Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 (KHCP4): High-Order LiDAR Deformation Monitoring

Executive Summary

Primary Objective: Weekly high-density LiDAR and change detection for slope stability and hazard identification.

The Challenge

Complexity & Evolving Mandates

The Kicking Horse Canyon expansion is one of North America’s most complex highway realignments. MSI was tasked with monitoring the final 4.8 km of the canyon—a stretch defined by sheer mountain faces and extreme geohazard risks.

The Problem

Continuous monitoring of upslope and downslope rock formations was required to protect active construction crews and the primary CP Rail corridor directly below the site.

Technical Constraints

The project demanded a 6-hour mobilization for each epoch. Due to the safety implications, MSI was contractually bound to a sub-24-hour turnaround from the moment the aircraft landed to final data delivery.

Evolving Needs

As stakeholders integrated the high-accuracy data into their safety protocols, the Area of Interest (AOI) tripled in size, requiring MSI to scale processing power without extending delivery timelines.

The MSI Approach

High-Density LiDAR and Detailed Change Detection

MSI created a custom solution for rock wall monitoring deploying a helicopter mounted LiDAR system with streamlined processes and deliverables.

Epoch-Based Deformation Analysis:

The project utilized a multi-epoch survey strategy, establishing a baseline and performing comparative analysis on all subsequent site visits to track movement over time.

Integrated Workflow:

MSI established a mobile office vehicle to process data while traveling. Processing commenced immediately post-flight, with teams working through the night to ensure stakeholders had actionable data by the next day.

High-Density Surface Mapping

Utilized a helicopter-mounted LiDAR sensor with terrain-following technology. This allowed the aircraft to maintain a constant altitude relative to the steep canyon walls, ensuring a uniform point density of 100+ pts/m2 on the bare earth surface

Results

Accountability & Data Performance

Mission Success:

Successfully executed 130 snow free epochs throughout the life span of the project.

Geometric Accuracy:

Achieved an average Vertical Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.8 cm

High-Resolution Visuals:

Delivered orthophotos at 4cm resolution, enabling remote visual inspection of rock bolts, mesh, and structural fatigue.

Change Detection:

Developed an interactive Change Detection Layer showing differences within +/- 10 cm between epochs, allowing for the immediate identification terrain movement or slide precursors.

Centralized Data Management:

Designed a comprehensive GIS web database to centralize all deliverables, providing a single "source of truth" for movement trends over the 32-month project lifespan.

Geographic Reach: A North American Footprint

While our headquarters remains in Calgary, our operational reach has expanded alongside our technical capabilities. In 2005, we began by serving Alberta and British Columbia. Today, MSI is a cross-border geospatial partner with the proven ability to mobilize in diverse and extreme environments.

info@msciences.ca