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 JunĂ­n, 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.

5 Important Applications of Surveying Services

importantes aplicaciones de los servicios de topografia

Topographyc surveying is one of the most important disciplines before undertaking any civil or infrastructure project. This field of study, essential for the planning and execution of projects across a wide range of sectors, has numerous practical applications. Here are five key applications of topographic surveying:

Building Construction

In the construction sector, surveying is extremely useful for determining the exact location and orientation of structures. Surveyors help ensure that a building is constructed in the correct location and within the legal boundaries of the land. Additionally, they provide information about the land’s slope, which aids architects in designing structures that take advantage of the terrain’s characteristics, minimizing environmental impact and reducing the amount of earthwork required.

Infrastructure Development

National infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hydroelectric plants, wind or solar farms, ports, and other public works are significant investments for the state. For this reason, surveying services are vital for minimizing risks and increasing the chances of successful execution.

Understanding the terrain helps avoid building in hazardous locations, such as steep slopes, flood-prone areas, or hidden water channels.

Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

Agriculture is becoming increasingly professional, and the use of topographic surveying is more common in understanding soil characteristics and determining slopes. This information is essential for designing irrigation channels, implementing drip irrigation systems, and planning crop distribution and water usage strategies to optimize natural resources like soil and water.

It’s worth noting that companies like Acero Estudio, specialists in topographic services, can now perform broader and more precise measurements in shorter times thanks to the use of drones, photogrammetry systems, total stations, and more.

Water Management and Control

Surveying supports the planning of drainage systems, dams, dikes, and canals to control flooding, prevent erosion, and manage water resources efficiently.

Energy Generation Facilities

For the location, installation, and/or construction of these large-scale facilities, a deep understanding of the terrain, its slope, and the elevation of various areas within a single site is necessary.

Hydroelectric Energy: In hydroelectric projects, slope measurements help calculate water velocity and design the infrastructure accordingly.

Wind/Solar Energy: In these cases, surveying helps determine terrain inclination to appropriately position energy generation elements—for example, adjusting solar panels to the sun’s angle or placing wind turbines based on terrain geography.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg in a discipline widely used not only by governments and corporations but also by individuals seeking to build homes or businesses looking to develop custom facilities. If you’re interested in learning more about our drone (UAV) surveying services, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact us today to learn more about our surveying services and consulting for the construction sector, we’ll be happy to assist you.

How We Accelerate Our Topographic Surveys with 3D Laser Scanning

estudio de topografia con laser escaner 3d

Traditional surveying techniques are being enhanced by new technologies like 3D laser scanning. Advances such as this allow us to capture the geometry of terrain or objects with high precision through the emission of laser pulses.

Its operation is based on the principle of active remote sensing, which involves emitting radiation that is then analyzed by various sensors receiving the reflected signals to determine distances. In the construction and architecture sectors, where projects seek to optimize time, this technology improves efficiency, increases accuracy, and provides a fast and detailed alternative to conventional methods.

SPEED WITH PRECISE MEASUREMENTS

Compared to conventional surveying, which relies on equipment like total stations and high-precision GPS while also being prone to human error, 3D laser scanning enables faster surveys with a higher density of data points and minimal interference. While traditional techniques require point-by-point surveying, laser scanning generates clouds of millions of points in minutes, resulting in a highly detailed and precise three-dimensional representation. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of human errors and minimizes the need to return to the site for additional data collection.

BETTER DATA PROCESSING

When it comes to data processing and its conversion into models, the benefits continue. The results obtained through 3D laser scanning optimize data processing, enabling the creation of dense digital models (more complete point clouds) of the terrain and three-dimensional representations ready for analysis in specialized software in a shorter time.

In other words, the workflow is streamlined—from data collection to processing and model generation. Every step leads to improved efficiency, cost savings, and time reduction, prompting us to rethink work methods and always offer the best techniques to benefit your company.

If you’re looking for innovative solutions in surveying services, Acero Estudio, a leading surveying company in Spain and Peru, is the ideal provider for your project. We specialize in topographic surveys using 3D laser scanning and offer consulting and surface analysis services for the construction and architecture sectors.

Contact us today to provide you with tailored solutions and optimize your projects with cutting-edge technology.

Geomatics and Its Studies: Photogrammetry, Topography, Geodesy, and Cartography

geometic and its studies photogrammetry, topography geodesy an cartography

Geomatics is a broad field of study that encompasses various disciplines dedicated to the study and representation of the Earth’s surface. These disciplines emerged throughout history out of the need to measure and accurately represent the world.

From ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations, which used rudimentary tools for land measurement, to more recent times when methods were refined with instruments like the theodolite, these disciplines have evolved alongside technological advancements. Today, thanks to digitalization, the use of drones, 3D laser scanners, and satellites, geomatics has reached an unprecedented level of precision and applicability.

Application Fields of Geomatics Disciplines

The study of land, terrain, and its characteristics is applied in various sectors such as civil engineering, construction, mining, urban planning, and environmental management. These studies provide detailed terrain information for infrastructure design, environmental impact assessments, and project optimization. Additionally, technologies such as drones and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have significantly improved the collection and analysis of spatial data, making decision-making more efficient.

Although all these disciplines are related, each has its specific focus:

  • Photogrammetry is based on capturing images to obtain three-dimensional information about the terrain. In this field, Acero Estudio offers specialized drone photogrammetry services, providing an efficient and highly accurate alternative.

  • Topography measures and precisely represents the characteristics of a land surface in specific areas. If you need topographic surveying services, contact us—you will be amazed by our portfolio of completed topographic projects.

  • Geodesy studies the Earth’s shape and dimensions as a whole, allowing for the creation of geographic coordinate systems.

  • Cartography focuses on the visual representation of geospatial information through maps and plans.

As you can see, we offer services covering the main geomatic studies. If you need assistance in this field, contact Acero Estudio we are your best alternative for high-precision studies, providing innovative solutions with cutting-edge technology.

Contact us to learn how we can optimize your project with our tools and expertise.

The Use of 3D Laser Scanning in Topographic Surveys

servicio de topografia con escaneo laser

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:

Aspect 3D Laser Scanning Total Station
Capture speed High, massive scanning in minutes Slow, requires point-by-point measurements
Data density >1,000 points per m² Individual point measurements
Level of detail High, generates precise 3D models Limited, depends on captured points
Data processing Automated and fast Manual and more labor-intensive
Applications Wide (engineering, archaeology, inspection) Mainly in traditional surveys

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.

What Equipment Do We Use in Mining Surveying?

instrumental que usamos en topografia minera

In the mining sector, surveying is a key component throughout the entire production process—from exploration, during extraction, and finally in mine closure—due to the benefits it provides in achieving efficient resource management in the extractive industry.

Thanks to the work of companies like Acero Estudio and its surveying services, mining companies can:

  • Accurately calculate the extracted and processed tonnage.
  • Recalculate proven reserves and optimize processes.
  • Effectively plan the continuity of their operations.
  • Reduce risks and comply with environmental and safety regulations.

What Equipment Do We Use in Mining Surveying?

While traditional tools like levels and total stations are always useful, the mining industry requires modern tools and cutting-edge technology. For this reason, at Acero Estudio, we focus on this sector by employing UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or advanced drones equipped with high-resolution sensors. Using these innovative tools allows us to obtain detailed and reliable information in less time and with greater safety.

Drone technology is a key resource in mining surveying, as it significantly improves process efficiency and minimizes risks associated with working in unstable or hard-to-access terrains.

Advantages of Using Drones in Mining Surveying

  • Enhanced Safety: Drones enable surveyors to take measurements in unstable or hard-to-reach areas without exposing themselves to danger.
  • Faster Data Collection: Thanks to their advanced sensors, drones capture topographic information much faster than traditional surveying techniques.
  • Quick 3D Model Generation: The data collected allows for the rapid creation of precise three-dimensional terrain models, facilitating planning and decision-making.

Additionally, UAV drone technology enables us to project roads and new explorations based on the terrain’s characteristics. This is crucial in an industry where a significant portion of investment is dedicated to finding new deposits. Aerial surveying helps optimize access routes, assess project feasibility, and improve exploration logistics.

Finally, topographic information is essential for mine closure operations. Conducting topographic evaluations throughout the entire mining process is vital to prevent leaving areas exposed to landslides or floods. A proper terrain study during the closure phase helps mitigate environmental risks and ensures post-exploitation land stability.

At Acero Estudio, a specialized surveying company, we are committed to innovation and technology in mining surveying, ensuring precise results for our clients. Contact us, and let’s discuss how we can assist you.

Can Earthquakes Affect the Topography of an Area?

how the earthquakes affect topography

One of the most interesting questions we have received from our Peruvian clients in recent times is whether an earthquake can affect the topography of an area. This is an unusual but important question, especially since countries like Peru are located in a high seismic activity zone known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire.”

The answer is a resounding YES. Seismic movements directly impact topography and soil characteristics due to various phenomena that affect the terrain. These include:

Ground Movement and Rupture

Earthquakes can cause movement and displacement of the Earth’s surface due to waves generated by the friction of tectonic plates. These displacements can damage rigid structures such as buildings and bridges.

Formation of Scarps

Scarps are abrupt rock formations that appear to rise from the terrain due to seismic movement. These can form suddenly or along a fault line, serving as visible evidence of crustal deformation. Over millions of years, scarps can evolve into mountain ranges.

Liquefaction

In soils affected by moisture or with the presence of water, a phenomenon known as liquefaction can occur. This causes the ground to lose its consistency, leading to the total collapse of structures.

As you can see, earthquakes have a real impact on the ground and, consequently, on the topography of land, valleys, and mountainous areas. If you want to learn more about topography and how we can help you reduce construction risks in your projects (even in seismic zones), feel free to contact us and inquire about our topographic survey services.

Acero Estudio, as a company specializing in advanced topographic studies, is always at your service.

Topography and Its Importance in the Knowledge of Alluvial Basins

estudio de canales aluviales con la topografia

Since it is currently the rainy season along the Latin American coast, this article is highly relevant and well-contextualized for the first three months of the year.

Among the lesser-explored functions of topography is that it enhances the understanding of soils and their stability characteristics. This knowledge is essential for accurately calculating the volumes of material carried by rain during specific periods of rainy years.

The proper evaluation of these phenomena allows us to understand soil behavior in response to water erosivity and its sediment transport capacity, which directly impacts the design and maintenance of natural and artificial channels.

To estimate sediment contribution in basins, the empirical Gavrilovic model (Gavrilovic 1959, 1988; Zemljic 1971) is employed, widely used in hydrology and geotechnical studies. This model enables the calculation of annual sediment production by considering variables such as precipitation erosivity, geological and edaphological characteristics of the terrain, land use, and slope.

Thanks to this methodology, it is possible to obtain a reliable estimate of the amount of sediment transported by waterways during intense rainfall events, contributing to better planning of mitigation and erosion control measures.

These types of studies are fundamental for improving knowledge of alluvial flows, allowing for the reduction of their impact and risks on urban and transportation infrastructure. The accumulation of sediments in channels and reservoirs can cause blockages, reduce storage capacity, and increase the risk of flooding. Therefore, the application of topographic techniques and mathematical modeling is key in designing preventive and corrective solutions for efficient water resource management and the protection of hydraulic structures.

At Acero Estudio, as a topography company, we specialize in topographic survey services and are at your disposal to conduct detailed studies that ensure an adequate understanding of the terrain and its dynamics. Contact us and ensure the reliability of your projects with our team of experts.

 

Topography in Construction on Sloped Terrain

topografia en sierra peruana

Many terrains, especially on the outskirts of cities, have slopes, and inclined areas pose a challenge for any construction project, from the design stage to the execution of the work.

The accuracy of structural calculations and the planning of cuts and fills are all affected by the stability and inclination of the area. In this sense, to achieve the proper placement of buildings, a topographic study allows for identifying risks and making key decisions to ensure the safety and efficiency of the project.

What risks can be avoided with a topographic study:

  • Landslides and soil erosion
  • Deficiencies in the drainage system
  • Errors in earth movement calculations
  • Structural instability due to irregular settlements

Additionally, topographic analysis facilitates the planning of preventive measures, such as:

  • The construction of retaining walls
  • Adaptation of drainage systems
  • Optimization of structural design to adapt to the natural topography of the terrain

Once the project is completed, topography is used for construction compliance certification, the preparation of documentation for maintenance work, or property expansions, preventing future problems.

In this regard, at Acero Estudio, we specialize in topographic services to ensure the success of construction on sloped terrain. Our services include topographic surveys using the polygonal method, high-precision geometric leveling, and other techniques with UAVs such as drone photogrammetry and LIDAR technology to capture the terrain morphology in detail.

If you need a topographic company, do not hesitate to contact us—we are at your service.