1. Project Name: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs)/ Drone Survey for Bridge Alighnment in Pakse City

2. Duration:  June 2023 - July 2023

3. Background:

The road connecting development in Champasak Province, a transformative initiative fueled by Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Korea, represents a cornerstone of Laos' strategic efforts to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its regional connectivity. This ambitious project, transcending mere physical construction, is designed to catalyze economic growth, foster seamless regional integration, and elevate the quality of life for the people of Champasak Province and the broader Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

At the heart of this endeavor lies a comprehensive plan to revitalize and expand the province's road network. This involves the meticulous construction of new arterial roads, the strategic rehabilitation of existing highways, and the development of critical bridges, particularly those spanning the majestic Mekong River. These developments are not merely conduits for transportation; they are lifelines designed to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services, thereby reducing transportation costs and transit times, and ultimately, boosting economic activity.

The project's overarching goals are multifaceted and interconnected. It aims to significantly improve trade and logistics, creating a more efficient and cost-effective environment for businesses operating within the region. By strengthening connections with neighboring provinces and countries, the project seeks to enhance regional connectivity, fostering cross-border trade, and promoting collaborative partnerships. Furthermore, it is envisioned that this infrastructure development will serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, stimulating investment, creating employment opportunities, and improving access to essential markets and social services. Recognizing the growing importance of tourism, the project also seeks to enhance accessibility to Champasak's rich cultural and natural attractions, thereby unlocking the province's tourism potential.

4. Client: Korea Engineering Consultants Corp. (KECC)

5. Government Counterpart: Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Department of Public Works and Transport of Champasak Province

6. ERA's Contribution & Scope:

# Project Planning and Preparation:

• • Clearly delineate the survey area along the Mekong River, encompassing potential bridge alignment corridors and adjacent areas.

  • Create detailed flight plans based on the required data resolution, terrain characteristics, and project specifications.

  • Secure all required permits and approvals from relevant authorities for drone operations.

  • Perform a preliminary site visit to assess terrain, identify potential obstacles, and evaluate safety considerations.

  • Establish communication and coordination protocols with relevant stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies.

# Drone Data Acquisition:

• • Capture high-resolution aerial imagery to generate orthophotos, providing a detailed and accurate representation of the survey area.

  • Acquire data for generating a high-precision DEM, representing the terrain's surface and elevation.

  • Capture data for creating 3D models of the riverbanks, surrounding terrain, and existing infrastructure.

  • Capture video footage and oblique imagery for visual inspection and analysis of the survey area.

  • Utilize precise GPS/GNSS receivers to ensure accurate georeferencing of the captured data.

  • Bobtain data during different water levels of the river to understand the impacts of the river.

# Data Processing and Analysis:

• • Process the captured aerial imagery using photogrammetric software to generate orthophotos, DEMs, and 3D models.

  • Accurately georeference and rectify the processed data to ensure spatial accuracy.

  • Analyze the generated geospatial data to identify potential bridge alignment corridors, considering factors such as terrain, riverbank stability, and environmental constraints.

  • Analyze the data to find locations for bridge piers, considering river depth, soil conditions, and structural requirements.

  • Assess the stability of the riverbanks along potential alignment corridors to identify areas prone to erosion or landslides.

  • Analyze the river's hydrological characteristics, including flow patterns and floodplains, to inform bridge design.

# Deliverables and Reporting:

• • Provide georeferenced orthophotos of the survey area.

  • Deliver a high-precision DEM in a suitable format.

  • Provide 3D models of the riverbanks and surrounding terrain.

  • Create maps depicting potential bridge alignment corridors.

  • Generate maps indicating potential bridge pier locations.

  • Prepare a report detailing the riverbank stability assessment.

  • Provide a report summarizing the hydrological analysis.

  • Prepare a comprehensive technical report documenting the survey methodology, data processing, and analysis.

  • Provide all data in formats that are usable by the engineering teams.

7. Summary

From June to July 2023, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/Drone Survey was conducted in Pakse City to determine the optimal alignment for a new bridge across the Mekong River. This project, part of a Korean ODA-funded initiative to modernize Champasak Province's road network, aims to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. Commissioned by Korea Engineering Consultants Corp. (KECC) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the survey utilized drone technology to gather precise geospatial data. ERA's scope included meticulous project planning, encompassing survey area delineation, flight plan development, and permit acquisition. High-resolution aerial imagery was captured to generate orthophotos, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and 3D models of the riverbanks and surrounding terrain. Data processing involved photogrammetric analysis, georeferencing, and hydrological assessments to identify suitable bridge alignment corridors and pier locations. Deliverables comprised detailed maps, technical reports, and data in CAD and GIS formats, providing critical information to inform the bridge's design and construction