Taylors mobile laser scan data – track level

The Australian Formula 1^® Grand Prix is one of the few temporary sporting tracks in the world which requires full construction. Taylors use of cutting edge technology in 3D Reality Capture, Processing and Modelling provides the foundation mapping that is crucial to delivering Australia’s premier racing event.

The Australian Formula 1^® Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year on the Melbourne calendar. Every March, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the Albert Park track, which only months before was quiet parkland. This transformation is the largest temporary overlay for any annual sporting event in the world and requires myriad companies behind the scenes to build a world-class race track from the ground up.

In 2011 the Australian Grand Prix Corporation engaged Taylors to provide the surveying and geospatial services that underpin the construction of all track and event facilities. This includes the set out of all site facilities including track barrier lines, tyre buffers, gravel trap perimeters, perimeter fencing, rope and post car displays, marquees, grandstands, corporate platforms and pavilions and every other structure present. Anthony Emmerson, General Manager for the Infrastructure team at Taylors said “We survey everything from the grandstands to the sprinkler leads. Every piece of infrastructure that is placed, when turning a parkland into a grand prix circuit, has its exact positioning provided by us.”

Taylors confirming clearance height

Each year event attendance at the Grand Prix has grown and this has led to increases in event facilities needed to accommodate race goers. As a result, new challenges constantly arise that must be addressed to ensure the event’s exceptional quality and short timeframe requirements are met. Mr Emmerson explains, “It’s a very high pressure environment, with a very fixed deadline that just can’t be missed. There are so many different contractors and partners, around 40 to 50 companies, that all have to work together efficiently. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation and APP have created a really cohesive team and it’s a pleasure to be part of that team.”

Taylors Inspire UAV performing field work

Taylors realised early on that addressing these challenges would require a solutions focused approach incorporating the latest in survey and geospatial technology. Managing Director of Taylors, Mr. Richard Cirillo believes it is this approach that has continued to improve the value of their surveying contribution over the years and helped Taylors play their part in ensuring the track meets the highest standards year on year. “Success is all about reliability and being able to fit into a big, well-oiled machine that, in a very short space of time, transforms Albert Park into a Formula 1^® Grand Prix circuit and major event for over 250,000 people. You’ve got to be fast, accurate and know exactly what you’re doing,” Mr Cirillo said.

Taylors setting out GP infrastructure

From the very beginning Taylors introduced cutting edge technology and implemented several new surveying techniques that increased the efficiency of the project. “We reduced the number of people required on-site by implementing one person field teams and GPS technology, as well as the use of line work, rather than coordinates.” The biggest improvements have come in the years since, with the implementation of Drone Photogrammetry, Mobile Laser Scanning, Reality Modelling and the use of Australia’s only Trimble Indoor Mobile Mapping System (TIMMS). These innovations have enabled Taylors to measure and define features with remarkable accuracy and in a much shorter time frame. Once the data is captured it is incorporated into various design and modelling suites for real-time measuring, modelling and visualization. The result is meaningful, relevant and easy to understand information.

“Staying innovative and competitive is a big focus for Taylors. The advances we continue to make in spatial data capture and visualization technology are extremely beneficial to our business, our clients and the broader industry. We believe that embracing and developing innovative technology is essential to remaining a leader in the field and making us a provider of choice”, says Mr. Cirillo. “Developing solutions that apply our expertise in ground breaking technologies to achieve the best results for our clients is a challenge that keeps us driven. The partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation has been the perfect opportunity for these innovations to shine.”

More recently, Taylors developed a 3D Reality Model of the entire Grand Prix site. This Reality Model has numerous uses and implications for overall event planning and management. It allows the AGPC to view the results of potential plan changes in real-time leading to improved outcomes and increased efficiency. The model can also be used for measurement of current features, with video fly throughs, and incorporates design models and allows virtual reality tours of the site. Moving around a Reality Model is as easy as pointing where you want to be and ‘teleporting’. You even have audio of the cars as they drive past.

This year Taylors have added a new feature to the Australian Formula 1^® Grand Prix event, in using the Reality Model to produce an immersive Virtual Reality experience for race attendees. “We are excited to give everyone access to our latest innovation with an interactive demonstration on offer in the Industry & Innovation Precinct” says Mr. Cirillo. The Precinct aims to showcase the latest in Australian ingenuity and provide students and fans with further insight in to the technology integral to the event. “We are very proud to be able to showcase our 3D Reality Model and hope that our VR innovation will inspire the next generation to a career in the spatial sciences.”

Information provided by Taylors. For further information, contact Taylors at enquiries@taylorsds.com.au.