Ottawa Launches High-Tech ‘GATS-mobile’ for Street Mapping

The City of Ottawa has unveiled a cutting-edge vehicle, dubbed the “GATS-mobile,” designed to conduct real-time mapping of local streets. Equipped with advanced technology, including 360-degree cameras and LiDAR systems, this initiative aims to create a comprehensive digital inventory of the city’s infrastructure. The project, spearheaded by the Geospatial Analytics, Technology and Solutions branch, is already capturing vital data on street signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings.

During a recent demonstration in the Pineview neighbourhood, Michael Martin, a geospatial strategist with the city, noted that the vehicle’s unique appearance has drawn the attention of pedestrians. Children walking home from school paused to take notice, with some even showcasing dance moves in hopes of being featured in digital captures. Martin shared, “One of the unexpected joys of driving this car is seeing the smiles on people’s faces and the funny moves they make.”

Innovative Technology in Action

The GATS-mobile, which is not affiliated with Google, employs a device known as the Mosaic X. This apparatus, similar to Google Street View technology, is equipped with six cameras that provide a complete 360-degree view of the streets. Additionally, the vehicle uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology, which generates a three-dimensional snapshot of the environment as it moves.

“We’re not using it for navigation, but to see how the world exists in 3D,” Martin explained. The vehicle has already traversed approximately 70 percent of Ottawa’s extensive road network since its launch in May 2023, with plans to extend mapping efforts beyond the urban boundary.

The data collected will be integrated into the city’s “digital twin,” a digital replica that will assist in infrastructure planning and resource optimization. Martin emphasized the need to understand the current state of the city’s built environment to support future development.

Broad Applications for City Services

The GATS-mobile project seeks to enhance the management of approximately $3.5 billion in city assets located along roadways. Martin highlighted that the initiative will enable city officials to assess the condition of infrastructure elements, such as streetlights and road signs, contributing to informed decision-making regarding necessary repairs or replacements.

Randal Rodger, GATS program manager, noted the technology’s potential to benefit various city departments. “We expect it will hit almost all the various business units at the city,” he said. The project has already sparked discussions with OC Transpo to explore how the mapping technology can aid in the integration of light rail transit (LRT) routes with existing digital models.

Rodger further explained that the GATS-mobile could play a crucial role in capital construction projects by documenting road conditions before construction begins. This capability ensures that any alterations made during construction can be accurately addressed, helping to restore roads to their original state.

Residents may be curious about the images captured by the GATS-mobile. However, the data collected will not be publicly accessible. The city adheres to strict privacy measures, with automated systems in place to anonymize faces and license plates. “At no point is that information ever exposed,” Martin assured, emphasizing that the data will only be utilized internally for planning and infrastructure management.

Ultimately, the GATS-mobile stands as a testament to Ottawa’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for urban planning. This initiative aims to improve the quality of geospatial data while supporting the city’s ongoing efforts in inspection, maintenance, and infrastructure development.