Measure twice cut once: incorporating digital service modelling for rail projects

The Spark behind innovation

Petros Zouzoulas, Head of Innovation EMEA at Parsons with a background in architecture, was working with a team on developing a metro station in the GCC/Middle East. The team had created a full-scale mock-up of a quarter of the station in a warehouse, utilising 3D renderings to visualise the design.  Early on, Parsons identified there was a discrepancy between the perception of space on the mock-up versus the perception of space on the ground.

This became a turning point for Parsons. The team realised that the visualisations, produced with a wide-angle lens and gave the impression of a more expansive space. While this effect worked well for certain purposes, it didn’t fully represent how people perceive space in the real world. This insight sparked a crucial realisation of the limitations of traditional 3D renderings in capturing the true scale and experience of large-scale projects.

Recognising this challenge as an opportunity for improvement, the Parsons team were determined to find a solution that could bridge this perceptual gap. This led to Parsons pioneering the integration of digital service modelling for infrastructure and the innovative use of drone and digital twin technology, which allowed for a more accurate and immersive visualisation process. These advancements not only addressed the challenges posed by the limitations of traditional renderings but also set a new standard for how complex infrastructure projects are visualised and experienced.

This is what sparked Parsons to incorporate digital service modelling for infrastructure and the use of drone technology into rail projects. It brings significant benefits, including cost savings, enhanced collaboration, and reduced risk. By identifying potential issues early, these tools prevent costly disruptions and keep projects within budget. They improve communication across teams, both on-site and remotely. Digital modelling also allows for proactive risk management, addressing environmental, social, and logistical challenges before construction begins, reducing delays.

Harnessing technology for smarter planning

In carpentry there is an old adage, measure twice cut once. For Parsons’ EMEA team, this concept is carried over to the rail industry in the project planning stage. Over the last decade, there has only been incremental adoption of digital service modelling for infrastructure, or simply the use of drone technology. For example, only 15% of site surveying tasks are done with drone technology.

“The potential benefits of drones and digital service modelling on these Middle East projects is significant,” Zouzoulas explained. “These tools can bring immense value, especially during the planning phase, which is often overlooked. By using them earlier, we can mitigate risks and create a more efficient process from the outset.”

This insight led Parsons to begin incorporating digital service modelling into their work. By using high-resolution imaging, they began collecting accurate, detailed data right at the start of a project, allowing for better collaboration, fewer misunderstandings, and more successful project delivery.

Revolutionising rail project planning with digital tools

In traditional rail project planning in the region, the team typically spends between 18 to 24 months gathering information for the design. During this time, various departments—civil engineers, rail systems engineers, and cost-critical decision-makers—compile their data, often in separate formats. This can make it difficult for different teams to get a holistic view of the project.

Recognising this challenge, Parsons streamlined this process by centralising the data and using digital service modelling. While working on a rail project in the Middle East, Parsons brought over a specialised camera kit from the US, consisting of six lenses mounted on a helicopter, which allowed them to capture images from 15,000 feet with a centimetre-level accuracy.

The team flew over the planned rail alignment, capturing 20,000 photographs. These images were then overlaid onto Google Satellite, enabling the team to create high-resolution models of the rail corridor, covering 30 kilometres. This approach provided more than just a detailed view of the project itself—it also gave context to the surrounding areas, which would also be impacted by the construction.

A holistic approach to infrastructure impact

A key advantage of digital service modelling is its ability to capture the wider impact of an infrastructure project, beyond just the immediate construction site. Rail lines often traverse urban areas, affecting schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and commercial properties. Understanding these relationships early on can be crucial to the project’s success.

With the new approach, Parsons was able to create comprehensive models of not just the rail corridor but the entire area surrounding it. This allowed the team to identify how different spaces would interact with the project and what factors needed consideration, such as providing easy access to nearby malls or ensuring privacy for residential communities.

For example, during the planning of the rail line of one of their projects, the team realised that the route would pass near a school district. Identifying this early on allowed Parsons to consider the potential implications of noise or traffic on the local community, addressing these issues proactively rather than after construction had already begun.

Proactively addressing environmental and social concerns

Digital service modelling also helps anticipate potential environmental or social challenges that could arise during construction. Zouzoulas shared an example from a previous project where a local species of wildlife was discovered along the proposed rail alignment. Had this been identified only after construction began, it could have caused significant delays.

With the digital models in place, Parsons was able to flag this issue in advance, ensuring that necessary precautions were taken before construction started. This proactive approach helped keep the project on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Similarly, seemingly small details—such as the number of trees or the presence of irrigation systems—could present challenges during construction. These might appear trivial at first, but they play an important role in the environment. Through digital service modelling, Parsons was able to understand these factors in detail, ensuring that they could be addressed early in the process, preventing costly disruptions later on.

The long-term benefits for rail projects

While incorporating digital service modelling into the planning process requires additional effort at the outset of a project, Zouzoulas believes the benefits far outweigh the initial investment. He views it as an “additional lift” rather than extra work. By taking the time to create detailed digital models at the beginning, projects run more smoothly once construction starts.

“This approach provides clarity for both technical and non-technical people,” Zouzoulas explained. “By identifying risks early, we can reduce costs and improve coordination between contractors. This results in more competitive bids, which in turn helps reduce costs and avoid delays.”

The digital models also allow remote teams to access the site and understand its complexities, even if they can’t visit in person. A bird’s-eye view gives a clearer picture of the entire project, making it easier to identify issues that might not be apparent from the ground.

Setting a new standard for infrastructure projects

The integration of digital service modelling and drone technology represents a step forward in how large-scale infrastructure projects are planned and executed. By embracing these tools in the early stages, Parsons is helping to shape a more efficient, cost-effective, and risk-managed approach to construction.

As Zouzoulas concluded, “It’s not just about building a rail line—it’s about understanding the bigger picture and ensuring that all aspects of the project are connected and aligned. By using these technologies, we’re setting a new standard for how complex infrastructure projects should be managed, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.”