Manhole Inspection Cameras & Software
Inspect a manhole in minutes from the surface, with nobody going down. 360° 4K cameras, 3D point clouds and NASSCO MACP reporting from RinnoVision and POSM & Owl Vision, sold and supported by Jet Line.
4K 360° + 3DPick Your Manhole System
Both inspect from the surface with a 360° camera on a pole. RinnoVision leads with 4K, 3D point clouds and AI defect coding. POSM & Owl Vision pairs a 360° camera with long-running NASSCO-certified software.
RinnoVision RV-MAX 360 & 360S
4K 360° manhole cameras that capture the whole structure in one pass, then turn it into 3D models and AI-coded reports.
- 1 to 3 minute inspections with one operator, no entry
- 3D point clouds for side-pipe and depth measurements, .PLY export
- Pallon AI detects, classifies and measures defects
- Live view, livestream, GPS and automatic RinnoCloud upload
- IP68 and drop-tested, fiberglass pole up to 29.5 ft
POSM & Owl Vision
NASSCO-certified POSM inspection software, built since 2000, paired with the Owl Vision 360° manhole camera and a ruggedized control box.
- Code inspections to NASSCO MACP, plus PACP and LACP in the same software
- Owl Vision 360° camera “lantern” lowered from the surface
- Tripod or ring mount with a ruggedized control box
- Dashboards and GIS maps linked to inspections
- One operator can inspect and report the same day
RinnoVision vs. Owl Vision
A quick look at how the two surface systems differ. Ask us for the full spec sheets and a demo.
| RinnoVision RV-MAX 360 / 360S | POSM & Owl Vision | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | 4K 360° spherical video | 360° manhole camera “lantern” |
| 3D | 3D point clouds with measurements, .PLY export | — |
| Defect coding | Pallon AI detects, classifies and measures defects | Coded by the operator in POSM software |
| Standards | NASSCO MACP reporting | NASSCO-certified software for MACP, PACP and LACP |
| Setup | Fiberglass pole up to 29.5 ft, one operator | Tripod or ring mount, ruggedized control box |
| Data | Live view, livestream, GPS, RinnoCloud auto-upload | POSM dashboards and GIS maps linked to inspections |
| Best for | Fast, high-volume inspection with 3D and AI coding | Teams already standardizing on POSM for pipes and laterals |
Why Manhole Inspection Matters
Manholes are where a sewer or storm system is most exposed to ground water, traffic loads, corrosion and age. A manhole inspection records the condition of each structure so owners can find problems early, rank repairs and spend maintenance dollars where they count.
Cut infiltration
Cracked cones, failed joints and leaking pipe connections let ground water in, loading pumps and treatment plants with clean water.
Prevent failures
Finding corrosion, missing mortar and settling early avoids overflows, sinkholes and emergency repairs.
Plan and budget
Consistent condition data lets you rank structures and schedule rehab over several budget years.
Keep records
Photos, scans and coded reports document condition over time for asset management and regulators.
What a Manhole Inspection Looks For
A thorough inspection covers every part of the structure, from the lid down to the channel.
Frame, cover & chimney
Cracked or loose castings, worn seats, deteriorated adjusting rings and surface settlement.
Cone & walls
Cracks, spalling, exposed aggregate, missing mortar, root intrusion and active leaks or staining.
Joints & seams
Offset or open joints between sections where soil and water commonly enter.
Benches & channels
Eroded benches, debris, sediment buildup and channel damage that slows flow.
Pipe connections
Gaps, leaks and damage where pipes enter the structure, plus drop connections.
Steps & corrosion
Corroded or missing steps, and hydrogen sulfide damage to concrete and brick.
What Is NASSCO MACP?
MACP is NASSCO’s Manhole Assessment Certification Program. It is part of the same family as PACP for pipelines and LACP for laterals, and gives inspectors a common way to code and report the condition of manholes.
The goal is consistent data that system owners can use to identify, plan, prioritize and manage renovation based on condition. Look for equipment and software that can produce MACP-style inspection reports.
- Program
- Manhole Assessment Certification Program
- Related programs
- PACP (pipelines) and LACP (laterals)
- Training
- Trainer-led, in person or virtual
- Certification
- Valid for 3 years, then recertify
Surface vs. Entry
Two ways to inspect a manhole, and why many crews now start at the surface.
Surface inspection
- Camera or scanner lowered from the top, no one enters
- Faster per structure, with less setup and traffic control
- Records images or a 3D scan for review and reporting
- Keeps crews out of confined spaces
Entry inspection
- Trained personnel enter the structure
- Requires confined space training, gas monitoring and rescue gear
- Takes longer and carries more risk
- Still used where hands-on access is needed
What to Look For in a Manhole Inspection System
Image quality
High resolution video or scans that show cracks and joints clearly.
Lighting
Even, bright lighting for dark, deep or wet structures.
Reporting
Software that organizes findings and exports MACP-style reports with photos.
Ease of use
Quick setup, a rugged build and a pole or mount that fits your trucks.
Signs a Manhole Needs Attention
Any of these is a good reason to inspect.
Who Uses Manhole Inspection Equipment
Anyone responsible for keeping sewer and storm systems working.
Manhole Inspection FAQ
What is a manhole inspection?
It is a documented review of a manhole’s condition, including the frame and cover, cone, walls, joints, bench, channel and pipe connections, so problems can be found and ranked for repair.
Do you have to enter the manhole to inspect it?
No. Surface systems like the RinnoVision RV-MAX and Owl Vision lower a 360° camera into the structure from the top, which keeps personnel out of a confined space.
How long does a manhole inspection take with a 360 camera?
With the RinnoVision RV-MAX, one operator can capture a full 360° inspection in about 1 to 3 minutes per manhole from the surface.
How often should manholes be inspected?
Many owners work on a multi-year cycle and inspect sooner after rain events, complaints or visible surface problems. Follow your own program and local requirements.
What is MACP?
MACP is NASSCO’s Manhole Assessment Certification Program, a standard way to code and report manhole condition. It sits alongside PACP for pipelines and LACP for laterals.
What is the difference between RinnoVision and POSM with Owl Vision?
RinnoVision RV-MAX cameras capture 4K 360° video and 3D point clouds, and Pallon AI can detect and code defects. POSM is NASSCO-certified inspection software for PACP, LACP and MACP, and Owl Vision is the 360° manhole camera and ruggedized control box built to work with it.
What causes manhole defects?
Common causes include age, ground movement, traffic loading, freeze and thaw cycles, ground water, roots and corrosive gases.
Can I get funding for manhole inspection equipment?
Many cities pay for inspection equipment with grants, low-rate loans or buying contracts. See our Funding page or call 855-JET-TOOL and we will walk you through the options.
Ready to Compare Manhole Inspection Systems?
Tell us about your structures and your reporting needs and we will set up a demo of RinnoVision or POSM & Owl Vision. Ask about grants, low-rate loans and buying contracts.
