Al Ain City Municipality launched an advanced specialized project to collect and analyse road condition and infrastructure asset data using the latest smart technologies. The initiative aims to improve the quality of the road network across Al Ain and its surrounding areas, as part of efforts to enhance infrastructure efficiency and ensure sustainability.
Engineer Rashid Hamad Al Niyadi, Director of the Assets Management Department, stated that the project covers all roads in Al Ain and its suburbs, both internal urban roads and external routes. As of last May, data had been collected for 2,551 kilometres of road network, and 1,005.77 kilometres were analysed using smart systems aligned with smart city aspirations.
He explained that the project relies on advanced technologies, including high-precision laser systems to assess asphalt surface conditions and detect defects such as cracks and rutting while measuring road roughness. It also uses three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar to analyse pavement layer thickness and subsurface engineering properties, in addition to LiDAR technology to scan road elements such as sidewalks and lighting poles and create high-resolution 3D digital models. These technologies are supported by artificial intelligence systems and geographic information systems to enhance data accuracy and analysis.
Al Neyadi added that the project will contribute to achieving several community and development objectives, including improving road safety through early detection and immediate treatment of hazardous defects, reducing costs by applying preventive maintenance strategies instead of emergency repairs, and developing long-term smart maintenance plans that support sustainable urban development through data-driven planning based on accurate, real-world information.
Engineer Rashid Hamad Al Niyadi, Director of the Assets Management Department, stated that the project covers all roads in Al Ain and its suburbs, both internal urban roads and external routes. As of last May, data had been collected for 2,551 kilometres of road network, and 1,005.77 kilometres were analysed using smart systems aligned with smart city aspirations.
He explained that the project relies on advanced technologies, including high-precision laser systems to assess asphalt surface conditions and detect defects such as cracks and rutting while measuring road roughness. It also uses three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar to analyse pavement layer thickness and subsurface engineering properties, in addition to LiDAR technology to scan road elements such as sidewalks and lighting poles and create high-resolution 3D digital models. These technologies are supported by artificial intelligence systems and geographic information systems to enhance data accuracy and analysis.
Al Neyadi added that the project will contribute to achieving several community and development objectives, including improving road safety through early detection and immediate treatment of hazardous defects, reducing costs by applying preventive maintenance strategies instead of emergency repairs, and developing long-term smart maintenance plans that support sustainable urban development through data-driven planning based on accurate, real-world information.