Automated progress monitoring system for linear infrastructure projects using satellite remote sensing

This paper presents an automated system for progress monitoring of key repetitive construction activities in linear infrastructure projects. The prototype model utilizes several feature recognition techniques to automatically measure the actual progress of different locations in the project using high resolution satellite remote sensing images. A spatiotemporal database integrated with a baseline schedule automatically provides the location-based progress data. The system uses location-based charts and a progress map to generate and display the progress reports on a web-based open source interface. The prototype model was applied to an elevated railway project The main benefits of the proposed system include the automated measurement, enhanced visualization and documentation of planned/actual progress in large linear projects. The system can enhance the process of communication on deviations and construction efficiency between project decision makers through a web-based monitoring interface. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.