is by necessity the elevation of the roadway crown. By using an optical detector at a known vertical offset from the laser beam emitter, the angle and hence the distance can be determined to the furthest laser impact with the roadway. This distance information can be combined with the known line between the laser emitter and laser receivers to resolve the horizontal coordinates of that point.