Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the latest LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to conduct road assessments and improve the accuracy of data used in digital twin platforms. This initiative aims to support the development of preventive, predictive, and proactive maintenance strategies.

The integration of LiDAR technology signifies RTA’s ongoing commitment to incorporating advanced smart technologies in the management and maintenance of road assets. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the road network and enhancing traffic safety throughout Dubai.

Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, highlighted that “LiDAR technology provides a remarkable boost in performance and speed, delivering up to 300 per cent improvements compared to traditional visual inspections.” He emphasized that this advancement aligns with the leadership’s vision of establishing Dubai as a smart and sustainable global city, while also enhancing the quality and efficiency of the city’s road infrastructure.

LiDAR technology offers exceptional accuracy and speed, achieving up to 95 per cent accuracy in evaluating road assets compared to conventional methods. It significantly improves data quality, which aids in making informed and efficient maintenance decisions.

Additionally, Al Banna noted that the technology enables safe and efficient inspection of elevated assets along highways and major roads. This includes items such as lighting poles, traffic signals, and road signs, which enhances road safety and reduces risks linked to manual inspections.

The LiDAR system allows for the daily assessment of up to 80 kilometers of roads, marking a 96 per cent improvement over traditional methods that typically cover only 3 kilometers. This capability ensures continuous monitoring of asset conditions and regular updates to data records without disrupting traffic flow.

Assessments can be conducted while in motion at speeds between 30 to 100 kilometers per hour, and the technology has a sensing range of up to 80 meters. This comprehensive coverage provides highly accurate data and detailed analysis of asset conditions, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of the Asset Condition Index (ACI).

By enabling precise scheduling of maintenance activities, particularly in predictive maintenance, this advanced technology helps prioritize interventions based on clearly defined strategic criteria. Ultimately, it reinforces the sustainability and operational efficiency of Dubai’s road infrastructure.