SNCF Ballast Volumetric Analysis

The primary objective of this mission was to conduct a detailed inspection and 3D modeling of SNCF railway ballast in Nîmes. This operation aimed to assess the current state of the rail infrastructure, identify potential anomalies or signs of wear, and establish a precise visual and technical database for future analytical needs.

The production of georeferenced orthophotos of the railway ballast for SNCF Nîmes is designed to strengthen the maintenance and analysis of the network's core infrastructure. This railway inspection process provides a highly detailed and accurate view of the tracks, which is essential for ensuring the safety and long-term durability of the installations.

The intervention utilized the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2 RTK drone, equipped with high-performance sensors and high-resolution cameras. Over 1,500 photographs, along with real-time images and video, were collected and processed using photogrammetry to generate high-precision georeferenced orthophotos.

Developed through specialized software, these orthophotos offer an authentic digital twin of the ballast and tracks. The use of drone technology also significantly enhances safety by limiting the need for manual trackside inspections and facilitating access to difficult or hazardous areas.

This methodology ensures optimal efficiency by reducing intervention times, minimizing rail traffic disruptions, and lowering associated costs. The resulting data provides a vital technical foundation for the planning, maintenance, and sustainable management of SNCF infrastructure in Nîmes.