Laser scanning and topographic survey of  La Rosiere Desalination Plant

09 May 2024

An oil and gas rig with the Acteon wave wrapping around it.

Project overview

Project name

La Rosière Desalination Plant

Location

Jersey, Channel Islands

Developer partner

Jersey Water

Solution

Laser scanning and topographic survey

Jersey Water commissioned UTEC, Acteon’s Geo-services business line, to deliver a laser scanning and topographic survey of their La Rosière Desalination Plant to support plant development. 

Surveying at scale

Surveying confined spaces, cliffs and submerged structures presented safety and access challenges. The customer needed accurate data to inform foundational design without compromising safety, accuracy or efficiency. 

Creative scanning approach tailored to commercial value 

We deployed high-speed laser scanners from our Livingston base to complete a survey of the desalination plant. Each scanner captured 360° HDR images every two minutes, recording two million points per second at 6 mm resolution. 

This creative approach removed the need for rope access teams and reduced time spent in hazardous areas. A control point network was installed to ensure spatial alignment and consistent data quality. By contrast, traditional methods would have required significantly more time and yielded far lower point density - typically one point every 5 to 10 m. 

We also carried out underwater LiDAR scanning of the seawater intake tunnel and a bathymetric survey of the adjacent quarry pool, providing a comprehensive view of surface and subsurface conditions to support wider site planning. 

Survey data was organised, processed and delivered through our patented iSite solution, a cloud-based collaboration platform. Jersey Water’s design team was then able to measure, plan, visualise data and collaborate remotely. By combining advanced data acquisition with intuitive visual outputs, we provided the insight needed to plan with confidence, reduce rework risk, and optimise delivery of future project phases. 

Innovations in action 

  • We deployed Leica RTC360 terrestrial laser scanners to capture high-density 3D data across difficult and hazardous zones
  • Alongside iSite, a control point network ensured spatial accuracy across all scanned areas
  • A 3D movie flythrough was also created to help stakeholders visualise key site features and future development phases
  • Underwater LiDAR and bathymetric systems extended the dataset below the waterline 

The result

We delivered a complete 3D dataset within a four-to-six-week timeframe, while minimising on-site risk and enabling remote collaboration. Accessible through iSite, the high-quality data supported seamless progression into concept design. The combination of data-driven insight and intuitive digital tools reduced project risk, improved decision-making, optimised scheduling for future works and provided Jersey Water with the confidence for efficient future development. 

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