Beyond Asset

Pika™ – A digital solution for tunnel face mapping

Pika is a fully digital solution for tunnel face mapping. It uses high‑resolution photogrammetry to create accurate 3D models of tunnel faces.

The solution is designed for tunnelling projects in complex geological conditions. It is particularly suited to drill‑and‑blast excavation methods.

Pika enables teams to capture tunnel face data quickly and consistently. No specialist processing or external photogrammetry expertise is required.

The solution is delivered as a complete, end‑to‑end system. It combines data capture, automated processing and analysis in a single workflow.

The benefits of Pika™

Pika improves the accuracy and efficiency of tunnel face mapping. It replaces manual sketching with precise digital 3D models.

Tunnel faces can be captured in minutes. Results are available quickly to support timely decision‑making.

The digital workflow reduces subjectivity. Geological features are recorded consistently and traceably.

Pika improves safety and productivity. Less time is spent at the tunnel face.

High‑quality 3D models support better understanding of ground conditions. This helps manage geotechnical risk during excavation.

Applications of Pika™

Pika is designed for underground construction and tunnelling projects. It supports both construction and engineering teams.

Typical applications include:

Tunnel face mapping in drill‑and‑blast excavations
Geological characterisation of tunnel faces
Geotechnical risk management during tunnelling
Comparison of successive tunnel faces
Documentation of ground conditions for reporting
Integration with tunnel alignment and geological models

Pika can be combined with broader tunnel scanning and mapping solutions. This provides a comprehensive digital representation of the tunnel and its geology.

Pika™ Features

All-in-one kit for data acquisition

Sixense provides a complete hardware kit and user training for tunnel face capture. This allows site teams to take photographs themselves, without specialist operators.

The kit is designed for use in active tunnelling environments. It supports fast, repeatable and consistent data capture at the tunnel face.

Hardware configuration is adapted to each project. It is selected based on tunnel diameter and the required photogrammetric accuracy.

This ensures image quality is suitable for reliable 3D modelling. At the same time, the capture process remains simple and efficient for site teams.

Take & upload photos

Photos are captured following a simple, guided procedure. Successive images are taken to ensure a minimum overlap of 70%.

This overlap is essential for reliable photogrammetric reconstruction. It ensures accurate geometry and high‑quality 3D modelling of the tunnel face.

Once captured, photos are uploaded directly to the beMap™ platform. Uploads can be completed from the site or from the office.

As soon as the upload is complete, processing starts automatically. The photogrammetry workflow runs in the background with no manual intervention.

Within minutes, the tunnel face is transformed into a high‑resolution 3D model. Results are ready for analysis without specialist processing or software.

Accurate 3D face model

Within minutes, the system generates a georeferenced, high‑resolution 3D model of the tunnel face. The model accurately represents geometry and visible geological features.

The 3D model is spatially referenced. This allows direct comparison between successive tunnel faces.

Results are immediately available in the beMap™ platform. No manual processing or specialist software is required.

The digital model is ready for analysis and annotation. It supports reliable documentation and informed decision‑making at each excavation step.

Comprehensive tool box

beMap™ includes a comprehensive toolbox for analysing tunnel face models. It enables teams to interrogate the 3D model directly within the platform.

Available tools support:

Distance and thickness measurements
Angle calculations
Strike and dip analysis
Side‑by‑side comparison of successive tunnel faces
Annotations and structured observations

These tools allow geological features to be documented consistently. Observations are clearly linked to the 3D geometry.

Analysis results remain attached to the digital model. This improves traceability and supports clear reporting.

The toolbox reduces reliance on manual sketches. It streamlines analysis while maintaining accuracy and consistency.

Geology mapping

Pika™ includes a semi‑automated geology mapping module powered by machine learning. It supports consistent and efficient interpretation of tunnel face geology.

The module assists users in identifying and delineating geological features directly on the 3D model. This reduces reliance on manual sketching and subjective interpretation.

Compared with traditional pen‑and‑paper mapping, the digital workflow improves accuracy and repeatability.
Geological information is captured in a structured and traceable format.

The semi‑automated process significantly reduces mapping time at the tunnel face. This improves productivity while maintaining a high level of data quality.

Mapped geology remains linked to the digital model. This supports comparison between successive faces and clearer communication across project teams.

Global integration

Pika™ can be combined with additional georeferenced tunnel scanning. This extends face photogrammetry beyond a single excavation step.

Tunnel scans are spatially aligned with successive tunnel face models. This creates a continuous digital representation of the tunnel geometry.

By consolidating tunnel scanning with face photogrammetry, the full structure is captured. Geological information remains linked to its spatial context.

The result is a complete digital map of the tunnel and its geology. This supports clearer interpretation, traceability and long‑term project records.

Integrated mapping improves continuity between excavation stages. It strengthens understanding of geological trends along the tunnel alignment.