ADAM: ADA Sidewalk & Curb Ramp Assessment, Compliance & Reporting Tool

ADAM (Advanced Data Acquisition & Measurement) is a comprehensive inspection and compliance system for curb ramps, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way. It ensures ADA and PROWAG compliance using a powerful combination of high-precision inclinometers, computer vision, and photogrammetry to deliver consistent, traceable, and legally defensible measurements.

ADAM is delivered as a modular offering that we refer to as ACE, and stands for:

Assessment – A rapid, app-based evaluation tool for quick on-site data capture and preliminary analysis.

Compliance – A protocol-driven process using Rieker equipment and measurement standards to create official ADA/PROWAG compliance reports.

Engineering – A detailed, data-rich 3D model and point cloud used for advanced design, remediation, or legal documentation.

Each module can be selected independently or combined to meet the needs of municipalities, contractors, or accessibility engineers.

The ADAM solution is built around three modules that offer increasing levels of accuracy, detail, and deliverables. These can be used separately or as a full workflow:

1. Assessment Module

Designed for quick on-site evaluations using a mobile app. Enables basic measurements and initial sidewalk/curb ramp documentation—ideal for planning, public works assessments, and preliminary ADA evaluations.

2. Compliance Module

Implements Rieker’s full ADA/PROWAG protocol with inclinometer readings, photogrammetry, and validated reference measurements. Generates official NIST-traceable Rieker Reports used by municipalities, DOTs, and contractors for certified compliance documentation.

3. Engineering Module

Provides detailed site geometry including 3D point clouds (LAS), textured mesh models, and LandXML files. Enables civil engineers and designers to plan, regrade, or redesign curb ramps and pedestrian environments with precision—without revisiting the site.

Together, these modules form a scalable inspection and remediation platform for all stages of pedestrian infrastructure management.

Traditional curb ramp and sidewalk assessments often suffer from human error, inconsistent data collection, and a lack of traceable measurements. ADAM solves these challenges through a modular approach—enabling users to select the appropriate level of investigation, accuracy, and reporting for their specific needs.

The Assessment Module offers a fast, user-friendly way to evaluate curb ramps, sidewalks, and pedestrian environments using a mobile device. It leverages:

• Built-in camera, GPS, and Rieker’s sensor inputs
• Visual interaction with site features
• Selection of measurement start and end points
• Categorized, annotated “events” tied to GPS coordinates

Using guided (form-based) or self-directed workflows, the app prompts users to observe specific features and perform tasks—enhancing consistency and completeness of field data. While highly effective for early-stage analysis, Assessment results are not NIST-traceable and offer lower measurement accuracy than the Compliance and Engineering modules.

For formal verification and defensibility, the Compliance and Engineering Modules incorporate:

• Rieker’s precision inclinometer and GPS hardware via the Automated Reference Plane (ARP)
• Measurement Validation Plates
• NIST-traceable accuracy to within ±0.1″
• Virtual 3D infrastructure models for analysis and design

These modules generate fully defensible, objective data—ideal for ADA/PROWAG compliance reporting, remediation planning, and legal documentation.

In summary:

• Assessment is fast, flexible, and ideal for early-stage screening
• Compliance is protocol-driven and traceable for formal inspections
• Engineering delivers high-fidelity site geometry for design/redesign

Together, ADAM provides the only scalable, defensible, end-to-end inspection system for pedestrian infrastructure.

ADAM is powered by a modular system of patented hardware, Rieker sensor technologies, and advanced image processing. Each module is tailored to its purpose, but all share the same secure portal for data access, job tracking, and analysis.

Assessment Module

The mobile Assessment App uses onboard iOS sensors (camera, accelerometer, GPS) and Rieker’s own digital sensor inputs to enable fast, lightweight inspections. Users can:

• Capture slope and distance measurements
• Tag obstacles and features
• Record categorized “events” linked to GPS locations

This mode prioritizes speed and usability over precision, making it ideal for large-scale screening or early-stage evaluation.

Compliance & Engineering Modules

For high-accuracy inspections and engineering analysis, ADAM deploys a proprietary and patented system that includes:

• Rieker’s high-precision inclinometer and GPS sensors
• ARP (Automated Reference Plane) for consistent measurement orientation
• MVP (Measurement Validation Plates) with NIST-certified dimensions and reference geometry
• Structure from Motion (SfM) and photogrammetry, which convert 2D images into accurate 3D models

This combination produces traceable, legally defensible measurements of slope, height, and distance—accurate to within ±0.1”.

Unified Portal

Regardless of the tools used in the field, all ADAM data is uploaded to a single secure portal that enables:

• Full job and team management
• Interactive map-based visualization
• Access to captured data and 3D models
• Model Analysis Tools (MAT) for QA, verification, and engineering workflows
• Export of reports and design-grade files for compliance or remediation

In summary:
Assessment prioritizes speed and usability.
Compliance and Engineering prioritize accuracy and traceability.
The portal unifies it all—providing end-to-end visibility, analysis, and output generation.

ADAM supports multiple report types, each tailored to the user’s purpose—whether for early-stage assessments, formal compliance verification, or jurisdiction-specific documentation. All reports are managed through the ADAM portal and backed by data captured in the field.

Rieker Report

A standardized ADA compliance report designed by Rieker Inc.

• Built from high-accuracy 3D model data captured using the Compliance or Engineering modules
• Includes NIST-traceable measurements of slope, elevation, and geometry
• Structured for clear review and defensibility in audits or litigation
• Ideal for agencies without a predefined report format or looking to supplement internal processes

Custom State Report

A jurisdiction-specific ADA compliance report that aligns with official state requirements.

• Based on state-defined templates and form fields
• Automatically populated using ADAM’s Guided Workflow Mode
• Ensures full alignment with local regulations and field terminology
• Maintained in partnership with state-level guidelines and updated as standards evolve

Assessment Report

A fast, efficient screening tool for sidewalk and curb ramp ADA compliance evaluation.

• Generated from mobile inspections using the ADAM Assessment App
• Captures key observations, slope and distance measurements, and location-tagged events
• Supports planning, prioritization, and scope definition for larger projects
• Not intended for formal compliance, but effective for early-phase decision-making

In summary:

• Use the Assessment Report for rapid field evaluations
• Use the Custom State Report or Rieker Report for formal ADA compliance documentation
• All reports are accessible via the ADAM portal and tied to each job’s captured data

The Engineering Package provides precise, high-fidelity 3D infrastructure models used for remediation planning, design, and reconstruction – without the need to revisit the site.

Each Infrastructure Model includes:

• Full-resolution LAS point cloud (selectable in inches, feet, or meters)
• Textured mesh for immersive virtual walkthroughs
• Orthophotos available upon request
• 2D image captures and photographic references
• Reference points (PK nails) available in PDF or CSV format
• Convert to CAD-compatible site files for import and further design work

Models support custom measurement extraction, evaluation of slopes, grade, and technical infeasibilities, and conversion to elevation maps.

“Bring the site to you – eliminate the need for costly re-visits.”

Yes. The Infrastructure Model lets inspectors or engineers pull new measurements from the original data set. There’s no need to revisit the site if you need to adjust or clarify measurements.

Through an active internet connection, ADAM automatically uploads all data to the Rieker ADAM Portal. The data belongs to the procuring entity and can be downloaded at any time before job closure. Data is securely stored until the job is marked complete.

The ADAM Portal is a secure online hub for accessing inspection results. Users can:

– Geolocate inspection sites

– View automated ADA/PROWAG compliance reports

– Download Infrastructure Models and data

– Manage job files from start to finish

All inspection data collected using ADAM is the sole property of the procuring entity.

Yes. The Rieker Report is tailored to meet both federal ADA standards and state-specific guidelines. For additional requirements, the Infrastructure Model allows engineers to extract any custom measurements from the model.

ADAM outputs are used to:

– Document and prove ADA/PROWAG compliance

– Guide remediation and curb ramp redesign

– Defend inspection results in legal settings

– Demonstrate due diligence and measurement traceability (via NIST standards)

Everyone. Accurate and accessible curb ramps:

– Enhance pedestrian safety

– Ensure access for people with disabilities

– Reduce legal and financial risk for municipalities and contractors

ADAM makes ADA compliance faster, easier, and more defensible.

Yes. Major legal cases in Oregon and Los Angeles highlight the steep cost of non-compliance:

– Oregon (2016): 97% of 26,000 ramps failed inspection; $23M allocated for upgrades.

– Los Angeles (2015): $1.4B ADA settlement over 30 years.

ADAM helps mitigate such liability by offering accurate, defendable compliance assessments.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It ensures equal opportunity for people with disabilities and mandates access to public infrastructure, including sidewalks and curb ramps.

Yes. ADAM was built with legal defensibility in mind. With NIST-traceable measurements and objective reporting, it eliminates subjective judgment and supports ADA litigation defense.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines precision standards used across industries. ADAM’s data is traceable to NIST, ensuring measurement consistency and credibility – especially valuable in audits or legal cases.

ADAM supports:

– Engineering firms

– Contractors

– Departments of Transportation (DOTs)

– City and municipal governments

– University and college campuses

– Hospitals

– Developers

Anyone responsible for accessible infrastructure planning and inspection can benefit from ADAM.

Yes. Rieker works with certified engineering consultants nationwide. We can recommend a qualified team or assist with your inspection needs. Contact us at [inquiry@riekerinc.com](mailto:inquiry@riekerinc.com) or use our [contact form](https://riekerinc.com/cerritos/?page_id=567&need=Custom%20Requirement).

Rieker’s marketing toolkit includes:

– Webinars & demo videos

– Brochures

– Technical documentation

– Case studies & white papers

These materials help partners, reps, and customers promote and understand ADAM’s full value.

An ADAM sidewalk and/or curb ramp assessment takes under 2 minutes

An ADAM curb ramp compliance inspection takes fewer than 5 minutes

It’s the fastest way to obtain a complete ADA/PROWAG compliance snapshot.

Yes. ADAM’s core technology can be applied to other public infrastructure needs. If you have a potential use case, reach out to [inquiry@riekerinc.com](mailto:inquiry@riekerinc.com) or submit your idea via our [contact form](https://riekerinc.com/cerritos/?page_id=567&need=Custom%20Requirement).