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.

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 evolution of measurement technologies is opening new possibilities in terms of efficiency, speed, and accuracy. One of these technologies, which Acero Estudio offers as part of its topographic services, is 3D laser scanning, a highly effective tool that provides significant advantages over traditional methods such as total stations. Its ability to generate detailed terrain models with a density of more than 1,000 points per square meter in a short period (~30 min) makes it an ideal solution for large-scale and highly complex projects.

Greater Accuracy and Speed in Data Collection

Unlike surveys conducted with a total station, which require point-by-point measurements and long periods to cover large areas, 3D laser scanning enables massive data capture with exceptional speed. In projects involving road infrastructure, buildings, or urban surveys, this system generates detailed three-dimensional models, reducing the margin of error and optimizing the planning and execution of works. Additionally, as the size of the study area increases, the difference in execution time between both methods decreases, making laser scanning the preferred choice for large-scale projects.

Applications and Benefits of Laser Scanning in Topography

The 3D laser scanning system has a wide range of applications in engineering and geodesy. Its use is not limited to topographic surveys but has also been implemented in various sectors, such as:

• Geodetic surveys of linear structures, such as roads, bridges, and tunnels.
• Surface and terrain modeling, generating high-precision digital models.
• Infrastructure inspection for deformation detection and structural stability analysis.
• Archaeological, cultural, and architectural studies, facilitating documentation and heritage conservation.
• Delineation and monitoring of water bodies, allowing the evaluation of changes in the level and shape of rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
• Slope stability analysis and geotechnical risk assessment, crucial in landslide-prone areas.

Thanks to its ability to capture detailed and precise information in record time, 3D laser scanning is expected to completely replace traditional total station measurements in many projects, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Key Differences Between Laser Scanning and Total Stations

While total stations remain a useful method in certain scenarios, 3D laser scanning stands out for offering faster, more detailed, and digitized measurements. The main differences between the two methods include:

Both methods can be used in various fields of engineering and geodesy, but 3D laser scanning is emerging as the future technology for topographic surveys, terrain modeling, and infrastructure monitoring, offering an unparalleled level of detail and efficiency.

If you want to learn more about our topographic surveying, geodesy, or 3D laser scanning services, do not hesitate to contact us.

Reference

Advantages of Laser Scanning Systems for Topographical Surveys in Roads Engineering. The Baltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering, 11(2):153-159, June 2016. DOI:10.3846/bjrbe.2016.18. License CC BY.

As mentioned in several of our articles, topography is essential for construction and infrastructure projects because it provides a precise understanding of the terrain, including measurements, slopes, and other vital characteristics for comprehensive data.

After conducting a topographic survey, the surveying company will deliver the topographic study (preferably in both physical and digital formats), which should include the following information:

1. Basic Information of the Plan

• Project identification, location, and date of the plan’s creation.
• Scale used, clearly indicated to ensure dimensions are understandable and comparable.
• Coordinates in a standard reference system (such as UTM or WGS84) to accurately locate points on the terrain.

2. Terrain Features

• Precise representation of terrain elevation, with intervals appropriate to the project’s complexity.
• Indications of areas with significant slopes that may affect the design or construction.
• Identification of natural elements such as rivers, ravines, mountains, or depressions.

3. Present Elements

• Details of roads, buildings, pipelines, electrical poles, etc.
• Information about wooded areas, cultivated fields, cleared land, water sources, etc.
• Geodetic markers or topographic benchmarks used as references.

4. Methodology and Tools

• Confirmation of whether total stations, drones with photogrammetry, LIDAR systems, or high-precision GPS were used.
• Information about the margin of error to ensure data reliability.

5. Compatibility and Deliverables

• Digital files in CAD formats (such as DWG) and GIS formats (such as SHP), along with printed copies if required.
• Longitudinal and cross-sectional profiles, digital terrain models (DTMs), and orthophotos, if the project requires them.

6. Certifications and Support

• Guarantee that the work complies with local and international regulations.
• Signature from specialists, such as a certified surveyor or engineer.

Advantages of a Topographic Survey with Acero Estudio

Acero Estudio, a company specializing in topographic survey, recommends using surveying to avoid construction risks. Our services help you:

• Minimize risks in plan design.
• Avoid flooding risks or improper project placement.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your project development. With 25 years of experience, we are at your service.