FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2011
Contact: Amy Kay, Public Relations Coordinator
Hanson Professional Services Inc.
(217) 747-9283
akay@hanson-inc.com
Illinois DOT awards Hanson its Outdoor Advertising Control Support Services contract
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Bureau of Land Acquisition, recently selected Hanson to operate its outdoor advertising sign control efforts across more than 12,000 miles of roadways in Illinois and to report on more than 13,700 signs. This three-year contract includes maintaining and updating the state’s sign inventory database. Services include providing inventories for controlled signs along interstates and primary highways, identifying illegally placed signs, and evaluating an estimated 300 new outdoor advertising permit applications annually.
For the data collection process, Hanson is using a vehicle equipped with geospatial imaging technology. This retrofitted van uses the Trimble Mobile Data Capture for Digital Imaging System, a complex unit that includes external mounted cameras onboard, GPS and geospatial components to collect data. The system transmits information in real time to an onboard workspace equipped with computers and servers. The system can capture sign dimensions, position, digital imagery, latitude and longitude with survey-grade accuracy while the van is traveling at highway speeds.
“Besides offering speed and accuracy, the geospatial imaging system improves safety by reducing the frequency and number of surveyors who have to stop on the highway and get out of their vehicles to collect information. Additionally, the geospatial imaging van will be able to document data quickly and efficiently, providing IDOT with added value over conventional survey methods,” says Gary Rogers, PLS, Hanson’s project manager.
Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, architecture, planning and allied services. The firm’s corporate headquarters is located at 1525 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703. The office may be reached by phone: (217) 788-2450 or fax: (217) 788-2503.
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