ISTT Educational Webinar: Drones & LiDAR – the Next Generation of Sewer Surveying

 Date: 26^th March 2025, 14:00 GMT

Speakers:

Shauna Herron, Managing Director – Environmental Techniques (Lead Speaker)

Iain Jones, Risk & Lifecycle Planning Manager – Scottish Water

Mark Mitchell, Head of Capital Delivery – Northern Ireland Water

Jack Hutton, Director – Good Friday Robotics

Harry Hutton, Director – Good Friday Robotics

Ross Grant, Project Manager – Caledonia Water Alliance

Thomas Philliben, Operations Manager – Environmental Techniques

 

Note: This webinar is open to non-members; however, the recording and presentation files are exclusive to ISTT members. Join ISTT to see the past webinars!

Drone technology integrated with LiDAR is revolutionizing sewer network surveys by enabling safe and efficient inspections. This innovative approach allows drones to access hazardous and hard-to-reach areas while LiDAR technology captures precise 3D data of the sewer infrastructure. Successfully tested and implemented in the UK and Ireland in collaboration with water authorities, this technology provides critical surveys for assets that were previously inaccessible.

The 3D models generated from these surveys offer detailed insights into the dimensions, defects, and geolocation of sewer systems. This comprehensive data empowers water authorities to make informed decisions regarding maintenance and repairs, significantly enhancing the safety and efficiency of their operations. By reducing the need for manual inspections, which can be dangerous and disruptive, drones and LiDAR optimize maintenance efforts, ultimately benefiting both communities and the environment.

This approach reflects the growing adoption of advanced technologies in infrastructure management, supporting modern engineering standards and sustainable practices. By minimizing environmental impact and improving the reliability of essential infrastructure, this method demonstrates how innovation can contribute to better public services and the protection of natural resources.

 

 

Speakers:

1. Shauna Herron - Managing Director – Environmental Techniques

• Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Environmentalist, and member of the Institute of Water.
• Represents Ireland on the Council of the UK Society for Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) and previously represented Ireland on the European Standards Board.

2. Iain Jones - Risk & Lifecycle Planning Manager – Scottish Water

• Extensive marine and engineering background.
• Over 25 years of key roles in Scottish Water’s transformation journey, focusing on Sustainable Investment Decision Making.

3. Mark Mitchell - Head of Capital Delivery – Northern Ireland Water

• 40 years' experience in the Water Industry.
• Extensive expertise in Procurement and Delivery of Major Schemes.

4. Jack Hutton - Director – Good Friday Robotics

• Founding director of Good Friday Robotics, providing, developing, and operating drone systems in harsh environments.
• Holds a 200-ton Commercial Maritime Captain certification.

5. Harry Hutton - Director – Good Friday Robotics

• Founding director of Good Friday Robotics, specializing in drone systems for harsh environments.
• An Engineer passionate about rewriting the rules of How Things Work.

6. Ross Grant - Project Manager – Caledonia Water Alliance

• Project Manager on the Wastewater team in Scotland for the SR21 Scottish Water Framework.
• Focuses on Capital Delivery, managing multiple, varied projects with early involvement in the integrated wedge and delivery.

7. Thomas Philliben - Operations Manager – Environmental Techniques

• Over 20 years experience in the Civil Engineering Industry, with a passion for Trenchless Technology and Sustainability.
• Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.