Single Interface & Voice Animation
As a built-in quality control feature set, the PathRunner Data Collection software brings all data types
(images, sensor data, GPS mapping, DMI, etc.) into a single screen. Real-time data processing, display and
logic analysis ensure that collected data falls within valid ranges and image thumbnails provide real-time
quality check capabilities. Voice animation of road information, routing details and data warnings allow
the collection personnel to monitor all data types in real-time.
Onboard Routing
The PathRunner Data Collection Vehicle is capable of loading a database of the entire network of roads
to be surveyed. It can also load an associated shapefile that displays all routes on the network. These files
become a blank shell of the road network that is populated as the data collection cycle progresses. The
onboard map provides assistance in facilitating the most efficient route collection order. It also provides
real-time display and color-coded status of each road segment displaying complete and incomplete
survey routes. The user has the ability to color code these routes as they see fit and through the use of
legacy data and spatial location, the van is increasingly content-aware as data is being collected. Using
the database and GPS data also ensures that linear referencing, pavement management segments, and
GPS location information are all tied directly to the newly-collected data set. Menu-driven route
selection is also supported.
Super HD Roadway Imaging
The PathRunner vehicle leverages multiple high-resolution cameras, with each camera providing up to
2750 x 2200 native pixels. Up to three forward views and a rear view can be utilized with wide angle
lenses to capture a panoramic-like representation of the roadway. The images are captured, compressed,
and stored in JPEG format at posted speed limits and synchronized in conjunction with sensor and
location data to streamline playback and searching capabilities. The collected imaging allows the end
user to virtually visit any road on the network without leaving their desk while also providing the added
ability to zoom in on digital images for more detail of roadway items such as signs, ramps and guardrails.
Immersive 360-Degree Imaging
The PathRunner Data Collection Vehicle also offers a fully-immersive, 360-degree camera capable of
producing a dome-like JPEG image in which the user can navigate in any direction within a single image.
As a supplement to roadway videolog, these images can be stored automatically using GPS at known
points of interest. Using six lenses aimed in all directions (including above), the single camera utilizes
complex mathematics to capture and create an end-user experience unattainable in forward or rear
facing imaging systems. Applications of this technology include imaging at intersections, multi-lane road
segments, bridges, underpasses and interchanges with multiple on and off ramps in all directions.
Vertical Clearance Measurement
Mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the system continuously records clearance measurements as the
vehicle passes below a structure at highway speeds. The complete profile of the bottom of the structure
is recorded and the minimum measurement is extracted and stored. Using eye-safe class 1 lasers, the
system captures, displays, and stores structure and height information at accuracies less than one inch.
This information can be utilized in asset management systems and displayed as part of safety and traffic
data in both the PathView II and PathWeb browser applications.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Utilizing a single 2 GHz air launched sensor, continuous pavement and subgrade layer thicknesses can be
detected at highway speeds. Due to great advancements in the GPR technology, there is no longer a
requirement to core the road to ground truth the layer thicknesses. Using this method of continuous
scanning, a very accurate picture of the subgrade road profile can be generated without the need for
dangerous lane closures and destructive testing. All sensors are FCC compliant and do not cause
interference/EMI/EFI.
PATHRUNNER
Where Innovation Meets the Road
WHAT IS IT?
Effective • Efficient • Economical
Pathway Services’ PathRunner Data Collection Vehicle is a state-of-the-art
service tool equipped with the latest computer, sensor, and digital imaging
equipment designed to efficiently collect pavement condition data and imagery
of the roadway and pavement surface. Our newest generation of PathRunner
data collection vehicles utilize innovative computer technologies to collect
high-resolution data and images at highway speeds. A user-friendly and
real-time Windows application is at the heart of our collection system and
seamlessly integrates all of the following:
• High-resolution videolog roadway imaging • MacroTexture
• 3D laser-based pavement surface images • Road geometrics
• 3D-based rutting and faulting measurements • GPS location data
• Longitudinal and transverse profile • Automated Crack Detection
Pathway Services’ R & D team, with 25 years of field experience, has developed
and integrated nearly 20 separate subsystems into our data collection system so
our clients can collect, deploy, and maintain as many data types as possible with
a single pass of the roadway. Additionally, our system’s software incorporates live
graphical feedback of all its subsystems which allows the vehicle’s operator to
verify the proper operation of the sensor equipment in real-time. Voice animated
GPS mapping and diagnostics allows the vehicle to efficiently and accurately
collect all sensor data and images over long distances and periods of time. This
results in quality data on a tight schedule at minimum cost.
WHO USES IT?
Versatile • Viable • Valuable
• Pavement Maintenance Engineers • Material and Test Engineers • IT Database Managers
• Asset Management Programs • Traffic Safety Departments • GIS Managers
Numerous departments within the transportation industry benefit from the data
and results produced by our advanced and versatile data collection system.
Pavement management systems are supported by the pavement condition data
such as IRI roughness, transverse profile, rutting, faulting, texture, cracking and
patching. Our 3D pavement surface images allow for fully-automated distress
detection and evaluation. Asset maintenance groups utilize the digital images of
the roadway to inventory asset characteristics, such as signs, guardrails, barriers,
etc. Traffic safety programs use our high-resolution digital images and curvature
data for reporting and legal issues. Additionally, GIS departments will be happy
with the GPS latitude and longitude data used for mapping and interfacing with
GIS systems.
 Laser-Based Immersive 360-Degree Imaging
Crack Measurement Pathway 3D
Camera GPS
Super HD Roadway Imaging
LiDAR
“We purchased our first PathRunner XP vehicle in
2009 and have had very good luck. Pathway has been
responsive to our needs and keeping us up and
Single Interface collecting data. It has been a pleasure to work with
& Voice Animation Pathway’s staff and look forward to continuing the
relationship into the future.”
-Eric Thibodeau, NHDOT

Class 1
Inertial Road Profiler

MacroTexture

Onboard Road
Distance Measuring Geometrics Inertial Road Profiler
Instrument (DMI) (Grade, Cross Slope PathRunner Data Collection Vehicle uses a South Dakota-style inertial profiler manufactured according
& Curvature) to ASTM E950 specifications and meeting class 1 requirements. This device measures the longitudinal
Onboard Routing profile of the pavement surface which is used to calculate the internationally recognized pavement IRI
(roughness index) in both wheel paths. The data collected from the laser sensors is also used to calculate
ride number, rutting, faulting, and texture data on 100% of the pavement surface.

High-capacity removable hard drives are utilized to store and easily transfer large amounts of
accumulated data, providing operators the ability to collect hundreds of miles of data and images and
share them over a network-wide deployment in the same day.

MacroTexture

PATHRUNNER FEATURES
A Data Collection Vehicle on the Cutting Edge of Innovation
The MacroTexture system is manufactured according to ASTM E1845-01. A 64 KHz laser sensor is used
to measure and report mean profile depth (MPD) and mean texture depth (MTD) at highway speeds by
capturing a 100 mm sample of data every meter at 70 mph. Typically, a single sensor is mounted in the
right wheel path. Multiple sensors can also be used to report MacroTexture values at various locations
within the lane.