Pro
Function Overview
Pro mode is intended for users familiar with Pavement Distress Analysis who need independent parameter adjustment, supplementary processing, or step-by-step troubleshooting. Each function can be started independently. Results are connected through the "Distress", "Sample Unit", and "PCI Section" layers, allowing functions to be combined according to existing project results.
Pro mode can also be used in two ways: running detection and calculation functions directly provides preliminary results; for formal results, complete Distress Verification and Sample Units Editor before PCI, then calculate PCI and export the report. See Basic for the specific workflows and their differences.
Basic Information
Outputs
Distress Results: Created by Image-based or Point Cloud-based Distress Detection and stored in the "Distress" layer. After verification, they are used as PCI input.
Sample Unit Results: Created by Sample Units Generator and stored in the "Sample Unit" layer. After editing, they are used as PCI input.
PCI Results: Created by PCI and stored in the "PCI Section" layer for report generation.
Analysis Report: Created by Export Report from the "Distress" and "PCI Section" layers and includes condition summaries, PCI statistics, and distress details.
Input Data
Point Cloud Data: Required by both detection methods and Automatic Mode in Sample Units Generator.
Lane Line Vectors: Required by Point Cloud-based Distress Detection and Fixed Width Mode in Sample Units Generator.
Image Data: Image-based Distress Detection requires photos and an image list file (
*.imglist) matched to the point cloud.Trajectory or Road Center Line: Automatic Mode in Sample Units Generator requires a trajectory. PCI requires a trajectory or Road Center Line to create "PCI Section" results along the road.
Prepare the external input data required by the selected processing path. If beginning from an intermediate step, confirm that the required preceding outputs are available and consistent with the current project data.
Functions
Processing Pipeline
Processing Pipeline provides two built-in workflows: image-based distress detection and point cloud-based distress detection. When run, the integrated steps are executed together to detect distress, calculate PCI, and export the report, which suits obtaining preliminary distress results quickly. If you need to start each processing stage separately and fine-tune parameters, use the function groups below.
Preprocessing
Subsampling parameter requirement: Do not directly use the general standalone defaults for Pavement Distress Analysis. When running this function independently, refer to the Subsampling defaults used by Pavement Distress Analysis Workflow in Basic. See Subsampling for operation steps and parameter descriptions.
Subsampling reduces point count and processing load while retaining pavement detail. Classify by Deep Learning separates ground points so subsequent detection is based on pavement points as much as possible. If the point cloud has already been subsampled with the required settings or has accurate ground classification, the corresponding function is not required. Confirm that the existing processing covers all point clouds in the current analysis.
Detection
Image-based detection is suited to surface distress such as cracking, patching, and raveling. Point cloud-based detection is suited to geometric deformation such as rutting, depression, bumps, and swell. The methods can be used independently or run successively to supplement distress types; both write results to the "Distress" layer. After detection, generate sample units for the PCI evaluation area.
Verification
Before calculating PCI, check distress type, severity, geometry, and sample unit boundaries. Use Distress Verification to confirm, delete, edit, or create image-based or point cloud-based detection results. Use Sample Units Editor to correct irregular boundaries or inaccurate coverage in automatically generated sample units.
Output
After detection and verification, use PCI to read the "Distress" and "Sample Unit" layers, calculate PCI for each sample unit, and associate results with a trajectory or Road Center Line to create the "PCI Section" layer. After confirming the section results, export the pavement distress analysis report.