Overview

With the qCam, it is possible to capture underground manholes or vaults to create an accurate 3D dataset. 

Accessories

Here are some links to the two examples of items you would need to attach to an extended survey pole. You may use any brand or distributor to purchase these items.

• Power Cable Extension
• 5/8"-11 Female to 1/4"-20 Male Adapter

Safety First

The qCam is designed to capture manholes and vaults from above ground. Never enter a confined space to capture it.

• Follow your site rules. Your organization's confined-space, traffic control and utility safety procedures always take priority over this guide.
• Set up traffic control. When working in or near a roadway, use cones, barricades or a traffic plan as your site requires, and wear high-visibility clothing.
• Use a spotter. Have a second person watch for traffic and keep pedestrians away from the open manhole while you capture.
• Leave covers to trained crews. Only trained personnel with the proper tools should remove or replace manhole and vault covers.
• Stay back from the opening. Keep your footing outside the edge and don't lean over the opening. Lower the qCam using the survey pole only.
• Secure the equipment. Attach the qCam firmly to the pole and keep the power cable clear so it can't snag or drop into the opening.
• Watch for overhead lines. Check above you before raising or moving an extended survey pole, especially near power lines.

Capture Procedures

1. Attach the camera to a survey pole by removing the handle & picatinny rail by turning it until it comes off, then attach it to a survey pole using a ¼” - 20 to 5/8” - 11 adapter
2. Create a new capture on the qCam
3. Begin the capture for one or two minutes above-ground to obtain a position using GNSS after you have completed the GNSS warmup.
4. Turn on the flash in the app
5. Circle around the outside of the manhole pointing the center cam towards the hole with the flash on
6. Slowly lower the camera down (upside down) into the manhole with the flash on. Don't let it get too close to the sides of the manhole because objects closer than 50cm will be filtered out.
7. Slowly rotate the camera in a circular fashion and move it around if possible
8. Slowly pull the camera out of the manhole
9. Turn off the flash
10. Walk around for a few minutes above-ground to get GNSS fix again
11. Stop the capture