New Wearable System Paves Way for Mobile Mapping for Mainstream Use in Surveying

NavVis, a pioneer of indoor spatial intelligence technology and enterprise solutions, has announced the launch of NavVis VLX, a wearable mapping system that captures high-quality data in even the most complex built environments such as construction sites, stairwells and small technical rooms. The all-in-one reality-capture capabilities of NavVis VLX include both survey-grade point clouds and high-resolution panoramas. The combination of high-quality data capture and a compact, economical design will transform the way AEC projects are captured with fast, efficient scanning for BIM and CAD applications, while also extending the scope of projects to new deliverables such as web-based digital twins.... (read more)

2020-05-13 03:24:38

The Evolution of the Smart Surveyor

5 Trends Affecting Surveying, Bringing about the Next-generation Surveyor

Surveyors are a versatile and flexible bunch. As the current COVID-19 situation has proven, this group, like others, has had to find new ways of operating. As illustrated by this article itself, which was originally planned as a presentation called 'Sensor Fusion for the Smart Surveyor' at the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Working Week 2020, adapting to a new platform for information sharing is becoming the new normal. In FIG Commission 5 – Positioning and Measurement and FIG Commission 6 – Engineering Surveys, the focus is an ever-evolving adoption of new technologies and integrating methods with various instruments and... (read more)

2020-05-08 02:17:02

Drone Roof Surveys and Aerial Inspections

Roof surveys and building inspections using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or 'drones') 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, UK, 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... (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

How Digitalization in the Construction Industry Drives the Geospatial Business Forward

In a recent survey among geospatial surveyors, the growth in construction, infrastructure and urban planning is revealed as an important role of the optimistic outlook for the geospatial industry. Increasing investments in large infrastructure and construction projects, and the rise of building information modelling (BIM), are expected to bring bright prospects both for geospatial equipment manufacturers as geospatial service providers. The survey was conducted by 'GIM International', the leading publication for mapping and surveying professionals worldwide. In the GIM International study, a relatively high number of surveying companies mentioned the AEC and infrastructure markets as areas where they foresee the biggest possibilities... (read more)

2020-02-26 01:18:08

Taking Full Advantage of the Benefits of UAS Technology

Leveraging UAS technology across surveying and engineering sectors is demanding. Meeting the expectations of accuracy and accountability requires the best in expertise, methodology and equipment. The latest unmanned aerial system (UAS) photogrammetric hardware and software now enables surveyors to capture millions of survey measurements on the ground, where they would previously have measured only hundreds. It is essential to have the best-quality equipment, software and workflows to ensure this data is accurate, robust and defensible for professional use. Geosyntec is a leading consulting and engineering firm that works with private and public sector clients to address new ventures and complex... (read more)

2019-06-25 10:58:53

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

UAVs: Where to Focus on Next?

New Technologies Require New Knowledge and Regulations

In June 2018, RSPSoc's 'Photogrammetric Record' publication devoted 11 pages to determining which term they would use for drones. They ultimately decided on ‘unmanned aircraft system’ or ‘UAS’. However, the mere fact that this required 11 pages goes some way towards highlighting the complexity and cross-discipline potential that drones bring, not only to the remote sensing industry but also for multiple other uses, writes Peter Kinghan. Over the past decade we have seen a number of drone uses come through the tried-and-tested period, resulting in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) becoming a proven technology for a range of industries and professions,... (read more)

2020-02-10 08:38:39

Rapid Site Surveys Using SLAM Technology

Access All Areas: Geomatics Systems for the Future

The difficulties of undertaking geospatial surveys, particularly in 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