How Topography Is Vital for Mega Projects: The Case of the New Central Highway in Peru

importancia de la topografia para las megaobras

Topographic studies are essential for the construction of large-scale transportation infrastructures that require detailed information and cutting-edge technology. Topographic surveys, geodesy, and other related services help ensure the proper execution of each stage of a project. An emblematic example is the New Central Highway of Peru, one of the most ambitious infrastructure works in recent times, where topographic and geodetic studies are critical.

A Large-Scale Project to Connect Peru

The New Central Highway will require an investment of more than S/ 24 billion and will extend 185 km, including 33 km of tunnels and 19 km of viaducts. This mega project aims to reduce travel time between the coast and the country’s central region from six hours to just two and a half, strategically linking the regions of Lima and Junín.

For a project of this magnitude, precise topographic information is indispensable. Every meter of land must be accurately surveyed, modeled, and georeferenced so that the design, engineering, and construction phases can be executed without deviations or cost overruns.

Topography and Geodesy: The Technical Foundation of the Project

In this type of project, topography forms the technical backbone, as it allows for the accurate understanding of the terrain’s physical characteristics: contour lines, slopes, geographical features, and surface details. Geodesy, on the other hand, provides the necessary spatial reference to ensure the absolute and relative position of each point within a global coordinate system.

The combination of these disciplines enables:

  • Generation of high-precision digital terrain models.
  • Definition of road alignments and axes that optimize layouts and reduce earthworks.
  • Accurate positioning of complex structures such as tunnels and viaducts.
  • Deformation control and progress monitoring during construction.
  • Reduction of technical and economic risks, avoiding staking errors and delays.

Our Contribution to Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

With decades of experience in topographic and geodetic surveys for complex infrastructure projects in both Peru and Spain, Acero Estudio deploys specialized teams and advanced technology such as:

  • 3D laser scanning services to capture geometries through dense point clouds in seconds.
  • Drone photogrammetry to cover large areas quickly and with high accuracy.
  • LIDAR systems capable of penetrating vegetation to obtain precise terrain information even in forested or hard-to-access areas.
  • High-precision GNSS equipment and total stations, ensuring exact geodetic references.

In addition, our technical team processes and delivers data in formats compatible with engineering and BIM software, facilitating direct integration into design and construction workflows.

Building the Future with Precision

Mega projects demand decisions based on reliable data and the support of an experienced surveying company. If you are developing a large-scale project, contact us. Our specialized team is ready to support you from the planning stage through execution, ensuring accurate and dependable results at every step.

Use of LIDAR in topography for mining

lidar en topografia para mineria

Modern mining, which processes hundreds of tons each day, requires precise and reliable information to ensure safety, optimize resources, and plan large-scale operations. Thanks to the use of advanced laser sensors that can be integrated into drones, LIDAR captures millions of 3D points and generates detailed digital terrain models.

Large-Scale Topographic Surveys

One of the greatest benefits of LIDAR in mining is the ability to carry out topographic surveys of vast areas in a short time. In the past, a team of surveyors working with traditional instruments was necessary, but today LIDAR technology provides up-to-date information to plan new explorations, optimize access, and design open pits quickly through:

  • Point collection with drones
  • Data processing with specialized software
  • Generation of topographic maps and delivery to stakeholders
  • Volume and Material Management

LIDAR’s accuracy in data collection allows mining companies to calculate extraction volumes after just one workday, enabling ore grade calculations and income projections that are essential for operational and financial planning.

Slope Monitoring and Operational Safety

Another critical aspect for operational stability in mining is verifying slope stability. LIDAR technology enables the creation of geotechnical models that identify deformations, movements, and landslide risks. This contributes to safer operational management while reducing personnel exposure to hazardous areas.

3D Digital Models for Mine Planning

Beyond detailed terrain capture, LIDAR also generates 3D digital models that support mining planning. These models make it possible to simulate scenarios, analyze alternatives, and optimize the design of pits, access roads, and more.

  • Key Benefits of LIDAR in Mining
  • Higher accuracy compared to traditional surveying methods
  • Time and cost savings in data capture
  • Improved worker safety, by reducing the need to enter hazardous zones
  • Comprehensive and up-to-date information, useful for exploration, exploitation, and mine closure

LIDAR in mining is now one of the most valuable technologies for improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in operations. From volume control to geotechnical risk prevention, its applications offer a competitive advantage to companies seeking to optimize processes and ensure precision at every stage of a project.

If you want to learn more about our LIDAR services, contact us. We are Acero Estudio, a surveying company specialized in LIDAR, drone photogrammetry, and 3D laser scanning. We are at your service.

BIM Modeling: What Is It?

modelo bim

BIM modeling is a 3D development process that basically consists of creating a digital model of a construction project. Unlike traditional drawings or computer-aided design, a BIM model brings together all the project information in a single environment, allowing for better planning, error detection before construction, and coordination of all teams involved.

What methods of BIM model generation are there?

There are different methods to generate a BIM model, depending on the available data and the stage of the project:

From CAD drawings

If the project has 2D drawings, it is possible to transform them into a 3D model enriched with information, allowing the evolution from a basic design to a complete BIM model.

From a 3D laser scanner

Using scanning technology, millions of points are captured that represent the built reality with millimetric precision. This point cloud serves as the basis to generate the BIM model, making it ideal for remodeling or expansion projects.

Other methods

BIM models can also be created from aerial photographs taken by drones, existing models from other design platforms, or even manually collected information, as long as it can be structured in a BIM environment.

How do we feed a BIM model?

The value of BIM models lies not only in their initial creation but also in how they are continuously enriched with information by the various professionals involved in the project. Let’s see how different disciplines feed, update, and refine the models:

  • The architect incorporates design aspects, space distribution, and finishes.
  • The structural engineer adds data on materials, resistance, and structural behavior.
  • The MEP engineer provides information about electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and security systems.
  • The cost specialist integrates budgets, schedules, and financial analysis.
  • In this way, the model becomes a digital meeting point where all disciplines converge, ensuring consistency and facilitating decision-making.

How far does the BIM model go?

The scope of the BIM methodology goes beyond the design or construction stage. Once the project is completed, the model can continue to be used during the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure, since it contains information about materials, installed equipment, warranties, technical manuals, and maintenance schedules. It can even be useful in future stages of remodeling, expansion, or controlled demolition, thus covering the complete life cycle of the asset.

As you can see, a 3D BIM model is not just a design tool but an integral system that supports an infrastructure from its conception to its final use, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and value at every stage.

If you want to learn more about our BIM consulting services, do not hesitate to contact us. And if you already have a developed model, we can help you evaluate it with our BIM auditing service for projects.

In Acero Estudio we are at your service to turn your ideas into 3D models.

Discover LIDAR Topography

topografia lidar

One of the modern surveying techniques used by Acero Estudio, a surveying company, is LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This method is supported by laser technology that employs sensors capable of generating topographic mappings to measure, with high precision, the distances between an emitter and the Earth’s surface. With these laser pulses, it is possible to generate a point cloud, which can later be transformed into an accurate topographic map of a study area.

LIDAR technology has several benefits compared to traditional surveying methods, such as:

  1. Conducting topographic surveys at high speed
  2. Providing high accuracy thanks to its laser system
  3. Ensuring safe data collection through the use of UAVs
  4. Capturing information from areas with dense vegetation without intervening in the terrain
  5. Generating an accurate point cloud

What is LIDAR used for?

LIDAR technology has become one of the most effective tools in engineering, construction, and land-use planning, as it allows for obtaining topographic information of large surfaces in reduced time frames and with a higher level of accuracy than traditional methods.

In practice, LIDAR surveying is applied in infrastructure projects, road works, hydrological studies, urban planning, archaeology, and environmental monitoring, among others. Its main value lies in its precision, speed, and versatility, as it provides high-resolution data that can be processed in specialized software to generate digital elevation models, contour lines, volumetric analyses, and simulations.

Thanks to this capability, LIDAR technology is a strategic resource to optimize decision-making in projects that require accurate, fast, and reliable geospatial information.

If you would like to learn more about our services in surveying, drone surveying, photogrammetry, or LIDAR surveying, contact us today.

BIM + IoT for Real-Time Building Management

bim and iot for lifecycle management

As we’ve mentioned in various articles on our website, the BIM methodology is not only present during the planning and execution phases of projects – it goes beyond construction and can positively impact building management through simulations, component lifecycle control, and expansion projections.

One of the technologies currently being integrated with BIM is the Internet of Things (IoT), which in turn will make BIM an even more powerful tool for real-time building maintenance and management.

From Construction to Lifecycle Management

Integrating IoT sensors allows the digital model to evolve from a static representation into a living digital twin, powered by real-time data. This opens the door to more efficient asset management, predictive maintenance, and resource savings.

aplicaciones de la topografia en ingenieria civil

How Does BIM + IoT Integration Work?

The Internet of Things operates through sensors that can provide data on foot traffic within the building, elevator usage, air quality, structural vibration during seismic events, and more.

All this centralized information enables us to identify risk zones, mandatory maintenance elements, and over time, develop real statistics and data that facilitate preventive and timely maintenance through a centralized system functioning as a brain.

This not only results in cost savings in terms of maintenance management and failure prevention, but also reduces downtime caused by repairs.

Where Can BIM + IoT Be Applied?

  • Corporate buildings
  • Hospitals
  • Industrial plants
  • Public projects

The Future: Toward Complete Digital Twins

The convergence of BIM + IoT is the first step toward adopting digital twins—virtual replicas that simulate the behavior of a building and allow for full lifecycle management, from planning to decommissioning.

In this scenario, buildings will no longer be conceived merely as physical spaces, but as intelligent, self-sustaining ecosystems, where each sensor feeds a database that helps improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure people’s safety.

As we can see once again, the possibilities of BIM methodology are vast and open the door to new ideas. If your company is interested in developing BIM projects, at Acero Estudio we provide experienced BIM consulting services specializing in implementation, BIM modeling, and BIM auditing for projects and constructions.

Contact us today – we’re here to help.

Acero Estudio, the Best Surveying Company in Peru

nuestro equipo de profesionales especializados en servicio de topografia, levantamiento topografico, consultoria bim y servicios cad

If you’re looking for a surveying company, you’ve come to the right place. Acero Estudio is the right choice, we are a highly specialized surveying company offering all types of studies and surveying services in both Peru and Spain. We have carried out topographic surveys for infrastructure projects, construction projects, cadastral activities, and residential and industrial buildings, among others.

Our Experience in Surveying

As a surveying company, we have more than 25 years of experience, starting in Spain and later expanding into Latin America. In both regions, we have worked on projects in the private and public sectors, providing the necessary topographic and geodetic studies and services for a wide range of works and industries, including:

  • Infrastructure construction: roads, bridges, and tunnels
  • Expansion of metro and train stations
  • Industrial building expansions
  • Hydraulic infrastructure
  • Mining sector works
  • Residential construction
  • Airport construction

What Technology Do We Use in Our Surveying Work?

Today, the discipline of surveying requires not only skilled and experienced professionals but also the proper tools to achieve accurate measurements. At Acero Estudio, we use a wide range of equipment to collect the most precise information, including:

  • Total stations
  • Drones with photogrammetry cameras
  • Drones with LIDAR laser sensors
  • Digital levels
  • GNSS and GPS receivers
  • 3D scanners

Robotic total stations

As you can see, technology has also transformed our sector, and we have embraced this evolution by extensively using the best tools to achieve faster and more cost-effective results. That’s why, in addition to traditional surveying services, we stay up to date by incorporating cutting-edge technologies.

What Types of Services Does a Surveying Company Offer?

A specialized surveying company must be equipped to offer high-quality services such as:

  • Topographic surveys of any area
  • Topographic leveling: geometric, trigonometric, physical, barometric, etc.
  • Aerial orthophotos (drone photogrammetry)
  • Tachymetry services using total stations for fast distance measurement
  • LIDAR services for densely forested areas
  • Hydrographic surveying
  • Earth volume calculation surveying

What Topographic Techniques Do We Use?

Among the specialized techniques we implement are:

  • Traverse surveying
  • Geometric leveling
  • Drone-based surveying
  • Drone photogrammetry
  • Topographic surveys
  • Geodesy services

With professionals specialized in each of these methods, we deliver accurate and comprehensive data that are essential for the planning and execution of projects of any size and complexity.

We invite you to contact us and join our satisfied clients who value the quality of our work, our punctuality, and our commitment. At Acero Estudio, we adapt to the specific needs of each project to guarantee precise and efficient results.

Discover Our Solutions and Services for the Mining Industry

instrumental que usamos en topografia minera

Mining sector is very important pillar in the Peruvian economy. As construction consultants, in Acero Estudio, we offer 27 years of experience and international presence. We offer specialized services that combining precision, advanced technology, and a strong commitment to safety in mining operations.

Expertise and technical proficiency to every project. With over 100 projects executed across Latin America, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the development of mining infrastructure, meeting the highest quality standards.

OUR SERVICES

PRECISION TOPOGRAPHY AND GEODESY
We ensure accurate measurements using state-of-the-art technology for your mining project. Our large-scale topographic and geodetic surveys utilize differential GPS, total stations, and 3D laser scanning to deliver reliable data that minimizes risks, optimizes resources, and guarantees precision throughout all planning and execution phases.

BATHYMETRY
Gain accurate insights into the morphology of your water resources. Our bathymetric studies generate detailed maps of underwater terrain, supporting the planning of operations in aquatic environments. Improve precision in your mining infrastructure projects and significantly reduce costs and risks in geotechnical and environmental studies.

PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND VIDEOGRAMMETRY
Obtain high-detail digital surface and terrain models. By using drones and high-resolution cameras, we capture and process aerial imagery that allows you to visualize your project before implementation. We are pioneers in videogrammetry, supported by our proprietary software.

LIDAR AND 3D LASER SCANNING
Access hard-to-reach terrains with millimeter-level accuracy. Our airborne LIDAR surveys are ideal for large and rugged areas like the Andes Mountains, while our 3D laser scanning generates point clouds with millions of coordinates of your facilities. Achieve precise digital modeling, detailed analysis, and data-driven decision-making.

BLUE STAKE
Avoid costly damages and delays in your operations. Our underground utility mapping service accurately identifies electric lines, pipelines, fiber optics, and other critical infrastructure using non-invasive technology, ensuring safety during excavations.

BIM METHODOLOGY
Transform the comprehensive management of your mining projects. Building Information Modeling (BIM) integrates all disciplines and lifecycle phases of your infrastructure into a collaborative digital model. It enables early clash detection, scenario simulations, precise cost estimation, and resource optimization throughout the project. We also offer BIM audit services.

PROJECTS COMPLETED

  • Volcan Mining Project (2021):
  • BIM consulting, 3D scanning, 3D modeling, and photogrammetry integration.
  • Zafranal Mining Project (2023):
  • Specialized topography, Class C geodesy, and precision leveling.
  • Chacahuaro Tunnel (2016):
  • Comprehensive topography and geodesy services for this major road infrastructure project.
  • Demasolar Photovoltaic Project (2015):
  • Implementation of topographic solutions for renewable energy initiatives.

Contact us today and discuss how to empower your projects, we’re here to help.

BIM Audit for Projects

servicio de auditoria bim para proyectos de construccion y arquitectura

A BIM audit is highly recommended for large-scale and high-investment construction projects, as it provides the team with a more objective perspective, helping ensure the creation of a model that meets international standards for quality, accuracy, and coordination—key factors for efficient project execution.

When Is a BIM Audit Recommended?

A BIM audit is especially beneficial in large and complex projects involving professionals from multiple disciplines (architecture, structural engineering, electrical, and plumbing). The BIM auditor ensures that all project information is:

  • Complete and properly defined
  • Well-structured and error-free
  • Aligned with the client’s objectives

The Role of the BIM Auditor

The BIM auditor also plays the role of quality control, ensuring that the digital information is truly useful as a management tool throughout the entire lifecycle of the infrastructure or building. In this sense, the auditor validates that deliverables meet the expected quality, from design through operation and continuous improvement.

ISO 19650 Standard

Through a BIM audit, we ensure that your models align with internationally standardized quality levels, specifically those defined in ISO 19650.

What Does a BIM Audit Cover?

1. Compliance with Standards
The audit first verifies that the team and deliverables comply with BIM standards such as ISO 19650, PAS 1192, and local regulations. It also ensures correct use of naming conventions and coding systems.

2. Model Evaluation
This includes assessment of:

  • Design quality
  • Level of detail
  • Architectural consistency
  • Cross-discipline coordination
  • Clash detection
  • Integration of elements

3. Data and Metadata
Verification of proper tagging and accurate data associated with each element, including names, properties, and parameters, ensuring all data is well-organized and labeled correctly.

4. Interoperability and Functionality
Evaluation of the correct configuration and interoperability among software such as IFC, Revit, Archicad, Navisworks, and others.

5. Version Control
Version control is essential, especially for teams that must maintain consistency and structured workflows to avoid data loss—common in multi-user environments.

6. Model Organization
The auditor reviews the internal organization of the model: types of views, number of templates, element grouping, file optimization, and overall BIM file performance.

7. Contractual Aspects
Finally, the audit verifies that roles and responsibilities have been properly assigned and are being fulfilled by the project team.

As you can see, a BIM audit requires not only technical knowledge of BIM but also a systematic methodology to ensure international quality standards in your projects.

If you’re looking for a company specializing in BIM consulting and auditing, don’t hesitate to contact Acero Estudio. We are experts in services for the construction and architecture industry and are here to support your needs.

Topography and Geodesy in Mega Projects: The New Central Highway

estudios topograficos para la nueva carretera panamericana

The New Central Highway of Peru is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country’s history. Its construction will require an investment of more than S/ 24 billion soles and will feature a four-lane width designed to reduce travel time between the coast and the central region of the country from six hours to just two and a half hours.

This mega-project will also span the regions of Lima and Junín, connecting the coast, highlands, and jungle of Peru with a total length of 185 km of roadway, 33 km of tunnels, and 19 km of elevated viaducts with various retaining walls. This is of great importance for boosting the national economy and trade by reducing logistics costs and improving connectivity with the Port of Callao and the future Port of Chancay.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TOPOGRAPHY IN THIS MEGA-PROJECT

For an investment of this scale and significance to be properly executed and long-lasting, it is essential to carry out high-level topographic and geodetic studies. Topography allows us to understand the terrain’s features and elevations so that architects and engineers can develop plans with full awareness of risks and structural requirements. It is also crucial to identify geological risks to optimally design the layout throughout the entire length of the highway.

nueva carretera central

A CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Participating in this project has been a challenge for Acero Estudio—one that demands a substantial deployment of human, technological, and logistical resources. Thanks to our experience in a wide range of projects, we have successfully mobilized highly trained personnel to hard-to-reach areas, many with steep slopes and associated safety risks.

To minimize human risk and collect high-quality data in inaccessible zones, we use cutting-edge technology including drones equipped with various sensors, as well as high-precision total stations.

These tools are complemented by our data recording systems and the meticulous planning carried out by our management team.

At Acero Estudio, we are proud to contribute to the country’s development through our topographic services on large-scale projects such as the New Central Highway. We also offer our capabilities for smaller projects. Whether it’s a national highway or a local development, we provide specialized services in topography, geodesy, and drone-based surveys with the same level of quality and professionalism.

And remember, if you need any topographic survey, we are at your service. Contact us today.

The Role of Topography in Urban Planning

topografia poligonal en calle inundada

While it’s true that many cities grow in a disorganized manner, smart urban planning helps create a better environment in areas such as traffic management, drainage system development, recreational space preparation, and infrastructure.

To develop and design plans for these and other key aspects, topography plays a crucial role by enabling decision-makers to create organized urban development and growth plans that help mitigate risks such as:

Risks Mitigated by Topography

  • Natural risks like flooding, through the analysis of potential water flow paths.
  • Landslide risks, by evaluating slopes and conducting soil studies.
  • Risks of disorganized urban expansion, which can cause traffic congestion, pollution, and other problems.
  • Urban planning also allows communities to maximize development potential—economically, socially, culturally, and spatially – by properly designating land use and space.

When proper urban planning is not applied, environments can become unsafe. A flood, for example, can destroy a city’s economic progress and its future potential. That’s why incorporating topography into urban planning is a fundamental step—especially as natural disasters become more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Contact Acero Estudio, a surveying company, and let’s talk about our topographic services. Our expert engineers are ready to support your development plans through precise and professional topographic surveys.