According to Mach9, a startup founded in 2021, part of the solution is in furnishing infrastructure providers with better information about the physical world. The company is using AI to convert mobile lidar (light detection and ranging, a type of imaging technology) scans into 2D and 3D engineering models at a fraction of the cost and time than standard processes. This means that utility companies, engineering firms, construction companies, and others can make timely progress on massive infrastructure projects, know where to direct capital for upgrades, or just better understand the assets under their stewardship.