The Technology Behind Pavement Management: Pavemetrics LCMS Systems
From Field Walkouts to Automated Data Collection: The Evolution of Pavement Management
Today, pavement management is a technology-driven process.
Pavement management has evolved significantly with advancements in technology. In the past, it was a highly subjective process. The earliest data collection method involved field walkouts, where engineers would manually inspect pavement sections and jot down their observations in a notebook. This method was subjective and prone to inconsistencies due to its reliance on human judgment.
As video technology improved, the process shifted to windshield surveys. These surveys allowed engineers to assess larger areas more quickly, but they still relied on human interpretation. While video collection became a standard industry practice, it remained imperfect, especially when determining severely damaged pavement, which still required time-consuming, on-site walkouts for accurate, but still somewhat subjective, evaluation.
Today, pavement management is a technology-driven process. Transmap’s mobile data collection vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art tools, now automate the entire data collection process. Using advanced technology such as 360-degree panoramic cameras, Lidar, and Laser Crack Measurement Systems, these vehicles collect vast amounts of data with incredible precision. The data is then analyzed using machine learning, AI, and mathematical algorithms, eliminating subjectivity and human error.
One of the key innovations in this process is the family of Pavemetrics' Laser Crack Measurement Systems, which have revolutionized mobile data collection by providing highly accurate, reliable measurements of pavement distress. This technology ensures that the data we collect is the most precise available, allowing us to generate accurate Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ratings for every section of the roadway.
In this post, we will take a closer look at how Pavemetrics' Laser Crack Measurement Systems are transforming the landscape of pavement management and improving data accuracy across the industry.
Building Strong Pavement Management Partnerships
At Transmap, our data collection process is driven by multiple, cutting-edge technologies. As a result, we’ve built long-lasting relationships with several leading manufacturers. One key partnership began in 2014 when we were approached by Pavemetrics at an industry conference. They invited us to visit their office in Quebec City, where we were introduced to their first-generation Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS). After evaluating the technology, Transmap President Howard Luxhoj was convinced we could become a key integrator for Pavemetrics.
This partnership led to significant milestones: Transmap became the first company in the U.S. to integrate Pavemetrics’ LCMS 4M and LCMS 2 systems. This collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing our data collection capabilities and solidifying our position as a leader in the field.
Pavemetrics Laser Crack Measurement Systems: LCMS-2 and LCMS-4M
Pavemetrics' Laser Crack Measurement Systems (LCMS) offer a comprehensive pavement management solution in a single package. As an integrator, we are proud to be part of the Pavemetrics community, a company known for its commitment to innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer support.
Pavemetrics offers two advanced models of its ground-breaking LCMS technology:
LCMS-2
The LCMS-2 is the successor to the popular LCMS-1 and is designed as a single-pass 3D sensor for detailed pavement inspection. This system automatically geo-tags, measures, detects, and quantifies key pavement parameters—such as cracks, rutting, potholes, and roughness—in a single pass.
Key features of the LCMS-2 include:
Versatility: The LCMS-2 delivers standards-compliant results across multiple surfaces, including asphalt, porous pavement, and grooved concrete.
Efficiency: By operating at highway speeds, day or night, the LCMS-2 dramatically reduces labor costs and project completion time.
High Precision: With a 1mm resolution, it ensures highly accurate detection and quantification of all key pavement features, providing industry-leading results.
The LCMS-2 has become a vital tool in modern pavement management, offering unmatched accuracy, speed, and cost savings for pavement condition surveys.
LCMS-4M: Revolutionizing Pavement Data Collection
Accurate data collection is the foundation of effective pavement management, yet traditional inspection methods can be time-consuming and subjective. Pavemetrics’ LCMS-4M system addresses these challenges by combining advanced 3D triangulation technology with a fully automated workflow, delivering standard-compliant pavement condition scores ready to upload into agency Pavement Management Systems (PMS).
The LCMS-4M is a single-sensor solution that can seamlessly integrate into existing Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) platforms. With a lane coverage of 13.2 feet, it adheres to industry best practices, ensuring accurate pavement condition ratings with one pass per direction.
Key features of the LCMS-4M include:
Precision 3D Scanning: Using a 3D laser and computer-based analysis, the LCMS-4M goes beyond subjective visual inspections and 2D camera systems. It measures critical pavement parameters with millimeter accuracy, including wheel path rutting, distress length, depth, and width.
Comprehensive Detection: The system detects pavement distress features such as rutting, potholes, cracking, bleeding, sewer and storm drains, rumble strips, and more. This creates more precise and repeatable data compared to traditional methods.
Efficiency and Automation: The LCMS-4M’s fully automated workflow—from scanning to generating PASER scores—streamlines the entire process, significantly reducing time and labor costs.
The LCMS-4M is a true pavement management solution in a box, providing reliable, repeatable, and actionable data for effective decision-making and long-term pavement preservation.
At Transmap, all our mobile data collection vehicles are equipped with Pavemetrics technology, including multiple LCMS-2 and LCMS-4M systems. These advanced sensors enable us to significantly reduce inspection time and lower costs for our agency clients, helping them manage their assets more effectively.
The combination of high-speed 3D lasers and precision optics allows us to capture 2D images and 3D profiles at highway speeds, day or night. Pavemetrics' Laser Crack Measurement Systems have revolutionized our approach to pavement data collection, enabling us to gather mobile data quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
Transmap is a nationwide provider of professional pavement, roadway, and asset management support services to cities, counties, and municipalities. Using our advanced technologies, we provide excellent customer service and robust full analysis. We are dedicated to maintaining this high standard of data quality while also reducing data collection costs for our clients. To learn more, contact our main office in Columbus, OH at (614) 810–1235.
