CO-OP/INTERN MSD/WASTEWATER ENGINEERING (Watershed Planning/LiDar)

MSD WASTEWATER ENGINEERING - (Watershed Planning/LiDar)
 
Mission: 

Learn the value of data collection and its applicability to industrial uses, as well as the limitations and challenges of budget and time constraints.  Tackle through a hands-on experience, the philosophical question of how to balance the cost to obtain information and its quality vs. the value it provides.

Purpose:  

 Develop software application tools to improve response time and reduce costs for data collection related to infrastructure condition assessment.  Apply applications to sensors and micro-computers which can be used in the field take measurements in the environments of MSD assets.  If time permits, work on ArcMap GIS applications and develop Python routines to automate desired, repetitive tasks performed by MSD users.    

Overview: 

Work as part of a team in a professional engineering environment. Develop communication skills both with engineers as well as maintenance staff. Learn about condition assessment and the factors that affect and age infrastructure. Learn about civil engineering and sewer design. Assume responsibility for ethical action and work production.

Expectations: 

Via small, inexpensive LiDAR units, collect and record data to a Raspberry Pi micro-computer to create 3D point clouds of interior spaces of pipes and structures. Include and apply additional peripheral devices such as position trackers, range finders, possible other devices.  Develop an application to visually represent 3D point clouds which is intuitive, easy to review, and allows the user to determine dimensions of a structure at a chosen point in the structure as determined by user input. Determine typical levels of error in collected data. Remain flexible and adaptable due to a myriad of dynamic influences including the following: budget, time constraints, reviews and requests from engineers or maintenance staff, equipment limitations, other organizational needs, etc.  As time allows, develop mounts with a 3D printer, so the various components of sensors can be attached together, forming a single, overall unit. Be resourceful in eliminating bugs in code and communication between devices and operating systems.  All intellectual property that results from development, including authorship of code, will be considered public domain, to be copied, published, and utilized for use as deemed fit by the public.
 

Deliverables 

Co-op to deliver:

-Python code to run sensors and collect data through a micro-computer on a Linux OS.

-Python code to generate intuitive images of 3D point clouds, both in a Linux and Microsoft OS.

-Python code for users to determine structure dimensions, anywhere within its 3D point cloud.

-Documentation of how code works and how to set up micro-computers, sensors, and output.   

MSD to provide:

-Budget: desktop or laptop computer; micro-computers (Raspberry Pi), LiDAR units, movement tracking sensors, salary of student (roughly 15 weeks).

-Logistics: workstation in the WEEC Building.

-Training: training on city policies, rules, regulations. 

Milestones  
 

Orientation                                                        (week #1)

Needs Assessment                                           (week #2)

Begin Project Work                                           (weeks #1 - 3)

Project Manager and co-op will work together to develop a working document that defines projects and timelines that ensures that project goals and objectives will be achieved. The projects will be tailored to suit the student’s interests as available.

Continuation of Project Work                             (weeks #4 - 14)

Investigate solutions, gather information from various sources, and work as necessary to complete project deliverables as well as possible additional ideas on project solutions.

Perform mid-term review of project schedule and timeline at week #8. Make necessary adjustments to meet project objectives and project manager’s expectations. 

Prepare Final Documentation and Report Out      (weeks #15 - 16)

Conclude projects, where possible.

Provide documentation and discuss with necessary parties to enable continuation of unfinished work.

Summarize and evaluate lessons learned.

                              
Education: 
   

The applicant must currently be a college student with successful completion of college classes in computer science.  The applicant must possess the ability to develop and author computer processing tools with Python code to crunch large volumes of data using math and science parameters.  Below, a more detailed list of desired skillsets is provided.

Required:

• The ability to author and implement Python code to collect, process, and export coordinate datasets using trigonometric functions.
• Use of Python and math to create intuitive, easily discernible, yet accurate and informative visual representation of coordinate data clouds.
• Completion, as a minimum, Calculus I with an overall grade of “A-”, or better (or equivalent).
• A collegiate math and science cumulative GPA of 3.4, (on a 4.0, unweighted scale), or better.
• Familiarity with Linux as well as Microsoft operating systems, environments, and parameters.
• Ability to import and export large datasets across a micro-computer vs. more powerful computing platform (desktop or laptop computer).
• Ability to set up Linux operating systems on micro-computers, then install and run Python code.
• Ability to set up environments on micro-computers and install peripheral devices for sensing and data collection which can communicate with the micro-computer and the code written by the applicant.
• Familiarity with computer blogs, or other computer science community resources.
• Resourcefulness in finding solutions when sensors fail to communicate or work as intended.

Desired, but not required: 

• Ability to utilize artificial intelligence and algorithms for use with analyzing video imagery.
• Familiarity with electronics and power requirements including resistance, voltage, and amperage.
• Experience tutoring or teaching.
• Familiarity with 3D printing.
• Familiarity with Esri ArcMap.

HR Contact: Jerrold Ware, Jerrold.Ware@cincinnati-oh.gov