High-Resolution TLS Applications for Civil Infrastructure Inspection in Urban Rivers of Nuevo León, México

Abstract. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has become a powerful technology for acquiring dense 3D point clouds with high spatial accuracy, enabling volumetric analysis and topographic characterization at multiple scales. Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), here after LiDAR, have expanded their use from natural resource management to the structural health monitoring (SHM) of critical civil infrastructure in dynamic and hazard-prone environments. This study focused on inspecting and documenting infrastructure conditions along the three main rivers of the Monterrey Metropolitan Area: Pesquería, La Silla, and Santa Catarina. The objective was to assess structural integrity and identify elements requiring preventive maintenance or removal. Photographic datasets were compared with Google Street View and Google Earth Pro imagery to geolocate and detect visible changes. Based on this initial analysis, 5 to 6 structures per river were selected for detailed surveys using TLS equipment. TLS data were processed to create detailed plans and 3D models of each structure. Technical files were completed to document structural characteristics, condition assessments, repair proposals, and risk and accessibility analyses. This study demonstrates an effective methodology for SHM of riverine infrastructure. It also emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary expertise—including engineering, geospatial analysis, and urban planning—to support evidence-based public policy. The resulting datasets can inform hydrological and hydraulic modeling, enhance resilience assessments, and guide urban planning, construction strategies, and civil protection efforts in one of Mexico’s most vulnerable metropolitan regions.