Case Study: GEOCART achieves rapid, high-resolution pipeline mapping and early leak detection with VisionMap’s MIST thermal imaging system

MIST Thermal Airborne Imaging System Maps German Pipelines

VisionMap, working with German photogrammetry specialist GEOCART, was commissioned to map and monitor pipeline infrastructure in Herten, Germany. The challenge was to efficiently survey urban pipelines at high resolution and thermal sensitivity while flying at altitudes that minimize disturbance to residents.

VisionMap’s MIST system met the need by capturing 8.6 cm GSD imagery at 170 km2/hour from 5,700 ft, using a long 300 mm focal length to maintain resolution at higher altitudes and collect both vertical and oblique views. With 0.02 °C thermal sensitivity the system detected early signs of leaks and damage, and its automatic processing produced AT, orthophotos, DSMs, 3D models and geo-referenced images for easy GIS integration — enabling fast turnaround and regular, up-to-date infrastructure monitoring.

GEOCART