Customer Referrals & Comments on using the RetroTek retroreflectometer
Our customers range from public road bodies to private contractors. What they have in common is a requirement for a mobile retroreflectometer which produces accurate usable surveys of major road networks, efficiently and safely. Read what they say about their experiences using the RetroTek-D hardware and software.
“It’s amazing what this piece of technology can deliver. I am so fortunate enough to this technology and am learning so much about it and the benefits of using it.”
Emma Bourke, Senior practitioner at ARRB
“Great piece of kit.”
“Can test daytime or nightime, does a whole lane in a single pass inc symbols. Comes with video evidence of each run and will advise of missing RRPM’s.”
Brendan Leader, State Business Leader (NSW/ACT) at ARRB
“When it comes to retro-reflectivity measurement, it’s definitely the best bit of kit out there at the moment.”
Richard Wix, Principal Consultant at ARRB Group
“The performance of the RetroTek-D unit has been great! Super easy to use and is collecting excellent data of both the center line and fog line as well as any other line markings such as arrows, pedestrian crossings and other line markings such as arrows, pedestrian crossings and other line markings in the center of the lane. It also collects the RPM’s (cats eyes) which is pretty cool. It is performing a lot better than the previous reflectivity unit we used in the past. The previous one only collected the center line so collecting the fog line as well is great for our clients.
It doesn’t perform well when the markings are wet and the data produced when line markings are wet is not a true representation of what they would be when the line markings are dry. Otherwise it is a great piece of equipment that I am lucky enough to operate!
It’s amazing what this piece of technology can deliver. I am so fortunate enough to this technology and am learning so much about it and the benefits of using it.”
“Great piece of kit.
Can test daytime or nightime, does a whole lane in a single pass inc symbols. Comes with video evidence of each run and will advise of missing RRPM’s.
Currently “Lane assist” vehicle systems rely on reflectivity to keep road users safe. In the future Autonomous vehicles will use it as a promary mechanism to stay on the road.
The only thing missing is TfNSW and NSW maintenance contractors. QLD TMR and VicRoads are all over this tech already, networks in progress or complete.”
“We are really satisfied with the customer service and communication with the engineering team. Nothing changed after purchasing the unit and we know that we can count on RetroTek team in terms of technical and economic support as they pro-actively help us with contracts competitions.”
Radek Mrázek, Consultest s.r.o.
References of the RetroTek-D system
- Sales Process & follow up
The sales process was easy and straight forward, supported by video calls, an online presentation and Q&A meetings when needed. Terms of delivery were met even during the pandemic of COVID-19. - Service / Technical support
We are really happy with how technical support works with RetroTek-D system. Never been a problem to contact a RetroTek technician. The support is available everywhere since you only need an internet connection. - System vehicle installation procces
The whole installation process was quite an easy operation following a step by step instruction manual. No special tools are required and it took us one work day in two men to complete the installation. The initial calibration of the system is a few hours process while being on call with a RetroTek-D technician. We personally had a little bit of trouble finding a suitable area for the process of the calibration since you need a flat surface and quite a space. I might recommend a top floor of a public garage (less traffic), it worked for us quite well. After finding a place it’s just following a step by step manual again. All tools required for the calibration are part of the package. - Operator training & certification
Operator training is a two hour video call, no hard process since the interface in the operating and evalution software are both very user friendly. - Operating the system – surveying
The system is easily operated by one person. No need to have two men crew for measuring. The calibration check before survey is better handled and faster with a partner though. - Survey results data outputs and software
We are satisfied with the data output, there is everything we need. There are plenty quality of life features in the software, the batch proccessing for example is very useful. A very user friendly software, easy to work with.
Overall, we are really satisfied with the customer service and communication with the engineering team. Nothing changed after purchasing the unit and we know that we can count on RetroTek team in terms of technical and economic support as they pro-actively help us with contracts competitions.
“All retro-reflectivity surveys were carried out using the RMS Retro-TEC mobile retro-reflectometer. Surveys are backed up with Retro-TEC digital video images and database of the survey. The survey equipment was calibrated and certified to standard EN 30m geometry.
The detail surveys are available for in depth review using an online portal showing simultaneous measurement and video. Summary survey data was provided for 100m and 1000m averages in geo-referenced excel format.
Average data was collated and plotted onto national A3 presentation maps for each major survey feature group. Maps were additionally enhanced by a bar chart of route by route performance. A national average pie chart was also presented on each map.
Reflective Measurement Services performed the complete survey project, post survey collation and digital representation in a short window in accordance with the contract. The Contract was performed to the satisfaction of Tll and delivered on time.”
Owen Duffy, Engineering Inspector, Road Signs & Delineation
“RE: DELINEATION PROGRAMME 2020 & 2021
DELINEATION HIGH SPEED MONITORING CONTRACT 2020 & 2021
Reflective Measurement Services Ltd. carried out the above contract for Transport lnfrastructure lreland in early Summers of 2020 & 2021. The Contract involved the following:
- Survey of all centrelines on 5500km of national route. (R1)
- Survey of one edge line on 5500km of route. (R1)
- Additional surveys on over 1000km of motorway centre, edge and lane lines. (R1)
- Performance surveys of all raised pavement markers on all lines surveyed. (machine visual)
- Performance surveys of motorway median barrier reflectors. (machine visual)
- Performance assessment of junction markings and studs.(visual)
All retro-reflectivity surveys were carried out using the RMS Retro-TEC mobile retro-reflectometer. Surveys are backed up with Retro-TEC digital video images and database of the survey. The survey equipment was calibrated and certified to standard EN 30m geometry.
The detail surveys are available for in depth review using an online portal showing simultaneous measurement and video. Summary survey data was provided for 100m and 1000m averages in geo-referenced excel format.
Average data was collated and plotted onto national A3 presentation maps for each major survey feature group. Maps were additionally enhanced by a bar chart of route by route performance. A national average pie chart was also presented on each map.
Reflective Measurement Services performed the complete survey project, post survey collation and digital representation in a short window in accordance with the contract.
The Contract was performed to the satisfaction of Tll and delivered on time.”
Owen Duffy, Engineering Inspector, Road Signs & Delineation, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
“We are delighted with the performance of the RetroTek-MU as it measures the striping on both sides of the lane in one pass without the need to switch the sensor from one side of the vehicle to the other. At the end of surveying, all the data can be quickly prepared & sent to district TX Dot officials, without the need for hours of post-processing. The RetroTek-MU technical support is second to none.”
Jay Green, veteran retroreflectometer operator with SSS
“We were provided with a very thorough and detailed installation manual and all the tools needed for a proper installation of RetroTek-D on our vehicle.
After the installation we went on the test run with an RMS technician remotely connected to the system and they confirmed that the installation was done correctly.
The repeatability and reproducibility test was also overseen by the technician to confirm the system was calibrated correctly.
The remote installation and training saved us at iCeste a lot of valuable time and unnecessary costs.”
Mr. Matija Kajba, CEO & Chief Engineer
“Remote installation was no problem at all. RMS provided us with very thorough and detailed installation manual and all the tools needed for proper installation of RetroTek-D on our vehicle (Ford Ranger).
The installation took a few hours without any major issues. After the installation we went on the test run with RMS technician remotely connected to the system and they confirmed that the installation was done correctly and according to installation manual.
We conducted a test survey with 3 loops of the same road section to make sure that the system is calibrated correctly (Repeatability & Reproducibility test). The RMS technician was remotely connected to the system during the whole session.
After completed Repeatability & Reproducibility test, RMS analysed the data and they confirmed that the RetroTek-D is installed and operating correctly. They also sent us a report of the test.
We received Training Certificates for successfully completed training in the operation of RetroTek-D.
In my opinion the whole remote installation and training saved us at iCeste and RMS Ltd a lot of valuable time and unnecessary costs.”
Mr. Matija Kajba, CEO & Chief Engineer
“We were very satisfied with the survey results and impressed with the RL accuracy of the RetroTek-M and the ability to detect the reflective pavement markings (RPMs) / road studs/studs to within 3% accuracy over 1km.
This information was very helpful in assisting our maintenance department to prioritise maintenance of road markings and reflective pavement markings (RPMs) / road studs where most needed and plan future maintenance schedules.
The contract was delivered on time due to the efficiency of the RetroTek-M system to simultaneously measure the performance of multiple road assets in one pass.”
Andrew Elliot, Network Manager, M50 Concessions Ltd.
“In 2016 M50 Concession Limited commissioned Northern Road Markings to complete a performance survey of road markings and markers (studs) who in turn subcontracted Reflective Masurement Systems Ltd using the RutroTek-M Retroreflectometer Technology to complete the survey.
The data was collected on the 42 km of the M50 for the Edge, Lane & Median lines in both directions on both the Northbound & Southbound Carriageways – a total survey distance of approx. 168 km. The Retroreflectivity (RI) and absence/presence of markers/studs were averaged to 100 mts according to CEN EN 1436 and EN 1463 standards respectively.
Data collected included the reflectivity (RI) of the road lines and the absence of presence of road markers/studs. Each Line/asset results were individually presented in a QuickView PDF report with colour coded threshold values averaged over 100 mts. The Report included the retroreflectivity (RL), GPS coordinates, time, temp & survey speed. Excel and csv files were also supplied.
We were very satisfied with the survey results and impressed with the RL accuracy of the RetroTek-M and the ability to detect the road markers/studs to within 3% accuracy over 1km.
This information was very helpful in assisting our maintenance department to prioritise maintenance of road markings and markers/studs where most needed and plan future maintenance schedules.
The contract was delivered on time due to the efficiency of the RetroTek-M system to simultaneously measure the performance of multiple road assets in one pass.”
“ERA was very happy with the survey results and impressed with the RetroTek MultiView Cloud software with interactive data base, mapping and video analysis. It gives good overview of results and opportunity very easy to plan further road marking replacement plans.
The timescale was tight and due to weather conditions, it was very hard to keep in timescale. But despite that the delivery was enabled by the efficiency of the contractor ERC Consulting Ltd and RetroTek-M system.”
Mr. Janno Sammul, Development Manager, Traffic Management Department, Estonian Road Administration (ERA)
“The flexibility of RetroTek has allowed ERC to meet and exceed the stringent requirements set by ERA. Its easy setup, ability to measure line retroreflectivity on both sides of a lane and then illustrate these results on the MultiView mapping & video interactive platform, made the RetroTek-M a competitive choice.”
Mr. Tiit Kaal, Consultant: ERC Consulting Ltd. Estonia
“ERC Consulting Ltd along with Reflective Measurement Systems Ltd carried out a pilot project for the Estonian Road Administration in spring 2017. The contract was to measure the retroreflectivity (RL) on all main state roads and the data that was collected include the following:
- Time of the surveys
- GPS coordinates
- Retroreflectivity &
- Thresholds
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Driving speed
- Video recordings
Retroreflectivity surveys (in total 3722 km) were carried out using the RetroTek-M Dynamic vehicle mounted Retroreflectometer.
The technology can be easily calibrated and operated by a single person. The driver of the vehicle can set up the system to start the data collection process and then continue with driving at normal speed following the regulations.
Reflective Measurements Systems Ltd helped with the initial attachment of the hardware system onto the vehicle, plus the set-up of the software system. They also helped with any further problems and questions about the technology.
The technology allows the surveys to be made across the full lane width making the whole process more cost efficient, as only one pass is required per lane. The retroreflectivity of all the road markings like lines, arrows and other symbols, as well as the presence of road markers like studs and barriers were measured at the same time. The data results were provided to the Contractor in excel format. The files included the survey results of each lane on every measured state road. Video-still recordings of the surveys were taken from both directions on a main road.
The Contractor was given access to the MultiView-O-Online site to view all the survey results in geo-referenced format with interactive mapping and video.
ERC Consulting Ltd along with Reflective Measurement Systems Ltd performed the complete survey project, post survey collation and digital representation in accordance with the contract.
The Contract was performed to the satisfaction of the Estonian Road Administration and delivered in June 2017.”
“The flexibility of the RetroTek-M has allowed Northern Road Markings to meet and exceed the stringent requirements set by Transort Infrastructure Ireland, its ease of setup, its ability to measure line retroreflectivity, the presence/absence of barrier reflectors and reflective pavement markings (RPMs) / road studs on both sides of a lane as well as providing a platform to capture junction condition makes the RetroTek-M a competitive choice.”
Mark Kelly, CEO of Northern Road Markings Ltd. and Kestrel Thermoplastics
For Further insight into NRM Ltd experience, please contact: Mr. Mark Kelly, CEO, email: mark.kelly@kestrelplastics.com
“Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) were very happy with the survey results and impressed with the RetroTek-OnLineView software software with interactive data base and video analysis. The timescale was tight (12 weeks) and delivery was enabled by the efficiency of the RetroTek-M system.”
Mr. Conor Fitzgerald, Senior Network Operations, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
For further insight into TII experience, please contact: Mr. Conor Fitzgerald, Senior Network Operations, Email: Conor.Fitzgerald@tii.ie
“Northern Road Markings Carried out the above contract for Transport lnfrastructure lreland in late spring 2016. The Contract involved the following:
- Survey of all centrelines on 5500km of national route. (R1)
- Survey of one edge line on 5500km of route. (R1)
- Additional surveys on over 1000km of motorway centre, edge and lane lines. (R1)
- Performance surveys of all raised pavement markers on all lines surveyed. (machine visual)
- Performance surveys of motorway median barrier reflectors. (machine visual)
- Performance assessment of junction markings and studs. (visual)
All retro-reflectivity surveys were carried out using the RMS Retro-TEC mobile retro-reflectometer. Surveys are backed up with Retro-TEC digital video images and database of the survey. The survey equipment was calibrated and certified to standard EN 30m geometry.
The detail survey is available for in depth review using an online portal showing simultaneous measurement and video. Summary survey data was provided for 100m and 1000m averages in geo-referenced excel format.
Average data was collated and plotted onto national A3 presentation maps for each major survey feature group. Maps were additionally enhanced by a bar chart of route by route performance. A national average pie chart was also presented on each map.
Northern Road Markings and their specialist sub-contractor performed the complete survey project, post survey collation and digital representation in a short window in accordance with the contract.
The Contract was performed to the satisfaction of Tll and delivered in mid June 2016.”