Reporter Magazine 66 by Antonis An

The Global Magazine of Leica Geosystems

Dear Readers, Capturing and processing three-dimensional data is an essential part of modern geodesy and is becoming increasingly important in other industries as well. The questions are less about data volume and more about how data is processed and what projects it is used in. In this edition of the Reporter I am very pleased to once again present a number of exciting contributions about how our customers and partners use our wide array of products. This time the scope ranges from automatic agricultural track guidance to the Leica 3D Disto and how it greatly increased the productivity of a cabinetmaker firm. The film and video game industry has also started using Leica Geosystems and the reliability of Leica Geosystems equipment in extreme climates was proven once again both in the high humidity of a cave network in Malaysia and the freezing cold of the Arctic. My personal favorite in this edition though, is the article “A Perfect Workflow”, describing how Leica Geosystems solutions and those of our sister company Intergraph complemented each other perfectly to complete a high-profile 3D Laserscanning project. Our parent company Hexagon provides us with the opportunity to work together on innovations, each company contributing its core competencies and together creating a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. The company Fenstermaker in the USA is one of our customers and partners that profit from this. “Think Forward!” is the motto of the Hexagon 2012 user conference in Las Vegas from 4 –7 June. I look forward to seeing you there, but until then, I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Reporter.

CONTENTS

Editorial

03 A Perfect Workflow 06 On Arctic Ice Floes 08 GNSS to Study Seabirds’ Island 10 Perfection for Agriculture 12 Controlling The Bow 15 The Underground World of Mulu 18 With Glass Millimeters Matter 20 Highest Precision and no Waste 22 Surveying for the Movies 25 Smooth Road to the Games 26 Climate – the Answers are in the Soil 28 Modeling the World's Deepest Mine 30 Heavy Loads on Weak Foundations

Imprint Reporter: Leica Geosystems customer magazine Published by: Leica Geosystems AG, CH-9435 Heerbrugg Editorial office: Leica Geosystems AG, 9435 Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Phone +41 71 727 34 08, reporter@leica-geosystems.com Contents responsible: Agnes Zeiner (Director Communications) Editor: Konrad Saal, Agnes Zeiner Publication details: The Reporter is published in English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, twice a year. Reprints and translations, including excerpts, are subject to the editor’s prior permission in writing.

Juergen Dold CEO Leica Geosystems

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A Perfect Workflow by Ryan J. Fuselier

Fenstermaker began as a small, regional surveying company in 1950. It has since become one of the largest surveying and mapping companies in the southern United States, known for its commitment to finding solutions to the most complex mapping and surveying challenges. The Advanced Technologies Division formed in 2008 offers specialized field services, including Underwater Acoustic Imaging (UAI) and HighDefinition Surveying (HDS) to provide topside and underwater as-built mapping services to the oil and gas industry. The combination and synergistic working relationship allows Fenstermaker to deliver high-resolution 3D visualization, accuracy, and detail on projects that are not possible using traditional survey methods. Fenstermaker began laser scanning in 2006, prior to establishing the Advanced Technologies Division, with the help of Joe Lafranca from Leica Geosystems. The first laser scanning project was a Pump Station and 9.6â&#x20AC;&#x2030;km (6â&#x20AC;&#x2030;mi) topographic survey traversing Lake Shore Drive in New Orleans. At the time,

Fenstermaker relied on Leica Cyclone 3D Point Cloud Processing Software, Leica CloudWorx for AutoCAD for 3D Model extraction from point cloud, and other modeling systems. From this project we understood how the scanning capabilities could be of value to the oil and gas industry. In 2007, we completed a laser scan of a Georgia Gulf facility and implemented the first seat of Intergraph CADWorx plant design suite operating on top of AutoCAD to model and generate 2D spool isometrics for fabrication. Since it was our first chemical facility, we had to address several field and office challenges. In the office, we streamlined our workflow between Leica Cyclone, CloudWorx, and Intergraph CADWorx. Leica Cyclone generated steel, CloudWorx extracted pipe centerlines, and Intergraph CADWorx added the intelligence.

As-Built Modeling After the Gulf project, we began testing the use of laser scanning with traditional total stations in dimensional control projects that required high tolerances such as the large-scale fabrication of steel structures or modules, and even jumper and hub

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alignments. We’ve taken all these tools – the scanners and total stations, Cyclone and CloudWorx from Leica Geosystems, and Intergraph CADWorx – and created our own synergistic workflow that is more efficient than conventional methods and allows us to develop high accuracy, intelligent design models for our clients. In one recent project, a large oil and gas company tasked with making upgrades to their existing infrastructure solicited our group to develop an as-built model of an offshore platform located 50 miles off the Gulf Coast. Our scope was to map the existing structure on the topside and second sub-level of the platform, with particular attention to pre-identified tie points and general information along potential pipe routes and proposed equipment locations. The data needed to be delivered to within 3 mm (0.12 in) accuracy for tie points and to an as-built model classification Fenstermaker defines as Class A – Level 1. Class A – Level 1 means tie point and fabrication grade accuracy with specification-driven intelligence added to every modeled component. In terms of timeline, the client directed that field data collection on the platform had to be completed in two days, including mobilization.

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Traditional methods simply wouldn’t have worked. Conventional techniques such as prisms and total stations would have yielded accurate but limited results, while costing the client more time and posing a greater safety risk. Instead, we put in place our entire scanning/modeling workflow – from Leica HDS scanner to Leica Cyclone/Intergraph CADWorx/ Leica CloudWorx software – to make this project a success.

Advanced Workflow Once we had the schedule coordinated with the client, we sent a two-man survey crew in a helicopter with a Leica Geosystems HDS6000 laser scanner to map the 14 x 14 m (45 x 45 ft) portion of the upper and sub-level deck of the platform. On the first day, the crew completed the upper deck in nine scans and set control for the lower deck. The next day the crew completed seven scans on the lower deck and mobilized back to headquarters. Once back at the office, the survey team post-processed and registered the scan data within Leica Cyclone software. Main structural and pipe supporting steel was modeled and used to set the project coordinate system and Leica TruViews were published.

TruViews allow everyday professionals to easily view and measure laser point cloud data without extensive knowledge of point cloud software. While navigating a Leica TruView, participants can collaborate about project needs, generate markups, manage assets, and acquire 3D coordinate data and measurements.

Modeling Synergy The model was exported using the Cyclone Object Exchange (COE) format to AutoCAD. Our designers launched Leica CloudWorx within AutoCAD to model the piping elements, flanges, and equipment along with specification-driven intelligence.

Looking Ahead Fenstermaker plans to continue to capitalize on their success and work experience to build cutting edge solutions in the oil and gas service sector. So many companies and facilities are only scratching the surface in bridging the gap between data and management. We are in a unique position having extensive knowledge of how a synergistic network exists between the as-built and design world. One day in the near future our clients will enter a feature rich Ecosystem with bi-directional communication between project management, design, construction, asset management, and training all powered by the point cloud engine.

Intergraph CADWorx and Leica CloudWorx complement each other well, both being menu driven programs within the native AutoCAD environment. The synergy between these two programs is evident in terms of functionality and our overall workflow efficiency. Used together, we can develop an intelligent asset model of existing conditions from which designers can build the most effective and efficient retrofit and upgrade for the facility. This ensures zero to no rework upon installation.

About the author: Ryan J. Fuselier, P.E., P.L.S., is Director of the Advanced Technologies Division at Fenstermaker. (ryan@fenstermaker.com)

Because the data from the Leica Geosystems HDS6000 laser scanner was so accurate and comprehensive, underlying structural deformation was uncovered.

Following the acquisition by Hexagon in 2010, Intergraph® is a sister company of Leica Geosystems. Intergraph operates through two divisions: Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I) and Process, Power & Marine (PP&M).

During the modeling process, we could see the main deck structural steel deformation and notify the client. We were able to report this vertical deformation in a color relief map of the entire upper section of the platform. With this visual and analytical data, smart decisions could be made by the client concerning corrective measures for reinforcing or replacing the structural components in the area to handle the proposed skid load. These unforeseen deformations could have presented serious installation delays but were able to be addressed prior to equipment mobilization. As a final deliverable, the client wanted Fenstermaker’s SurvDMS (Data Management System) product with a specific interest in an intelligent as-built 3D model. SurvDMS is a portal for serving all project related deliverables to include TruViews, monument data sheets, 3D models, and engineering/construction drawings.

Intergraph’s Process, Power & Marine division creates solutions that enable the design, construction, and operation of process and power plants, offshore platforms, and ships, and provides the information management capabilities to build and operate those facilities. The company’s leadership position is backed by a proven track record of high-quality product development, a global customer base of industry leaders, and a worldwide sales and support network. Intergraph Process, Power & Marine’s business is based on a strong financial foundation and steady growth. More than two-thirds of the plants built worldwide are designed using Intergraph software.

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On Arctic Ice Floes by David Mainwaring

The Cambridge doctoral students Till Wagner and Nick Toberg spent a month last summer surveying the dimensions and properties of the thin floating ice floes in the wilds of the Arctic between Svalbard and Greenland aboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. The aim of the expedition was to collect data that would provide firsthand insights into local ice conditions in September, the period of most rapid melt. The gathered data will also be helpful to remote sensing scientists to validate satellite measurements and to global climate modelers to provide more accurate input for their simulations. To ensure success, they needed just the right total station to tie in snowdepth readings, aerial imagery, and drilling sites with their 3D laser scanner data, and to produce low resolution surveys of the ice topography.

invaluable, and they certainly know where to turn for equipment for their next expedition.

The right Surveying Equipment “The total station was exactly what we needed,” Till said. “We're not trained surveyors, so to be able to essentially ‘plug and play’ with it was really important. We were able to use the total station in snowy conditions, on moving ice floes, and in temperatures of as low as - 12 °C (10 °F). Despite the conditions, it was able to reference our positions and provide us with scan points.” The scientists received guidance and training on the equipment from Opti-cal Surveying Equipment. Till explained, “Before the expedition, David from Optical came up to us in Cambridge and showed us exactly how it worked and what we needed to do with it to take the specific measurements we needed.”

Measuring the Thickness When scientists Till Wagner and Nick Toberg needed a total station to take with them on an ice-surveying expedition to the Arctic, they turned to UK’s Leica Geosystems authorized dealer Opti-cal Survey Equipment Ltd for some advice on what to take. Opti-cal Surveying Equipment Ltd provided the pair with a Leica TPS1200+ total station for their mission, working with a Leica Viva Controller. Since completing the expedition and beginning the process of making sense of the measurements, Till has said that the device – and the support they got – was absolutely

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Experts say the thinning of ice over the past decades may lead to an ice-free summer in 2020. “What the satellite radar sees is just the part of the ice that is above water. Since about nine tenths of the ice is underwater there is a huge margin of error,” said Till Wagner. “That's what we went there for: to get a better handle on how thick the ice actually is.” The simplicity of the total station meant they were able to easily switch off its standard auto leveling facility. On solid ground the auto leveling is a huge

Nick Toberg sets up a Leica TPS1200+ Total Station in front of the “Arctic Sunrise”.

help for most surveyors but, when the ground is a constantly moving ice floe, the option to switch it off came in very handy. They were using the total station to match up the different depth measurements they had taken with the GPS positions to give them the information necessary for their studies into the mechanics and evolution of thin sea ice sheets.

But ship's crew and scientists were richly rewarded for their efforts, not merely with the success of their measurements but equally by the stunning beauty of the arctic ocean; the endless fields of untouched ice; and encounters with dolphins, ivory gulls, and polar bears (the latter thankfully always from the safety of the ship).

The detailed survey of the structure of broken up and refrozen ice sheets will make it possible to better understand the effects of winds and currents on their motion and deformation. The study provides a link between the micro scale physics of ice crystals and the large scale physics of vast ice fields.

With another arctic expedition planned for next year, Till said that the TPS1200+ is an instrument that they would certainly consider taking again, as it afforded them many advantages that other brands of device had fallen down on, including being easy to use, light-weight, and very durable.

An Enriching Expedition

About the author: David Mainwaring is a land and minerals surveyor. After his graduation he started as a Technical Sales representative at Leica Geosystems. Now he undertakes the same role at Leica Geosystems’ authorized dealer Opti-cal Survey Equipment Ltd. (www.surveyequipment.com) (david@surveyequipment.com)

The measurements were taken on ice floes within a mile of the open water edge, which meant the survey sites were subject to significant wave motion. Add dense fog, interspersed with heavy snowfall and chilling winds and you are working in challenging conditions. Conditions that called for a steady supply of hot tea, warm gloves, and robust scientific equipment.

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GNSS to Study Seabirds’ Island by Luís Santos

Several hundred kilometers to the south of Madeira lie the Savage Islands (Ilhas Selvagens), home to some rare species of seabirds. This untouched ecosystem is a sanctuary for the marine birds that come here to breed. But the peaceful appearance can be deceiving, as climate change appears to be having an effect on the birds’ behavior. A Leica Geosystems GNSS reference station with several connected meteorological sensors is supporting ornithologists’ research on this remote island. At the beginning of 2011, Leica Geosystems provided a turnkey GNSS reference station solution to DRIGOT (Regional Directorate for Geographic Information and Land Planning) to be installed on the remote island of Selvagem Grande. In August, after discussing and solving all of the logistics aspects, DRIGOT’s

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team travelled to the island to install the GNSS reference station and other components. As there is no regular transport to get there, the team got a 14 hour lift with the Portuguese Navy. Since there is also no electricity on Selvagem Grande, a custom designed solar/wind system was built to supply all system components with sufficient power. According to the consumption needs of each sensor, a set of three solar panels was included, as well as two gel batteries to maintain system power overnight. An originally planned wind generator was dropped from the power supply system due to the high risk of putting the local young bird population at risk through its presence and noise. A Leica GRX1200 Pro receiver and a Leica AR25 choke-ring antenna were installed and connected to the autonomous power supply. Furthermore, the solution included a MET4 meteo station. GNSS and

meteo data are pushed via the satellite Internet connection to the Leica GNSS Spider server installed at the DRIGOT headquarters in Funchal (Madeira), which also manages the Madeira GNSS network REPGRAM. The GNSS raw data collected on the island is of major relevance to geodynamic studies of the region, as it represents the behavior between Madeira and the Canary Islands. This data is used for scientific purposes by Portuguese universities as well as some international institutions and universities, such as EUREF and IGS. Since the meteorological data was one of the main products demanded in this project, a high accuracy meteorological sensor, the Paroscientific MET4, was installed on site. Temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity are recorded every 10 minutes, and are a fundamental tool for all major scientific studies taking place on the island, in particular ornithological studies. The global climate has warmed up, and all models point towards this being the trend for decades to come. These changes in climate are affecting the distribution and phenology of countless species. It is vital to study and better know the links between these changes and the behavior, physiology, and demography of top predators, such as Cory’s Shearwater. The demographic data collected over the past 30 years on Selvagem Grande Island will be correlated with past climate data to better understand the demographic responses of the Cory’s Shearwater population. In the future, with the availability of very accurate meteo data, the main task will be to create new models that help better understand the population trends, to be used as a reference point for future comparisons. The preliminary analysis of the GNSS data collected reveals that the Leica GRX1200 Pro and the Leica AR25 choke-ring antenna are providing GNSS measurements of superior quality. About the author: Luís Santos is a Surveying Engineer and is a Leica Geosystems GNSS and HDS Product Specialist in Portugal. (luis.santos@leica-geosystems.com) Maria João Seiça Neves ist Regional Director at DRIGOT. (mjoaoneves.sra@gov-madeira.pt)

Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve The Selvagens (“Wild”) Islands are situated in the North Atlantic, 163 nautical miles from Madeira Island, including three volcanic islands, Selvagem Grande, Selvagem Pequena and Ilhéu de Fora. The terrestrial and marine biodiversity of the Selvagens Islands as well as the importance of their habitats make these islands a unique Nature Reserve. The fauna of the Selvagens Islands is diversified, mostly for nesting birds. The nature reserve is a refuge for an interesting community of several species of seabirds such as Cory’s Shearwater, the largest colony of this species in the world, White-faced Storm-petrel, one of the largest populations in the Atlantic and forms the northern boundary of the species distribution, Bulwer’s Petrel and Madeiran Storm-petrel. More information about Madeira´s protected areas can be found at: www.pnm.pt More information about Madeira can be found at: www.geocidmadeira.com For more information about the Madeira’s GNSS reference service REPGRAM, please visit: www.repgram.org.pt

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Perfection for Agriculture by Konrad Saal

Precise Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are established tools for geodesy, but these heavenly helpers also come to the aid of farmers by enabling automatic steering systems. “Precision farming” describes giant tractors, combine harvesters, or other agricultural machinery steered by an invisible hand, humming along for miles on the wide-open fields of our planet. An image that doesn’t quite fit with the picture of small, mountainous Switzerland. But could these precision auto-steer systems also be used efficiently in a country where only about 24 per cent of the land is under cultivation, most of it hilly or steep? Farmer Marius Frei from Gut Lenzberg near Frauenfeld in Canton Thurgau has approximately 40 ha (100 acres) of arable land and is fascinated by the use of precise auto-steer systems: “I love technological aids that are simple and useful.” The curiosity of this technology inspired farmer was particularly aroused

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by the fact that Leica Geosystems, a leading manufacturer of surveying solutions, also provides autosteer systems for agriculture. It had been clear to him for some time that satellite-based technology would soon have a significant role to play in Swiss agriculture. He installed a Leica mojoRTK auto-steer system on the tractor he uses to prepare the fields for March sowing of sugar beet and potato planting. In autumn, he uses the automatic guidance system to sow his winter wheat. The non-overlapping steering control of his farming machinery saves on fuel, wear and tear, and time. Besides, it’s nice to sit on board a tractor that’s always on track – without the driver having to intervene. And of course, productivity and quality stay the same at night. Ever since, the rows of seed on Marius Frei's fields look as if they have been set out with a string line. He has since turned his passion for agricultural technology into a second source of income and has successfully been marketing Leica Geosystems agricultural solutions since 2010. Now he employs the systems on his tractors not only for daily tasks in his

In Switzerland, guidance systems are particularly interesting for vegetable farmers, as shown here for potato planting.

fields but also for tests, and his customers receive practical demonstrations in addition to the usual sales talk, service, and advice. “From a commercial point of view, auto-steer systems are primarily of interest to vegetable farmers, as they spend many hours a year tending their crops,” says Marius Frei. His customers also include farming contractors, who use the auto-steer system for sowing and soil preparation. “All my customers are impressed by the automatic guidance systems,” he explains. On the roof of his house and 25 km away in Kloten he has his own base stations, which transmit correction data to ensure precision steering. The antennas mounted on the agricultural machines receive this correction data. He is happy to provide this service to customers working in the fields near both stations. He recently installed a Leica mojo3D with mojoXact on another tractor. This successor model to the acclaimed Leica mojoRTK has a large, clear display, allowing settings to be made conveniently via the touch screen. Moreover, the system supports many steering templates, including freehand shapes, which can be saved alongside the details of the areas worked and the field’s boundaries. And should any of his customers need help, Marius Frei can assist them by means of the remote maintenance feature.

The requirements for auto-steering systems in mountainous Switzerland are incomparably higher than in flatter countries, which is why his customers will benefit greatly from Leica mojoXact. Thanks to Leica Geosystems patented terrain compensation this upgrade option provides even greater precision in RTK positioning. “My fellow countrymen's liking for precision and perfection even extends to the rows of seeds in their fields,” says Frei with a smile. The auto-steer systems can also operate the automatic part-width section control on these machines. This saves seed because overlapping is reduced and every part of the field receives the right amount of fertilizer. “I will be sowing corn in my fields this year with an automatic part-width section control,” says Frei. For other applications – not just in agriculture – he looks forward to a bright future: “In the fall we will be preparing football pitches and sports fields with the help of Leica Geosystems automatic partwidth section control.” About the author: Konrad Saal is a Surveying Engineer and Manager Marketing Communications at Leica Geosystems AG in Heerbrugg, Switzerland. (konrad.saal@leica-geosystems.com)

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Controlling The Bow by Vicki Speed

The Bow, with construction costs at an estimated 1.5 billion Canadian dollars, is the largest office space in Calgary and the tallest building in Canada outside of Toronto. During the construction of a skyscraper as complex as the Bow, the structure will temporarily lose its exact verticality and the building will tilt, contract, and expand. To ensure the functionality of such a complex and innovative design, MMM Geomatics, Ledcor Construction, and steel fabricators/ erectors Supreme Walters Joint Venture, established an innovative â&#x20AC;&#x153;neutralâ&#x20AC;? building control network that combined leading-edge technologies, advances in geomatics methodology, and rigorous quality control and quality assurance procedures to deliver precise real-time data. In advance of construction, MMM, with help from long time survey equipment supplier, Spatial Technologies Inc., selected the right equipment to establish a comprehensive horizontal and vertical building control network that would allow precise survey layout both on and off the structure. The primary level of horizontal control consisted of three external framework control stations. These reference stations were installed on solid infrastructure, such as bridge abutments, nearby and located at adequate distances from any development for maximum marker stability. The primary horizontal

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project control was established using a combination of conventional and static GPS observation techniques.

Real-time Response Two continuously operating GPS reference stations were selected as well and acted as a reference for the external framework control. The GPS stations continuously streamed real-time kinematic data and constantly recorded raw GPS phase and code data for precise post-processing applications. MMM further established an external rooftop control network that consisted of 12 Leica Geosystems professional 360 degree prisms, tribrachs, and carriers located on existing buildings near the site. GPS antennas were attached to the top of the prisms to allow for static GPS observations on these control markers. At three-month intervals, MMM performed a complete static GPS survey that involved simultaneous occupation of all rooftop prisms and framework control markers. In addition, conventional angles, distances, and spirit-leveled observations were combined with the GPS position differences in the network adjustment. After each survey, the network was re-adjusted and statistically significant coordinate updates, if any, were published. Finally, MMM established a floor control system on each level of the structure as it was constructed. The floor control system included a series of at least six horizontal control stations, which were used for all

subsequent layouts on the floor, including building elements such as atrium steel, edge-of-slab, curtain wall, elevator shafts, and project gridlines. These stations were monumented on the ground floor concrete surface and subsequently transferred vertically to each floor via laser plummet and validated by an extensive survey and data quality control process via least squares adjustment. MMM selected two Leica TCRP1201 and one Leica TS30 0.5â&#x20AC;&#x2030;â&#x20AC;? precision motorized total stations for all precise setting-out activities on site. The Leica TS30 was used for applications where stringent accuracy was required, including the establishment of floor control for subsequent use by all trades. The established control served as the primary horizontal reference for all future layout by all trades within the tower.

Displacement and Deviation Perhaps the most innovative technique employed on the project was the use of a network of Leica Nivel220 inclination sensors to track and correct for any deviation from a neutral plumb state due to natural or man-made forces. Natural forces that might impact the structure include wind, which creates building drag, and solar effects, which cause temperature-related variation in steel

and concrete. Artificial forces, caused by differential raft slab settlement and crane loading, yielded unbalanced loading on the structure. The period of the building movements varied and consisted of a combination of short-term, daily, and seasonal durations. Surveyors have used inclinometer instrumentation on some of the most innovative and complex skyscraper projects in the world. MMM worked closely with Spatial Technologies Inc., as well as other Leica Geosystems experts, to evaluate and test the Leica Nivel technology and conduct short surveyor training programs as needed, for use on the Bow project. The Leica Nivel220 inclinometer is a two-axis highprecision tilt sensor with a resolution of 0.001 milliradians. The device uses an optoelectronic principle to accurately measure tilt and temperature in real time, and allows for continuous data logging. Inclination is measured from the true horizontal surface along the two orthogonal axes. The MMM survey team continuously monitored, validated, and compared the inclinometer-derived building deviations to deviations determined using conventional survey measurements from external fixed control.

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error when using GPS techniques in urban environments is signal blockage and multipath from surrounding buildings. As the BOW’s elevation increased, these effects were diminished as the building surpassed adjacent structures in height. In general, the layout using RTK GPS proved highly effective and accurate. As the structure continuously deviated from a neutral plumb state due to natural and man-made forces, it was necessary to account and correct for this displacement. Observations indicated that building deviations from the plumb line exceeded 50 mm (2.0 in) at times. The inclinometer network allowed for the correction of this deviation.

Continued monitoring of the structure, using the rooftop prism and framework control network, indicated that building movement started to gain significance at about level 36 of the tower. Once building displacement was proven to be greater than 20 mm in any direction, standard survey layout procedures were modified to account for the movement.

GPS survey procedures employed to position the steel columns included the occupation of each column center using nominal RTK observation times of two minutes. Structural displacement from the building’s neutral position was determined simultaneously using data from the inclinometer network. The inclinometer-determined displacements, during each two-minute GPS occupation, were then applied to the GPS positions to determine the actual movements of each column, thus accounting for the deviation of the structure from the vertical.

Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS techniques were employed to plumb the building columns above level 36. A major limiting factor and important source of

About the author: Vicki Speed is a freelance writer based in Littleton, Colorado/USA. (vickispeed1@comcast.net)

Rising Challenges

The Bow At 58-stories and 236 m (775 ft) high, the Bow skyscraper in downtown Calgary, Alberta is one of the tallest and most unique buildings in Canada, encompassing nearly two city blocks and 180,000 m² (1.9 million sq-ft) office and retail space. For the first time in a North American skyscraper, the structure incorporates a triangular diagrid system to create a crescent-shaped building design. The diagonal and vertical steel frame with triangular plates significantly reduces the overall steel weight, and the number and size of interior columns and thickness of the elevator shaft walls.

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The Bow will be the headquarters of EnCana Corporation, North America's second largest natural gas producer. The skyscraper is owned by H&R REIT, designed by Foster + Partners with development driven by Matthews Development (Alberta), and built by Ledcor Construction Ltd. More information at: www.the-bow.com

The Underground World of Mulu by Kevin Dixon

When the Internet seems to have all the answers and the earth is revealed in ever more detail, it is refreshing to find a part of the planet that is still being discovered, even after thirty years of exploratory expeditions. In Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia, what was created over millennia by water pushing through the limestone bedding and faults to find the quickest route to the sea is now a crystal underground world inhabited by bats and swifts. Surveying has been essential to the continuing discovery, providing maps to guide the explorers back to their starting point; showing potential new entrances as they approach the surface; and hinting at new discoveries as cave passages follow major faults, bedding planes, and drainage horizons. But what surveying technology and methods have survived this harsh environment to map this 3D maze? Conditions within Mulu are not ideal for surveying equipment, or people for that matter. The humidity is typically 100 % and the temperature 30 °C (86 °F). Getting to the caves still requires machete work

through rattan and vines; climbing through roots, dense undergrowth, and limestone pinnacles; wading through streams and mud; and frequent tropical storms. Most people stay fully covered, despite the heat and humidity, so as to avoid cuts and scratches that can quickly become infected. It also provides some protection against the leeches, horseflies, and mosquitoes. The success of early expeditions conducted by the “Mulu Caves Project” depended to a large extent upon good surveying. The surveys were needed not only to illustrate the amazing discoveries being made but also because much of the scientific program relied upon accurate surveying. Nearly all the cave passages were surveyed as they were discovered by small teams of two or three surveyors. The instruments typically used were compasses and clinometers with 30 m (100 ft) fibron tapes. Back at camp, survey drawing was limited to transferring notes onto graph paper with the help of a protractor and ruler. Later, programmable calculators made the task much easier. Field drawings were always limited to graph paper and were drawn up in ink and Letraset only after returning to the UK.

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Surveying Today – with Leica DISTO™ Laser Distance Meters The 2011 expedition had a number of ambitious goals over the scheduled six weeks, many of which were surveying related. Teams of 2 – 4 people did the surveying with one designated note-taker field sketching the cave and tabulating the readings on a waterproof notepad. A second person operated the instruments, shouting the readings to the note-taker. Leica DISTO™ DXT and DISTO™ D8 laser distance meters from Leica Geosystems were taken on the Mulu 2011 expedition in addition to compasses and clinometers. The DISTO™ D8 with a built-in clinometer meant we could reduce the number of clinometers used plus it had the advantage of greater inclination accuracy and could measure up to 200 m (656 ft). We had to avoid water and mud with the Leica DISTO™ D8 but it was worth it as we measured distances of up to 186 m (610 ft) to reflective targets, often using the Leica DISTO™ D8 digital pointfinder with our high-powered headlamps to identify distant

targets. By surveying extra long legs, we expected the accuracy to be improved compared to more traditional, shorter survey legs. It was the first time we used the Leica DISTO™ DXT. Its higher IP rating (IP65) meant greater resistance to mud and water. This was an advantage as we could keep the DISTO™ DXT slung around our necks, ready to use for quick measurements of passage dimensions – usually left and right walls, ceilings and floors in the direction of surveying. We used the same equipment and techniques for surface traversing to connect cave entrances to fixed control stations. A feature of both laser distance meters that was greatly appreciated was the internal memory, which allowed the note-taker to check results and avoid transcription errors.

Establishing Controls A dual frequency GPS receiver, a Leica SR530, was taken on the expedition to determine a set of consistent control points across the Mulu area, with particular emphasis on accurate height determination. Stations were determined by the availability of a clear sky for good satellite visibility, which in primary jungle is difficult to find. Some stations were set in clearings that had been made within the park by the local authorities for emergency evacuation by helicopter. One location, just outside the park boundaries, had been recently cleared by the indigenous population. Thankfully, satellite visibility was good and the survey did not have to be repeated. The static 30 second GPS data was Precise Point Positioned (PPP) by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, using their free online service. The resulting absolute position accuracies ranged from 0.02 to 1.09 m (0.8 to 42.9 in), with the majority at the 0.1 m (4 in) level or better. The 1.09 m (42.9 in) result was not unexpected. It was from the worst site for visibility at the Terikan River Resurgence with a narrow field of view above the river and a large cliff immediately to the east.

Expedition Summary

Robbie Shone drawing up the Mulu Caves.

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A total of 15.2 km (9.4 mi) of new cave passages were explored and surveyed, which included adding 13.4 km (8.3 mi) to the Clearwater System, making it 189 km (117.4 mi) long and the 8th longest cave in the world. Two new caves were found and surveyed. Eight geodetic GPS points were surveyed. A total of 26.2 million laser scan data points were collected from Deer Cave and Sarawak Chamber, traversing

3.4 km (2.1 mi) with 36 setups. Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest underground chamber, was photographed using Megaflash bulbs and a Panorama setup.

crystal speleothems, the formation of which is not yet understood. Large areas of Mulu limestone have no known cave. This is sure to spur future expeditions.

What takes people half way round the world to suffer, survey, and pay for the privilege? Curiosity and wonder seem to play a large part, knowing that you are the first person to explore and survey a place, finding out what is round the corner and discovering

About the author: Kevin Dixon is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Land Surveyor with a Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of York, UK, where he is based. (kdxn@yahoo.com)

The Mulu Caves Project and Gunung Mulu National Park The Mulu Caves Project is a collaboration between UK and Malaysian speleologists and the Sarawak Authorities in Malaysia. The expeditions are largely self-funded by the members and usually take place biannually. Preparations are lengthy and involve considerable assistance from the Sarawak Authorities, Sarawak Forestry Corporation officials, and National Park management. Gunung Mulu National Park is well worth a visit, especially taking a walk through Deer Cave before watching the evening exodus of the estimated 3 million bats. Several adventure cave trips with experienced

guides are also available, starting from the recently renovated park headquarters. Camp 5 is in a beautiful setting and is used as a base camp for viewing the razor sharp blades of the Limestone Pinnacles, some reaching higher than the rainforest canopy nestling between them. Much of the wildlife is nocturnal, a slow walk along a jungle trail at night is often well rewarded. Mulu has its own airport with regular flights from Miri and Kuching. (www.mulupark.com) A good collection of photographs for the Mulu region including caves and wildlife can be viewed at www.shonephotography.com.

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With Glass Millimeters Matter by Axel Wagner

“Trinity Leeds – your retail soulmate is coming …” This is the slogan on the website www.trinityleeds.com, announcing the planned opening of a major shopping center in the middle of the English city of Leeds in the spring of 2013. Consulting engineers GEOSYS-Eber provided surveying services to the German steelwork contractor in charge of erecting the giant steel and glass domed roof structure and several smaller roofs; a challenge that demanded top-class performance from the surveying engineers and the highest precision from their Leica TCRP1202+ total station. Construction of the Trinity Leeds shopping center started in May 2011 and the main domed roof was complete by the end of November. For the construction of the roof a 25 m (82 ft) high scaffolding, exactly matching the shape of the dome, had to be erected. Temporary props on the top of the scaffolding carried the load of the roof until the edge supports were installed. The extremely light and fine

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lines of the glass dome catch the eye immediately: all surfaces are rounded and mainly curved in two directions so that no regular geometrical shapes, such as segments of spheres, cylinders etc., could be used. The Cuplock scaffolding system was constructed with 1.30 x 1.30 m (4.3 x 4.3 ft) bays to follow the domed roof and provide a working space some 1.50 and 1.80 m (4.9 and 5.9 ft) high. Prefabricated frame units known on site as “ladders” were then assembled to form the domed shape. Longitudinal and transverse spars were welded together into frames with 15 x 15 x 15 cm (5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 in) solid steel blocks forming the nodes at the intersections. These conical, machined nodes were marked with a point on their top and bottom for which a “design coordinate” was calculated. The surveying engineer then had to ensure this coordinate was achieved as accurately as possible so the absolute position anywhere on the roof surface did not deviate from the design value by more than 20 mm (0.79 in). Still more stringent however was the required relative accuracy of the ladder infill bays, which had to accommodate the inserted

prefabricated glass panels - the tolerance here was only ± 2 mm (0.08 in). Since the Trinity development is part of the city’s pedestrian zone, the scheduled times for trucks delivering the 12 x 3 m (39 x 10 ft) ladders had to be met to the minute. Each transport movement had to take place within a 10-minute window and the trucks were unloaded immediately upon arrival to keep any obstruction of the inner city area to a minimum. One of the largest unknowns in this operation was the English weather, which from time to time blew our plans to the winds or almost drowned us. For the installation, the ladders had to be taken out of their vertical storage position and then placed down horizontally to be lifted by the crane. The cranes had lifting chains adjusted to the exact lengths required to set each ladder down on all its temporary props simultaneously. If this were not done precisely, the props would have given way like matchsticks, as they could only carry the weight by acting together. Once a ladder was within a few centimeters of its final position, it was secured with chain hoists and

immediately surveyed with the TCRP1202+ total station before being moved into place. This process could take up to half a day – depending on how accurately the ladder was prepositioned and, in particular, whether fabrication tolerances had been met. After the area had been covered with “ladders”, the edge tubes were connected to the permanent edge supports, which would then carry the loads. These edge tubes are curved steel tubes of up to 350 mm (14 in) in diameter, the inner chords of which are welded to the ladders. The bearing arms for the roof supports sit on the outer edges and the thrust bearing for the roof supports is formed with steel plates set into the building. The final stage was the phased removal of the temporary props. They were lowered millimeter by millimeter until the load of the giant glass dome was carried by the curved edge beams and the roof supports alone. About the author: Axel Wagner is an engineer with consulting engineers Geosys-Eber in Munich. (a.wagner@geosys.de)

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Highest Precision and no Waste by Cornelia Dietz

The carpenter's job description has changed considerably since modern milling machines started appearing in workshops and we seldom see them with planes or chisels in their hands anymore. To be able to fulfill the individual wishes of its customers quickly and reliably, cabinetmakers Fried AG, based in Bever near St. Moritz (Switzerland), also needs to keep its computer technology up to date. The company was on the lookout for a simple but smart solution to produce customers’ orders precisely, from measurement to milling. Fried processes between 150 – 200 m³ (196 – 262 yd³) of wood annually, predominantly homegrown timber but also some exotic hardwoods. The company passed into the hands of the second generation of family management in 1991, now concentrating on interior architecture and the manufacture of built-toorder kitchens, doors, and cupboards to the specific requirements of its customers.

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One of these orders involved retrofitting a door in a hallway to create a separate vestibule. Making doors by hand is an extremely precise operation and always begins with careful on-site measurements. “Nothing is more tiresome than a door based on imprecise measurements, which as a result is not an immediate good fit. Installation is time-consuming and the quality of the finished product suffers,” explains Project Manager Sandro Malgiaritta. “Until we had the Leica 3D Disto, we turned up on site with conventional equipment such as notebooks, measuring tapes, squares, spirit levels, and retractable tapes, or we made templates. Because of the conical wall reveal and the irregular segmental door arch, this method would have been very time-consuming and prone to error on this job.” An additional charge would have applied to the manufacture of the door and the installation would have required several iterative stages to get a perfect fit. Measuring the existing dimensions on site with the new Leica 3D Disto on the other hand was a simple

task. Sandro Malgiaritta set up the instrument to carry out an automatic scan every 2 cm (0.79 in): along the wall, past the corner to the irregularly shaped arch and from there to the opposite wall and back to the floor. This was done in just a few minutes. The handy control unit, which communicates with the Leica 3D Disto via WiFi, was a great help. Measurements can be triggered and displayed as a drawing on its clear, high-resolution screen. Back in the office Malgiaritta imported the raw measurements onto his computer as DXF files from a USB stick. He then created the drawing for the doors in

"With the Leica 3D Disto, I can work with precise dimensions from the initial measurement to the installation on site. We’ve come full circle – I think that's brilliant." Sandro Malgiaritta, Project Manager Fried AG

CAD. Next he programmed the CNC machine. The raw material was cut to size, planed, and then machined in the CNC milling machine. Using this marvel of technology, any complicated shape can be precisely and quickly machined and identically reproduced – whether sizing cuts, profiles, ornaments, etc. CNC stands for “Computerized Numerical Control”; a digital process that ensures the component is machined to fit exactly into the desired position. Afterwards, the parts are finished and can be assembled. The new door was then fitted into its precise position on site. “We were able to reduce the installation time for the door by two-thirds. The customer was also pleased because he received a very neat product that offered him additional value,” says a delighted Malgiaritta. His initial skepticism as to whether the Leica 3D Disto could measure the existing dimensions to millimeter accuracy – and do so for walls and rooms with such oblique angles – has long disappeared. The Leica 3D Disto has since become an essential tool for many other projects. About the author: Cornelia Dietz is Project Manager Marketing for Leica Geosystems AG in Heerbrugg/Switzerland. (cornelia.dietz@leica-geosystems.com).

Surveying for the Movies by Christine L. Grahl

Creating visual effects (commonly known as VFX) with digital technologies and computergenerated imagery (CGI) is spawning a massive new industry, one that holds substantial promise for filmmakers and data wranglers alike. In March 2012, science fiction author Edgar Rice Burroughs’ vision finally came to life on the big screen in Disney’s highly anticipated blockbuster John Carter – thanks in small part to the skills of several surveyors with VFX expertise. Other opportunities are quickly emerging on the visual effects horizon as well. The push to achieve ever-more-stunning visual effects in films and video games is creating new opportunities for surveyors and other spatial data management experts.

A High Demand for Visual Effects As the demand for visual effects has exploded, so has the need to create these effects in ways that are faster, better, and cheaper. The result is a host of emerging opportunities for individuals who are

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highly skilled in spatial data management and the broad world of data wrangling. “VFX work in film and television is, fundamentally, coordinate geometry,” said Duncan Lees, co-owner and director of 4DMax, a prominent VFX and forensic geomatics firm headquartered near London. “We take real-world objects and spaces and create accurate computer versions of them. Sometimes this is done photographically, sometimes with lasers, sometimes with GNSS receivers or total stations, but mostly with a combination of several types of kits. The data we deliver is used quickly and to the limits of both its precision and accuracy, so there is a real requirement for quality data.” Lees, who was part of the visual effects team for John Carter and has worked on other big-budget Hollywood films such as Captain America, X Men First Class, and the Narnia films with 4DMax co-owner Louise Brand, notes that any increase in the quality of data, the speed of its delivery, or the integration of geometry and movement improves the end product and increases the viewing experience for the moviegoer – a key factor in boosting ticket sales. These requirements, along with an increasing push

toward 3D, have led to a surge in demand for laser scan data in particular. To meet this demand, 4DMax has invested heavily in state-of-the-art software and hardware, including the acquisition of a Leica ScanStation C10 earlier this year. The company aims to be a one-stop shop for all 3D VFX data, providing an integrated response to the varied VFX workload through a single contract. “In theory, a lot of people with a survey background could work effectively in some areas of VFX,” Lees said. “But in reality, it is not just the technical knowhow that is essential; it is also the networking and people skills that secure the work and keep people happy. No jobs or contracts in VFX are advertised anywhere. It is all word of mouth. It has taken us 10 years to be able to run a thriving VFX 3D data capture and modeling business.”

digital, and expectations for quality are ridiculously high. Deliveries are typically due in hours or days rather than weeks, extensive travel is required, and 14- to 16-hour days are typical. Lees describes how on two recent movie sets, his team set up and calibrated their equipment in one studio or sound stage; scanned people, props and places for 14 hours each day; and then took down and moved their equipment to another studio or sound stage in preparation for another 14 hours of work the next day. “Every job is exhausting and, at times, demoralizing,” he said. The flip side is that it’s often a thrilling and highly rewarding experience. “We love working with creative and respectful and talented people who are prepared to let us be professional and who respond positively to our experience and informed problem solving,” Lees said. “The work is difficult and challenging, but the respect is enormous.”

A Highly Rewarding Experience Besides needing the right connections, VFX professionals must be able to work in an extremely demanding environment. “VFX teams have no use for paper plots of floor plans, sections or elevations”, says Lees; all of the deliverables are purely

For Will Haynes, a third-generation surveyor and owner of FX Surveys in Los Angeles, working in the film industry provides an artistic outlet for his skills. “It’s fun being part of a creative team,” said Haynes, who recently worked as a set surveyor for Universal’s

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Fast Five and Disney’s John Carter after several years of strategic networking. “Even though you’re working really hard and long hours, it goes by quickly. The work is often fun, social and interesting – you’re part of a pretty tight-knit visual effects team when you’re on set. And you’re also helping to create an artistic product, even though it’s in a highly technical way.

Realistic Scenes for Video Games Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. The emergence of lower-cost laser scanners such as the Leica ScanStation C5 is making it easier for professionals to acquire 3D data capture technologies. Meanwhile, the general public is learning to appreciate point clouds thanks to technologies like Microsoft’s Kinect, which captures 4D point cloud data for use with the Xbox 360 gaming system; at the same time, developments in open-source software are facilitating the manipulation of data for a wide variety of creative applications. Such advances are already occurring, as evidenced by games like Activision’s Call of Duty, which has broken numerous sales records largely due to its abil-

4DMax scanned the Taj Mahal for a VXF production.

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ity to fully immerse players in the realistic scenes. Other developments involve the use of laser scanning to create games that are easily scalable for a wide range of gaming systems and handheld devices. In the highly competitive world of films and video games, each new effect will undoubtedly spur other directors and developers to go even further in their quest for a superior experience. Surveyors looking for a new adventure would do well to keep their eyes on both the big screen and consumer gaming devices. “Everyone is looking for more and more visual effects, and it seems like everything is in 3D,” said Haynes. “I don’t see things slowing down in this industry anytime soon.” This article is adapted from the original issue published in POB October 2011. The full version is available at www.geodatapoint.com. About the author: Christine Grahl is the editor of POB and GeoDataPoint.com. (pobeditor@bnpmedia.com) Duncan Lees: duncan@4dmax.co.uk Will Haynes: will@mydesk.me

Smooth Road to the Games by Anton Ivanov

When the alpine and nordic athletes drive from Sochi to their temporary homes in February 2014 for the XXII Olympic Winter Games, they will travel on smooth new roads. A GOMACO concrete paver equipped with Leica PaveSmart 3D is paving the way through six new tunnels with a total length of 27.5 km (17.1 mi). The Bamtonnelstroy company, specializing in tunnel engineering works, was hired as a contractor to pave the surfaces through six new road tunnels. Bamtonnelstroy’s surveyors have chosen to equip a Gomaco paver with the Leica PaveSmart 3D concrete paving system provided by Navgeocom, Leica Geosystems’ Russian master distributor. It was the first time this solution was supplied in Russia. Bamtonnelstroy’s engineers will proceed with the concrete foundation pouring after all six tunnels for this road project have been bored. Because of the round shape of the tunnel walls, stringlines cannot be used for guidance inside the tunnels. Instead, the Gomaco Commander III will be paving concrete with a 6 m profile width through the tunnels. Positioning will be accomplished with three Leica TPS1200+

robotic total stations and two prisms fixed on the paver’s screed. The total stations are mounted on special brackets fixed to the tunnel walls every 150 m (492 ft). The exact coordinates of the brackets are determined using the leveling reference network. The total stations guide the paver through the tunnel continuously: two instruments guide the paver, while the third waits its turn. Data from the total stations is transferred to the paver’s on-board computer via radio. The computer then compares the prism location with the project design and refines the placement of the concrete form. By utilizing the concrete paving system Leica 3D PaveSmart the first test road surface was established with a vertical deviation of less than ± 2 mm (0.08 in) from the project design. The system has three key benefits: it removes the need to check stringlines by walking along the rounded tunnel walls and damaging newly built, wet roadway; it eliminates human error; and it reduces construction time, saving the contractor money. About the author: Anton Ivanov is Public Relations Manager at Navgeocom, Leica Geosystems' Master Distributor in Russia. (ivanov.anton@navgeocom.ru)

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Climate – the Answers are in the Soil by Dr. Michaela Bach

Soil is not only the basis for the production of food, it also plays an important role in climate protection. Carbon reservoir in soil is discussed in the report on greenhouse gas sources and sinks in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At the moment, Germany has no extensive, up-to-date data on carbon reservoirs in agriculture soils. To plug this gap in the country's knowledge, the Institute of Agricultural Climate Research at the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (vTI) in Braunschweig is undertaking a research project to develop a German agricultural soil inventory

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over the coming years. A systematic and representative determination of the current carbon reservoirs in soils used for agricultural purposes is intended to provide consistent base data for the German National Emission Inventory Report. Over the next few years, georeferenced data will be collected at more than 3,000 locations using GPS/ GNSS and samples will be taken and stored for evaluation in an extensive geodatabase as part of the ‘Agricultural soil inventory’ project. Researchers will be creating a unique systematic data set, which should provide the answers to numerous questions in future years: How large are the carbon reservoirs in the agricultural soil of Germany? What influence

will climate change have on soil carbon reservoirs? How do climate, land use, and management affect soil carbon reservoirs? What influence does soil and its specific characteristics have on the carbon stored within it? This and other questions relevant to research will be investigated on the basis of this extensive fieldwork project. Precise georeferencing is necessary to be able to analyze and evaluate the large amount of data in a meaningful way in the future. “Our task in the field is to achieve a 2D accuracy of 30 cm (11.8 in). Only then can we use the data efficiently for subsequent modeling and be sure that we can always find the locations used in the ‘Agricultural soil inventory’ again if we need to,” explains Lars Konen, Fieldwork Manager. We established a grid for the fieldwork to ensure the samples were random. Samples were taken in a complex spatial process every 8 x 8 km (5 x 5 mi) on agricultural land and the information was collected. The fieldwork team determined the precise position using a Leica Viva Uno and a Leica Viva CS10 controller. Through the use of an external antenna on the pole and the connection to a data correction service provided by ascos, the sampling points are selected and surveyed all over Germany. Soil scientist Lars Konen: “For the mapping teams in the field, it is important we use a simple-to-operate, robust, and reliable system that can be operated intuitively by all team members after a short training and induction phase.” For this reason, the project management team decided in favor of this system and a cooperation with Leica Geosystems: “High failure safety, Germany-wide support, and extensive network coverage through the reference data service were important criteria. Moreover, it was essential to us that the device be modular and could therefore be modified for use in future research projects undertaken by the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute,” says Lars Konen. About the author: Dr. Michaela Bach, geographer and soil scientist, works at the Thünen Institute as Manager of Scientific Evaluation on the ‘Agricultural soil inventory’ project. (michaela.bach@vti.bund.de)

vTI also uses sensors to measure global radiation.

About the Thünen Institute How does increasing international competition affect agriculture, forestry, and trends in agricultural prices? What consequences does climate change have for agricultural, forestry, and marine ecosystems? Which technical innovations will allow raw materials to be used more efficiently? These questions give an insight into the broad range of topics being investigated by the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute. The aim of the research is to develop concepts for a sustainable, ecologically compatible, and competitive agricultural and food industry; forest and timber industry; and sea-fish and aquaculture industry to contribute to the solution to specific problems of agricultural regions. The Thünen Institute is a department research establishment of the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. More information at: www.vti.bund.de or www.bze-landwirtschaft.de

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Modeling the World's Deepest Mine by Rekha Voralia and James Jobling Purser

Owned by Anglo Gold Ashanti and employing 6,000 people, Mponeng Mine is part of the old Western Deep Levels Complex, near Johannesburg, South Africa and, as of last year, is officially classified by The Guinness Book of Records as the world’s deepest mine. At its deepest point the mine extends to a depth of 4.1 km (2.5 mi) below surface, where the rock temperatures can reach 60 ˚C (140 °F) and the ambient temperature reaches 36 ˚C (97 °F). To highlight potential problem areas before the installation of a new conveyor, a monorail, and a chair-lift at the mine a survey was carried out to build an accurate asbuilt 3D model of the development. Using the 3D CAD model of the declines the relevant service infrastructure could be overlaid in a virtual CAD environment to determine any areas that

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needed modifying before construction and installation commenced. Small deviations from the original design could potentially cause problems during installation, so creating a 3D model was critical in preventing delays and costly overruns.

Creating a 3D CAD Model The scope of the job was to survey 3 km of development declines which had been identified as deviating from the original design and could affect the installation. The project has four parallel declines that have been developed at an inclination of - 7.5 °, progressing from levels 120 to 123 and 126. Underground mine surveying specialists 3D MSI were commissioned with three objectives: Firstly, to survey three of the four declines in 3D; secondly, to use the 3D CAD model to identify potential problem areas; and finally, to superimpose the geo-referenced CAD models of the services to aid in the identification of these problem areas.

A Challenging Working Environment Work in the mining industry is highly challenging, surveyors not only have to put up with working in confined conditions but they also have to cope with a constant flow of traffic dirt and extreme heat. Any delays in mining activity can result in hundreds and thousands of pounds in lost income so 3D MSI (www.3dmsi.co.uk) were under immense pressure to ensure their work was conducted with speed and

minimal disruption to the daily work of the mine. Their business depends on reliable, fast, and accurate technology and working with Leica Geosystems is fundamental to the success of 3D MSI.

Based in the United Kingdom, 3D Mine Surveying International Limited (3D MSI) specialize in underground mine surveying and 3D modeling of survey data. From site works to data processing and creating complex 3D drawings, 3D MSI use the latest laser scanning instrumentation and a specially designed remote surveying vehicle (RSV) to survey underground operations at high speed. Working closely with mine surveyors, design engineers, and health and safety auditors, the resulting data is used to ensure mine operations become safer and more efficient with modern surveying technology.

cessing point cloud data and 3D Reshaper for modeling. Owing to difficulties with the fine tolerances between the extent of the infrastructure and the tunnel design, 3D MSI surveyed down to - 3,900 m (2.42 mi) to provide a comprehensive analysis of problem areas prior to the installations. A total of 240 separate scans were taken for all 3 of the declines, equating to a combined distance of 3.5 km (2.2 mi).

To conduct the survey 3D MSI used the Leica ScanStation C10, Leica HDS6000, and the Leica HDS6100 High Definition Surveying™ laser scanners. Software used included Leica Cyclone for collecting and pro-

The speed and accuracy of this technology can save mining companies hundreds of thousands of pounds per contract.

Comparison to Original Design A complete wireframe was constructed for each decline using 3D Reshaper; this allowed a comparison to be made between the original design and the model of the actual development. Once the wireframe had been created it was possible to combine the 3D design with the CAD models of the equipment being fitted into the declines to ascertain whether they were going to fit as designed. One of the most obvious discrepancies observed was at the top of decline 2. If the conveyor had been installed as originally designed, it would have penetrated the sidewall 1.2 km (0.7 mi) further down the decline. By superimposing the conveyor into the decline in the CAD environment it was possible to adjust the conveyor’s position in a virtual setting to determine if there was a solution to the problem without having to undertake costly engineering work. By doing this it became apparent that if the conveyor were moved 0.5m to the left it could fit without the need for any modifications to the tunnel profile. About the authors: Rekha Voralia is Marketing Manager at Leica Geosystems Ltd (rekha.voralia@leica-geosystems.com); James Jobling Purser is Managing Director at 3D MSI.

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Heavy Loads on Weak Foundations by Kazuhiro Nii and Dr. Yun Zhang

The newly opened D-Runway at Tokyo International Airport Haneda was a complex structure to build, as it is located on reclaimed land. Heavy airplanes weighing hundreds of tons each, take off and land on the newly constructed runway daily. Continuous monitoring is important for safe operation, as large movements can influence the safety of the runway. D-Runway was constructed on Japan’s first hybrid structure at the mouth of Tama River in Tokyo Bay, consisting of reclaimed land, platforms of piers, and a taxiway, all connected to the present airport. In the landfill portion, soil needed to be improved and re-filled to prevent consolidation subsidence caused by weak foundations. At the pier site, steel pipes nearly 100 m long were sunk into the sea at specified intervals. A cover was built around it to keep the river flowing smoothly. With this complex structure and construction method, the connection between landfill/pier as well as

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the joints between pier/taxiway were assumed to be moving and/or to sink due to secular change. Movements must be accurately measured, especially during earthquakes, as the amount of movement is one of the criteria used to assess whether D-Runway is in a satisfactory condition for safe operation or not.

Installation of the System The monitoring system was designed for maintenance and management of the runway with its complex characteristics. Dozens of GNSS monitoring points were installed and have been monitoring secular changes as well as any movements during earthquakes since the runway was opened. The system measures the movements of two relative positions; sets of two points were installed in these positions across the joints to measure the movements at the joints in the different structures. Antennas were installed at ground level near the runway at the landfill and pier sides to avoid interference with aircraft operation, and at the taxiway they were installed at points outside the airport height restriction.

A Leica GMX902 GG with an AX1203+ GNSS antenna were installed on the roof of the Fire Department’s east building at the side of the airport, rather than near the runway. The antenna was seismically isolated by fixing a vibration absorber around it so positioning can be performed even in the middle of an earthquake. Since antennas were put in the ground, data reception may be disrupted by aircraft activity, so the system also collects data using GLONASS signals to maintain a horizontal accuracy of 10 mm (0.39 in).

Data Collection & Analysis Monitoring data captured on the runway is transferred to and analyzed by the server located in the monitoring control room in the Fire Department building. Both Leica GNSS Spider and custom designed monitoring software for D-Runway, developed by Leica Geosystems’ partner Geosurf Corp. (Tokyo, Japan), are running on the server. Spider continuously analyzes the data at 20 Hz and outputs the results to the Geosurf software with a GGQ message uniquely developed by Leica Geosystems. It converts world geodetic coordinates to plane coordinates based on the runway, and then uploads collected data in files to the government server. The processing system broadly consists of three tasks: constant airport taxiway and runway monitoring, earthquake monitoring, and post processing of an earthquake. Constant monitoring performs real time analysis, transferring LB2 data from monitoring points to Leica Spider via socket communication, by TCP/IP. It calculates each median of the 3D coordinates from data at 20 Hz every two hours. It can also improve the accuracy of the results by getting final medians after deleting false values caused by IQR (inter-quartile range). The earthquake monitoring system can capture the exact start and end times of earthquakes by receiving electric trigger signals from the seismometer installed on the runway. About the authors: Kazuhiro Nii is Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President at Geosurf Corporation. He has 14 years of experience with GNSS system integration. (kazuhiro_nii@geosurf.net) Dr. Yun Zhang is Chief System Engineer at Geosurf Corporation. He is also a professor at the Shanghai Ocean University. (yun_zhang@geosurf.net)

Tokyo International Airport Haneda The Haneda Airfield first opened in 1931 on a small piece of waterfront land at the south end of today's airport complex. In 1939 the airport's first runway was extended to 800 m and a second 800 m (2,625 ft) runway was completed. In 1964, Japan lifted travel restrictions on its citizens, causing passenger traffic at the airport to swell. A new runway and an international terminal were completed in 1970, but demand continued to outpace expansion. The fourth runway, D-Runway, was constructed via land reclamation to the south of the existing airfield and was completed in 2010. This runway was designed to increase Haneda's operational capacity from 285,000 movements to 407,000 movements per year, permitting increased frequencies on existing routes, as well as routes to new destinations. Source: Wikipedia

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