Ordnance Survey Demonstrates BIM Potential with Pioneering Project in Singapore

By combining building information modelling (BIM) with geospatial technologies, Ordnance Survey (OS) is breaking down barriers in Singapore. OS has spent two years in the Southeast-Asian nation championing the use of BIM data and its potential to transform urban planning. Britain’s mapping agency lent its expertise to a project with the University of Singapore and the Singaporean government that aims to make Singapore a world leader in smart technology. OS’s role was to develop data processing and 3D data modelling to help Singapore plan its future city more effectively. It contributed knowledge about the CityGML data model, an exchange compatible with... (read more)

2019-11-06 10:46:45

Drone Roof Surveys and Aerial Inspections

Drone roof surveys and UAV building inspection have become a more efficient data collection process for many building and construction projects, compared to traditional ground-based methods. Major cost savings and speed of collection are the main reasons why an increasing number of companies are using drone mapping software. Drone Photography Services, based in Cornwall, England, uses various DJI drones with zoom cameras and the latest software to deliver efficient, high-quality surveying and mapping data. Drones are not practical in all surveying applications, but the company has recently done surveys of a church roof and structure for an architectural practice both... (read more)

2019-11-19 10:23:13

The Role of Surveyors in the Evolution of BIM

Building information modelling (BIM) is becoming more commonplace within construction sectors globally, combining technology with improved collaboration to better manage projects and give them the best chance of complying with time and budget constraints. However, the BIM life cycle and efforts to espouse it are almost futile if surveying is taken out of the equation or, more realistically, brought in too late. It can be good to have a structure that is successfully using BIM to be delivered on time and within budget, but if it or any of its components are in the wrong position the consequences can be... (read more)

2019-09-09 10:25:08

Tell the World: We Are More than Scan-to-BIM

Building information modelling (BIM) will be a growing opportunity for the surveying and spatial industry, providing we focus more on adding value to BIM and concentrate on what we can offer to other industries thanks to BIM rather than merely preparing it. Opportunities in digital twins, smart buildings, smart infrastructures and smart cities require more than just BIM as data. The surveying and spatial industry will not benefit from this growing market without fully realizing the BIM market opportunity and providing advocacy, leadership and education in BIM. Scan-to-BIM is promising but even more lies beyond With the increasing availability of... (read more)

2019-08-22 10:03:30

Leighton Davies

Leighton Davies, Regional Business Manager for Geopositioning at Topcon Positioning GroupWith over 22 years’ experience at Topcon, Leighton has built up a wealth of expertise in geospatial and surveying technologies. He joined the Topcon team in Great Britain in 1997, specialising in selling robotic total stations, and in 2010 he made the transition to the EMEA team, becoming survey products sales manager. He is now the regional business manager for northern and western Europe and South Africa. (read more)

2019-12-11 03:02:52

Rapid Site Surveys Using SLAM Technology

Access All Areas: Geomatics Systems for the Future

The difficulties of undertaking geospatial surveys, particularly within unstable buildings or underground environments, are well documented. However, the pressure to collect accurate, real-time data within strict timelines has certainly intensified in recent years. With increasingly tight deadlines coupled with strict budgets, conducting surveys of hard-to-access sites can be a real challenge for engineering and construction firms. This article explains how new innovations in building information modelling (BIM) are providing an answer with the aid of simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) technology. As engineering and construction firms grapple with issues such as skills shortages, robust safety regulations and fierce competition for contracts,... (read more)

2018-10-24 04:26:50

RIEGL Strengthens Terrestrial Market Presence in North America

RIEGL, the Austrian manufacturer of high-end laser scanning solutions, recently has announced the expansion of their terrestrial Lidar presence in North America with the introduction of their new distribution partner, SITECH South. The cooperation further strengthens both companies’ terrestrial market presence on the continent with a strong focus in the construction and surveying industries, helping to diversify the portfolios of both organizations. Operating out of their office in Smyrna, Georgia, SITECH South joins a distinguished group of RIEGL partners helping to promote the RIEGL brand. A reseller of precision technology for civil engineering and construction, SITECH South has a large... (read more)

2019-12-02 09:45:08

James Crawford

James Crawford is a research associate at Ordnance Survey currently working in Singapore. He has worked at OS since 2007 in various capacities and has successfully delivered improvements relating to core geospatial information processing, data standards and development activities. (read more)

2018-07-11 10:43:49

Integrating the ‘Constructioneering’ Workflow Together

The How and Why of the Topcon and Bentley Partnership

Digitalisation and new technologies with the ability to revolutionise the geospatial industry are creating a new playing field for mapping and surveying professionals. This evolving landscape is also reshaping the industry, with new entrants gaining ground and established players seeking to collaborate and combine their specialist areas of expertise in order to offer a total solution. Wim van Wegen, content manager of ‘GIM International’, met with Ted Lamboo, senior vice president of strategic partners at Bentley Systems, and Ewout Korpershoek, executive vice president at Topcon Positioning Systems, at Bentley’s 2017 Year in Infrastructure Conference in Singapore. They discussed the partnership between... (read more)

2018-02-07 11:36:08

3D Modelling for Construction

This article introduces topics on the state of the art comparing photogrammetry and Lidar for 3D modelling for construction. The advantages and disadvantages of both will be highlighted in terms of accuracy, complexity and cost. Breaking away from laser measurement in construction is a taboo subject perhaps hampering the use of photogrammetry. In construction aerial survey has enormous time saving benefits for measuring groundwork areas. Data can be used for asset classification, construction validation as well as health and safety. In particular regular scans provide a time series of work in progress to detect new issues, managing risk rather than... (read more)

2019-10-15 03:28:52