Galway city is undergoing a radical overhaul in its transport system. As the city and its surrounding area continues to grow, Galway City Council and Galway County Council in partnership with the National Transport Authority, have developed the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS) to help ease the congestion and build-up of traffic, and delays faced by residents and businesses.

Worked with Arup to support redevelopment and design of new transport management plan

Murphy Surveys worked with Arup to support the redevelopment and design of a new transport management plan, producing an accurate survey and audit of all roadside markings and street signage. It used a combination of techniques to collect the required data, including a detailed topographic survey using aerial data capture technology. Brian Burke, senior engineer at Arup, said: “The orthophoto survey undertaken by Murphy Surveys has proven to be a highly valuable asset to both the design team and the client. "The design team have an accurate and detailed base map of a large area to inform the design process, while the client has the long-term benefit of an up-to-date background for their numerous GIS databases and for future planning and design. The surveys were carried out in an efficient and professional manner and the outputs were delivered on time and to our specification.” Not only does the client have an up-to-date and accurate GIS database with conditions and locations of requested assets, but also, with the orthophoto map, the designer can see, view and validate the asset information and gain a better overview of what is happening at each location, Murphy Surveys said.

Aware of geometric relationships between all objects

The designer is also better aware of the geometric relationships between all objects, including footpath widths, kerbs, traffic islands, building outlines and entrances. The Galway city area is approximately 2,000ha; Murphy Surveys can cover 500ha per day using a UAV. In this case it used a manned aircraft due to weather conditions, the survey took one day. Using a non-intrusive data collection method, it was able to conduct the survey with no disruption or potential delays to the road traffic or pedestrians. If you want to learn more about the project, contact the head of survey and UAV, John Richardson, on 045 484 040 or email: jrichardson@murphysurveys.ie or view the case study on http://www.murphysurveys.ie/portfolio_page/galway-city-centre-asset-survey/