Africa Surveyors September- October Digital issue 2021 by Nailex Africa Publishing

Volume 3 issue no. 17

September - October issue 2021

Africa Surveyors BIM for Construction A Cost Effective Delivery Solution

Construction Project Management Cadastral Survey: Land Ownership Boundaries Engineered Elevators

In this issue...... Africa’s first direct use of geothermal steam plant opens in Kenya....pg 5 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

Battery Powered Mining Trucks to Support Customer Goals......pg 30

Collaboration in the engineering sector is vital for achieving South Africa’s national agenda....pg 14 Semptember-October issue l 2021

September-October issue l 2021

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CONTENTS

Contents Current Issue

BIM for Construction Avoiding Costly Mistakes & Achieving Great Results & many more

REGULARS News Briefs

Events

Innovation

Opinion

Project review

Managing Editor Francis David

Editor-in-Chief Augustine Mwita

COVER STORY BIM for Construction: A Cost Effective Delivery Solution

Editor Dorcas Kang’ereha

Writer

Violet Ambale Harriet Mkhaye Irene Joseph Innocent Momanyi

Sales Executives East Africa

Jimmy Mudasia Lydia Kamonya Caiser Momanyi Vincent Murono Sheila Ing’ayitsa

Features

Cadastral Survey: Land Ownership Boundaries Engineering: Engineered Elevators Construction: Project Management Locators: Subsurface Locators Energy: Tanzania to construct four strategic dams in response to climate change

Project Review: Azuri Towers Development in Nigeria

South Africa

Paul Nyakeri Sean Masangwanyi Lisa Brown Thembisa Ndlovu

ADVERTISER'S INDEX

Nigeria

Emelda Njomboro Uche Maxwel

Published by:

Nailex Africa Publishing P.O. Box 52248 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

C.R.Kennedy Survey Solutions............................................IFC Bauder.......................................................................................IBC Position Partners....................................................................OBC Diversified Communication.................................................pg 9 MacArtney...............................................................................pg 13 Evologics..................................................................................pg 22 Stannah.....................................................................................pg 23 Mitshubishi Electric................................................................pg 25 Subsurface Instruments........................................................pg 29 Caroni........................................................................................pg 38

The Editor accepts letter and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We can reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Send your letters to: info@africasurveyorsonline.com

Disclaimer:

Nailex Africa Publishing makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed on interviews are not necessarily shared by Nailex Africa Publisher.

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Semptember-October issue l 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Vihiga opts for GIS to Monitor spread of Corona Virus

s the COVID-19 continues to spread in the country, Vihiga County Corona Emergency Response Committee is relying on services of the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as it continues with the process of collecting crucial data aimed at zoning the county. Briefing the press at the County headquarters in Mbale, Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo disclosed his administration in conjunction with the national government had already established County Command Centre in charge of gathering and assessing important data aimed at combating the contagious COVID-19. “The County Police Commander (CPC) Mr. Hassan Barua is in charge of the Command Centre, which will be providing daily updates on the pandemic and is domiciled in the County Commissioner’s building,” said Ottichilo. The governor noted besides the data gathered at the Command Centre assisting in mapping of COVID-19 spread, it would also inform the emergency response committee on necessary measures to put in place to mitigate the same. He added plans to decentralise the Command Centre to the sub counties level were advanced stages. According to the governor, the Command Centre, through the GIS, had already identified Mbale,

Luanda, Chavakali, Majengo and Shamakhokho towns as some of the possible hotspots for the corona virus. The County boss further revealed his administration had procured 2,000 respirators that would be distributed to health workers as well as security personnel in order to cushion them against the contagious virus while on duty. He assured area residents that the county had already established holding centres in all the sub counties where victims of the virus will be taken for quarantine. “The Corona Emergency Response Committee has identified Chango High School as the main isolation

centre for the County,” he said. Speaking at the same event, Vihiga County commissioner (CC) Ochillo Oyugi hailed members of public for complying with the ongoing nationwide curfew. “Security officers have 29 individuals accused of breaking the law since President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the curfew,” revealed Oyugi who warned public transport operators against taking advantage of the current situation to hike fares. He urged members of the County Market Management Committee members to continue sensitizing traders and buyers on importance of social distancing as a way of buttressing efforts aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

RCMRD Hosts 55th Governing Council, Shares Resolutions

he 55th Session of the Governing Council of the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) was held between November 15 and 19, 2021. RCMRD’s Governing Council Chairperson Elizabeth Bonolo Khumotaka, who is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services (MLMWSS) in Botswana presided over the opening of the 55th Session that was held in a hybrid format in person and online via zoom. The Governing Council (GC) meets every year to examine RCMRD’s work and relationships with its partners. The Council is composed of officers of the rank of Permanent Secretary or Principal Secretary in the ministries of Lands, of the 20 member States. It is a forum of governments at the Principal or Permanent Secretary level during which policy guidelines and the organisation’s budget are established for the next one-year period. Seventeen member States attended the meeting: The member States were: Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda,

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Zambia and Zimbabwe. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Eritrea were also in attendance. The GC reports to the Conference of Ministers which meets every two years. The GC reviewed and approved the implementation of the 2021 Annual Work plan, considered and approved the 2022 Work Plan and received the 2020 financial audit report. In its meeting, the GC adopted the following reports: The Report of the Director-General for the year 2021; The 2022 Work Programme and Budget; The Finance Committee Report, Tender Committee Report and the Appointments, Promotions and Remuneration Committee reports. The weeklong 55th meeting of the RCMRD Governing Council ended on November 19, 2021. The meeting resolved to have the RCMRD Office Complex officially opened by a high-profile person in the year 2022. The meeting adopted the feasibility report for Kisamese Land for review together with the RCMRD Business Park and RCTI Master Plan to select the most profitable investment option after the RCTI Hostels completion.

The Governing Council further resolved that the Centre should continue with the phased recruitment for vacant positions in the new organization structure. This meeting encouraged Member States to develop National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) The Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF) with the support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the United Nations Initiative on Global Geospatial Information Management in Africa (UN-GGIM Africa) and RCMRD. An appeal was also made to member States to use the Network Control Centre available at RCMRD and encourage collaboration with the private sector in attainment of the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF). Member States were urged to individually prepare an inventory of surveying equipment that requires the services of the Centre to enable appropriate planning. The GC also attended the ground breaking ceremony for the Regional Centre Training Institute hostel construction project within the new RCMRD Complex that hosts the RCMRD Headquarters.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Africa’s first direct use of geothermal steam plant opens in Kenya

P Trueman Goba named honorary fellow by Royal Academy of Engineering

he Royal Academy of Engineering named Trueman Goba, chair of Hatch Africa, an honorary fellow of the academy, recognizing him for his exceptional contributions, innovative leadership, and remarkable achievements. Goba was born in Durban, South Africa. He began his career as a survey technician and went on to graduate with a BSc Eng from University of Natal and an MEng (Civil) from Cornell University. In 2001, Goba’s company GMA merged with Keeve Steyn to form GOBA (Pty) Ltd, which merged into the Hatch Group in 2013.

lans to create a special economic zone in Nakuru are taking shape with the Geothermal Development Company launching the direct use of geothermal steam to power industrial processes. GDC Engineer Esther Njuguna says the direct use of geothermal steam will lower the cost of power by 70%. Companies located in the special economic zone will also benefit from water drawn from the wells. On 14th August 2020, Geothermal Development Company signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement with Nakuru County for the utilization of geothermal energy. The signing ceremony took place in Nairobi at the Council of Governor’s office.

steam for power generation to power producers once the power plants are ready, the Project also houses a demonstration site which showcases Direct Uses of geothermal energy. The pilot project at the site showcases various Direct Uses of geothermal resources, namely pasteurization, aquaculture, and greenhouse heating. There is also a laundromat and a grain dryer.

Nakuru is home to GDC’s Menengai Geothermal Project. In addition to the anticipated provision of

GeoPrism now provides drone surveying equipment in Morocco

In 2014, Goba was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Engineering at the South African Professional Services Awards (SAPSA). He also held a position as the president of the SA Institution of Civil Engineers (SAICE) in 2002 and was president of the engineering council (ECSA) from 2007 to 2009. In 2010 he was appointed by South Africa’s president to the first National Planning Commission and was awarded a Gold Medal by the SAICE in 2013. He has been recognized through various awards and three doctoral degrees in Engineering. “The Fellows named this year are the first to reflect the Academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026”, announced the Royal Academy of Engineering. “This initiative will see the Academy strive for increased representation from women, disabled and LGBTQ+ engineers, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, non-traditional education pathways and emerging industries, and those who have achieved excellence at an earlier career stage than normal”. In a statement, the Royal Academy of Engineering says the fellows named this year are the first to reflect the academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its fiftieth anniversary in 2026. In addition, the initiative also aims to propel engineers who have achieved excellence at an earlier stage in their careers than normal.

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eoPrism of Morocco, a company with more than 20 years of experience in the sale and introduction of high-end, technological, surveying, and geospatial solutions is the latest partner to join the Microdrones network of global distributors and offer Microdrones as a Service (mdaaS) including everything needed to do drone LiDAR and surveying the right way, with convenient hardware and software packages and affordable monthly payment options.

“Microdrones offers a seamless integration between the drone, sensor and software and has a proven successful track record in mapping applications around the world,” says Biar. “At GeoPrism, customer satisfaction is key for us to develop long-term relationships and grow with our partners. Since Microdrones is known as one of the worldwide leaders in the drone market, we feel our customers can greatly benefit by using their technology and software to create better deliverables.”

Ali Biar, CEO of GeoPrism, made the decision to sign on as a distributor since Microdrones provides fully integrated systems with high-quality sensors, a fullservice solution (drone, software, data processing and support) and the mdaaS sales model that makes acquiring drone surveying equipment more affordable.

Abdel Diani, the Global Director of Distribution for Microdrones sees great promise in this new partnership. “Their goal is to offer the best technological solutions for all of their customers,” said Diani, “which aligns with our values at Microdrones. We welcome GeoPrism to our global distributor network and look forward to continued growth and success.”

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INTERNATIONAL

Microdrones partners with Nautikaris as a new drone surveying equipment distributor in Benelux

autikaris, a supplier of various hydrographic, telemetry and GNSS positioning products is now offering drone surveying equipment from Microdrones throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg (Benelux.) As a distributor and partner of Microdrones, Nautikaris will be able to supply their customers with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and gas detection drone solutions. Don Schouten, Account Manager, said that Nautikaris made the decision to sign on as a distributor since Microdrones provides fully integrated systems with high-quality sensors, a fullservice solution (drone, software, data processing and support) and the mdaaS sales model to make it affordable to start using drones for surveying. “The Microdrones as a Service sales model is the future for our customers,” Schouten said. “In an ever-changing world, we see a shift towards people not buying equipment in a traditional manner, but rather paying for a service. This helps them manage costs, anticipate usage, and charge accordingly. mdaaS empowers customers to deploy the full hardware and software solution as a service which includes mdInfinity, packaged with either the

purchase or rental of survey equipment.

It’s a win for both Nautikaris and their customers.”

“Nautikaris wanted to grow their surveying and drone business,” explained Samuel Flick, the Sales Manager for Central Europe at Microdrones. “We offer them the flexibility to rent or buy systems through Microdrones as a Service, which also helps them keep up with the evolution of the technology.

“Nautikaris has been in business for over 50 years and we understand it’s important to offer more than just the technology, products, and software,” added Schouten. “In times where everything can be bought online, we provide the intangible assets on which our clients rely: service, cooperation and a customerfocused business relationship.”

AgEagle to Acquire senseFly from Parrot

gEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (“AgEagle” or the “Company”), an industry-leading provider of drones, sensors and software, and Parrot (Euronext Paris: PARRO), a leading European drone group, has jointly announced that they have signed a definitive agreement under which AgEagle shall acquire senseFly, a Parrot Group wholly-owned subsidiary, in a cash and stock transaction valued at US$23 million.

delivery. In addition, senseFly brings AgEagle solid engineering talent focused on advanced research and development, a well-established global reseller network and a strong portfolio of intellectual property.”

Founded in 2009, senseFly develops and produces a proprietary line of eBee-branded, high performance, fixed wing drones for professional use. Safe, ultralight and easy to use, these autonomous drones are utilized by thousands of customers around the world in agriculture, government, engineering and construction, among other industry verticals, to collect actionable aerial data intelligence. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, senseFly employs approximately 90 people, generating total annual revenues of approximately US$12.5 million in 2020.

Parrot founder and Chief Executive Officer, Henri Seydoux, commented, “We trust that senseFly and the eBee line of fixed wing drones will continue to deliver tangible value, benefits and efficiencies to AgEagle’s customers and business partners well into the future. Moving forward, Parrot will focus its expertise and resources on the growth of its professional quadcopter drone equipment and drone data analysis software activities. The transaction will provide additional cash and lower operational expends to drive Parrot’s growth and industry standing. With the expended capabilities of the ANAFI line of professional drones and of the Pix4D software suites, Parrot will continue to address its core market segments: 3D Mapping, Surveying and Inspection, Agriculture, and Defense and Security.”

Brandon Torres Declet, Chief Executive Officer of AgEagle, stated, “Recognized as the producer of the world’s most widely used fixed wing drones, senseFly is an ideal strategic fit for AgEagle; and is expected to accelerate our core growth strategy centered on delivering proprietary, full stack drone solutions to the global agriculture, construction, energy, government sectors, and in the future, package

“senseFly has reached a very exciting and pivotal point in its history and is well positioned to build upon its leading position in the fixed wing drone market and accelerate its promising growth trajectory through this strategic combination with AgEagle,” noted Gilles Labossiere, senseFly’s Chief Executive Officer. “The impressive mix of solutions for customers and proven industry experience of both

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companies is expected to make for a solid foundation capable of propelling the companies forward and fueling exponential growth.” In tandem with the closing of the acquisition expected shortly, Labossiere will resign as Chief Executive Officer of senseFly. Michael O’Sullivan, who previously served as the Company’s Head of Global Marketing, will be appointed as Managing Director of the new AgEagle subsidiary. All other senseFly employees will retain their current responsibilities. Concluding, Brandon Torres Declet added, “We are very pleased to welcome senseFly to the fast-growing AgEagle family and look forward to integrating its many strengths with the power and performance of AgEagle’s proprietary sensor and software solutions to effectively meet the needs of customers globally. We would also like to extend our deepest thanks to Gilles for his leadership at senseFly and the instrumental role he played in the acquisition process. This is an exciting inflection point for the AgEagle and senseFly teams.”

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INTERNATIONAL

FIXAR enters the Indian market with Paras Aerospace

IXAR has signed an exclusivity agreement with the leading Indian technology development company Paras Aerospace, a subsidiary of Paras Defense and Space Technologies Limited, for FIXAR unmanned solution distribution in India. Both companies will collaborate to ensure access to efficient and cost-effective unmanned aerial solutions offering an autonomous vertical take-off and landing model FIXAR 007 and a professional multirotor FIXAR INDOOR dedicated to indoor mapping, inspection, monitoring, surveillance, inventory, and exploration. Operations Setup, business development, and technical support for providing this futureready technology will be supported by Paras. Paras Aerospace will be the Master Certification Compliance partner for FIXAR in India. The first step is the market introduction of the flagship FIXAR 007, which is equipped with inhouse developed embedded Autopilot and closed-source xGroundControl Software for safe, secure and efficient missions. FIXAR 007 sets itself apart with its patented Fixed Angle Rotor system for seamless transitions to level flight and enhanced efficiency due to all motors being in use during the entire flight. The UAV has demonstrated an increased flight length (up to 60km/37.3 mi), payload capacity (2kg/4.4lb max),

and increased stability compared to similar class drones. As end-to-end inhouse product, FIXAR 007 is adjustable to diverse market safety requirements making it promptly available on the market. The first FIXAR 007 unmanned aerial vehicles are estimated to reach users in India by November, 2021. The initial agreement sets the mark of 150 drones to be delivered to operators in India for real-time video surveillance, laser scanning and aerial photography tasks in the sectors of government, agriculture, security, surveying and more. “We’re excited to enter the Indian market as it holds great potential. We estimate fast overall UAV market expansion based on a liberalization of Drone Rules in India, which eases user and operator access to unmanned aerial vehicles and allows to apply UAV solutions to a broader array of applications,” says Vasily Lukashov, founder and CEO at FIXAR. “We are glad to take this step together with Paras as a wellknown and reliable company in the field of aerospace in India,” he adds. Speaking on the cooperation Mr. Pankaj Akula, CEO, Paras Aerospace said, “It has been a privilege to serve the nation through our technological integration and production support for over three decades now. In these virtual times, drone technology has

been revolutionizing various industries worldwide for carrying out smooth functioning of essential commercial processes.” “Drones play an essential part in the successful implementation of various key functions imperative for operational excellence whether it is real-time video surveillance, cargo delivery, laser scanning or aerial photography. FIXAR is the platform with Fixed Angular Rotor Drone concept which will uniquely address this requirement. We are looking forward to continued support from thriving businesses for industry-leading drone solutions,” he emphasizes. Unmanned aerial vehicle market in India is growing and in 2021 the industry and market is valued at 1 billion USD. Further growth is estimated based on the increased drone applicability range, and new advanced UAV models developed to carry heavier payload and work in challenging and severe environments.

Delta Drone International ranks fourth in drone industry insights’ top global drone service providers for 2021 great achievement for the Delta Drone International team. “Our business model was designed to address the growing customer need of frequent, high-quality & accurate drone data. Each of our brands are specialists in their industries, with every Rocketmine team member, drone and software platform chosen specifically for their experience and capabilities of a mining site. Similarly, our RocketFarm team are one of, if not the best UAV agriculture specialists in the world. Having these specialist brands is why our enterprise customers come to us for their aerial data requirement and stay with us long-term.”

elta Drone International (ASX:DLT) has ranked fourth in the Top Global Drone Service Providers Report for 2021 by Drone Industry Insights (Droneii). The annual report, created by global leaders in drone market research, Droneii, analyses 400 of the world’s top drone service providers over a 12-month period and ranks them using company size, market share, development, and public attention as key metrics.

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Delta Drone International commenced operations on 1 January 2021, making this year the only year the Company has been eligible for the report. However, Delta Drone International’s mining specialist brand, Rocketmine has featured three times since the report’s inception in 2018. Delta Drone International CEO, Christopher Clark said: “To rank fourth in the Droneii Top Drone Service Providers for 2021 Report after less than a year of operations, under our new merged structure, is a

Droneii researcher, Lukas Schroth said: “It takes time to be established enough to become competitive in all ranking categories, and Rocketmine’s success was a great precursor for what Delta Drone International has achieved in less than 12 months since its inception. “We were thoroughly impressed with what Delta Drone International has been able to achieve in such a small amount of time and believe their fourth spot ranking alongside some of the world’s leading drone companies is well deserved. “We look forward to seeing what they do next.”

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EVENTS

Geo Week Conference Program and Speaker Lineup Announced

rganizers of Geo Week, the single powerhouse event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built world, have announced an impressive list of conference sessions and speakers for the 2022 event, which will take place February 6-8, 2022, in Denver, CO. The conference program features more than 125 speakers across 50 sessions with content that explores best practices in 3D capture, working in the built environment, gaining ROI from BIM, defining what’s possible now with lidar, and much more. The coming together of AEC Next Technology Expo & Conference, International Lidar Mapping Forum, and SPAR 3D Expo & Conference to form Geo Week reflects the increased integration between the built environment, advanced airborne/terrestrial technologies, and commercial 3D technologies. Partner events taking place in conjunction with Geo Week include ASPRS Annual Conference, MAPPS Winter Meeting, and USIBD Annual Symposium, ensuring the presence of geospatial and built world industry movers and shakers all in one place. Presenters representing leading organizations including Autodesk, Esri, USGS, The Beck Group, Hexagon Geosystems, GM, Caltrans, Velodyne Lidar, Draper, MLB and NASA will share their expertise on a range of topics. Featured sessions include: • •

BIM Project Approaches The Digital Twin In Action

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• Locating and Mapping Underground Infrastructure • 3D Technology in Transportation • AR/VR/XR Applications • Mapping for Transportation (Road, Rail) • Exploring How 3D Technology Will Define Our Future Workflows • Advances in Processing of Point Clouds Geo Week will have multiple tracks with content clearly identified as relevant to one or more of the audience groups feeding into Geo Week. The International Lidar Mapping Forum (ILMF) audience has historically been comprised of precision measurement professionals in surveying and mapping who use airborne and terrestrial lidar and related remote sensing technologies. The AEC Next audience has historically been comprised of professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) that use technologies such as reality capture, automation, AI and XR to bid and manage projects and improve workflows. The SPAR 3D audience has historically been comprised of professionals who use 3D capture, scanning, visualization and modeling technologies across a variety of verticals. “We’ve witnessed the growing convergence between geospatial and the built world,” said Lee Corkhill, Group Event Director at Diversified Communications, organizer of Geo Week. “We believe the market is

ready and eager for this next step of leveraging the confluence of technologies for improved collaboration, increased efficiency, and better outcomes. Much of the conference content and technology being showcased will reflect and support this increasing integration. At the same time, we recognize that individuals and organizations are at differing levels of adoption, and so there will be ample content that is more focused on what were traditional AEC Next, ILMF, and SPAR 3D topics.” Geo Week will provide education, technology, and resources for professionals in industries including AEC, Asset & Facility Management, Disaster & Emergency Response, Earth Observation & Satellite Applications, Energy & Utilities, Infrastructure & Transportation, Land & Natural Resource Management, Mining & Aggregates, Surveying & Mapping, and Urban Planning & Smart Cities. More than 80 companies have confirmed booths on the Exhibition Floor with additional companies being confirmed every week and more than 100 associations and media companies are signed on as supporters. Geo Week takes place February 6-8, 2022, with conference programming and exhibits Sunday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 8. Additional features of the programming are vendor-delivered Product Previews, Exhibition Theaters, workshops, and programming hosted by ASPRS, MAPPS, and USIBD.

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The intersection of

geospatial the built world

Accomplish a year’s worth of geospatial business in just one week by attending Geo Week 2022 Imagine a single powerhouse event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built environment. Where professionals from a range of disciplines network and gain insight into the increasing confluence of their worlds. Where cutting-edge technology offers new possibilities, improved efficiencies, and better outcomes. And where education opens the door to the future just ahead.

FEBRUARY 6-8, 2022 DENVER, CO - USA geo-week.com

AEC Next Technology Expo & Conference, International Lidar Mapping Forum, and SPAR 3D Expo & Conference, along with partner events ASPRS Annual Conference and USIBD Annual Symposium, are coming together in 2022 to form Geo Week. Each event features its own unique conference programming and combines in a single exhibit hall and inclusive networking activities. Welcome to Geo Week!

Use code SAVE100 for $100 off a conference pass or a free exhibit hall pass.

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INDUSTRIES SERVED

Architecture, Engineering & Construction

Asset & Facility Management

Disaster & Emergency Response

Earth Observation & Satellite Applications

Land & Natural Resource Management

Urban Planning/ Smart Cities

PARTNER EVENTS

Produced by

INNOVATION

Epiroc launches ET51, a new tube drilling system

piroc launches a new tube drilling system – ET51. It replaces the previous T51 tube drilling system. This new system greatly outperforms traditional speed-rod systems and allows for straighter and deeper drilling. Unlike its predecessor, ET51 comes with only one tube type which simplifies procurement and management. Straighter and deeper drilling The ET51 tube drilling system allows for straighter and deeper drilling while vastly improving service life. The system’s capability of extremely straight drilling is the result of a new tube design, a stiffer drill string thanks to the shoulder drive, a new coupling geometry and greatly improved bending endurance resulting in up to twice the strength of our previous model T51.

deeper drilling means improved productivity. This is further enhanced by fact that it comes with only one tube type making management and procurement a lot easier. It really is somewhat of a game changer," says Veselin Donchev, Global Product Manager, Epiroc Tools & Attachment Division

provides up to 45% longer service life. This greatly improves personal safety for the operator through fewer shifts. Another aspect of longer service life is that there will be fewer tubes manufactured in total over time, which in turn reduces the outtake of raw material and less transportation.

Longer service life and improved safety

"Sustainability and safety are important factors for us when developing new products and longer service life means less shifts which increases safety and improves our carbon footprint. It is a win-win for both us and our customers," emphasizes Veselin Donchev, Global Product Manager, Epiroc Tools & Attachment Division.

Besides improving straightness, shoulder drive reduces tube wear. The new optimized coupling geometry, including patented threads, means less mechanical wear. Field tests have shown that ET51

The new system also means that the operator can drill deeper than before. Lighter tube ends, which also have an improved geometry, allow more energy to be transferred into the rock. The advantage increases with each tube in the drill string, reducing the rate of penetration loss per tube, adding up to considerably deeper holes. "Our new tube drilling system really provides a significant advantage for the operator. Straighter and

Pix4D Launches viDoc RTK Rover

ix4D, the market leader in photogrammetry solutions, has just made the viDoc RTK rover available for purchase in the USA and Canada. Already available in Europe, the German-designed rover attaches to the latest iOS devices to bring RTK accuracy to terrestrial scanning on iPhones and iPads. The viDoc rover and PIX4Dcatch solution can replace the need for cumbersome and expensive survey tools such as RTK GNSS rovers and terrestrial scanners for a fraction of the price. “The viDoc RTK is a very easy-to-use handheld device used to 3D model just about any small area or structure. Combined with processing in PIX4Dmatic with both LiDAR and photogrammetry data, it’s an exciting new and accurate product.” – Mark Paulson of VerticalAspect, a professional surveyor with 30 years experience and 10 years of experience working with drones and photogrammetry in surveying.

The viDoc RTK rover for PIX4Dcatch is designed to be seamlessly integrated with all of Pix4D’s photogrammetry solutions. The easy workflow means users can go from scanning a site in minutes with the viDoc rover and PIX4Dcatch to processing on the cloud with PIX4Dcloud for 3D-models and volume measurements. Alternatively, they could process the data from PIX4Dcatch in the desktop software PIX4Dmatic and use both LiDAR and photogrammetry data to get the desired outputs, which can be added to PIX4Dsurvey for vectorization and be made ready for CAD.

The ease of use, affordability, and quality of the outputs of the viDoc RTK rover have the ability to disrupt the AEC industry and bring new workflows to fields including public works, accident reconstruction, and stockpile management. The viDoc RTK rover is available for sale from Pix4D or licensed resellers across the United States and Canada.

When paired with the PIX4Dcatch mobile app, the two products create a workflow that turns iPhones or iPads into an accurate terrestrial scanning device, with centimeter-accurate RTK positioning from your existing NTRIP network. PIX4Dcatch also takes advantage of LiDAR scanners in the latest devices, which are also leveraged during data capture and processing to improve scale and completeness. The result is a survey-grade tool in the pockets of professionals, replacing heavy LiDAR scanners and rovers.

September-October issue l 2021

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INNOVATION

Trimble Civil Construction Field Software Now Available Via Subscription Service Worldwide

rimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) has announced that its Trimble® Earthworks Grade Control Platform software and Trimble Siteworks software are now available globally as a subscription service. Contractors now have the ability to implement and scale Trimble's machine control and construction surveying solutions more easily and with no large up-front costs. Trimble Earthworks Subscription Service and Trimble Siteworks Subscription Service provide the software solutions at a contracted, fixed monthly price with flexible 12-, 36- and 60-month terms, giving customers the ability to modernize large fleets and to survey equipment inventories without a large capital investment. Trimble's subscription services are a costeffective, predictable way for users new to technology to get started, and are also ideal for contractors looking to switch technology providers. Plans include Trimble WorksManager Software, the cloud-based application that allows users to wirelessly transfer data from the office to the field, ensuring that field teams are always working with the latest 3D constructible models. Hardware and software upgrades are also included for the full term, and accidental damage protection for hardware is part of the contract in some regions. Local technical support, training and customer service packages from

SITECH® construction technology dealers can be included in the subscription service. "Providing customers around the world access to Trimble field software as a subscription service means contractors no longer have to spend time or resources tracking technology assets, training or troubleshooting users on multiple software versions, or worrying about technology upgrades," said Scott Crozier, general manager of Civil Construction at Trimble. "The rate of change for technology continues

to increase. With a subscription service, contractors can rest assured that they will always have the latest and greatest from Trimble." Availability Trimble Earthworks Subscription Service and Trimble Siteworks Subscription Service are now available globally through the worldwide SITECH distribution channel.

Fugro launches uncrewed surface vessels

ugro’s Blue Essence, an offshore certified uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with an electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV), will begin its first project in the Netherlands. The vessel is controlled from an onshore remote operations center (ROC) via a satellite connection. It will be used for the inspection of offshore assets, construction support services, and hydrographic and geophysical surveys. USVs play an important role in the future of the maritime sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering data more efficiently. USV operations remove personnel from high-risk offshore environments to an onshore ROC and reduce carbon footprint by 95 % when compared to traditional survey methods. Cloud-based data processing allows near real-time data delivery, leading to faster and more informed decision making. “We welcome this special vessel in our port. It’s the first time a remotely controlled uncrewed vessel will go to the North Sea from the port of Rotterdam to carry out a project without any personnel on board,” said René de Vries, Harbour Master of the Rotterdam Port Authority. “We are proud that this project will be executed safely due to the careful preparation of

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all parties involved. We expect the development of digitalization in the shipping sector will improve the safety and accessibility of the Rotterdam port.” Since 2020, Fugro has been deploying its Blue Shadow USV fleet for medium- to large-scale hydrographic survey applications. Fugro’s first Blue Essence has completed its first remote inspection, in Asia Pacific.

“I am excited that we now also have this newest generation of USVs available for European clients,” said Erik-Jan Bijvank, group director Europe and Africa at Fugro. “Over the coming years, Fugro will further expand its fleet of USVs for safer, more sustainable solutions for marine operations.”

Semptember-October issue l 2021

ENERGY

Re-using depleted mines for energy storage: thyssenkrupp Uhde South Africa wins study and signs an agreement with Pumped Hydro Storage Sweden AB

hyssenkrupp Uhde Africa together with Wismut GmbH has been appointed to execute a pre-feasibility for study for a “Renewable Underground Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage” (RUPHES) project on a specific site with a South African mining company. thyssenkrupp Uhde South Africa is collaborating with international specialist companies to facilitate mine repurposing. Already last year thyssenkrupp Uhde had signed a cooperation agreement with mining rehabilitation specialist Wismut GmbH in Germany. The international cooperation was now recently expanded by an agreement with Pumped Hydro Storage Sweden AB. With the increase in renewable energy generation there is an increased need for energy storage. Renewable Underground Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (RUPHES) in repurposed mines – coupled with solar and wind power – can reliably provide green energy when it is needed. Repurposing of depleted gold mines for RUPHES enables short construction schedules and significantly reduced costs. The main reason: Gold mining has already created the underground water storage reservoirs that commonly are the mostly costly components of pumped hydro plants. They just have to be adapted to their new purpose.

This is exactly what Pumped Hydro Storage Sweden does. It is part of the company Sustainable Energy Solutions and is currently developing a 2 MW / 8 MWh underground pumped energy storage project in an abandoned iron mine in Aland, Finland. The project has the support of both the European Commission and Swedish Energy Agency, and they are looking to commission the project in December 2023. This project demonstrates the reduced construction schedules and costs associated with utilizing mine tunnels for pumped energy storage as did a similar project at the Kidston gold mine in Australia. Well-proven, cost-competitive solution serving a major trend in Africa. As probably the most mature energy storage technology currently available, pumped hydro accounts for 97% of the global storage capacity. Exceptionally high hydraulic heads and stable hard rock geology render ultra-deep gold mines ideal for implementing the concept, and for producing internationally cost-competitive, reliable green electricity as well as green hydrogen and green ammonia. Just for comparison: In June 2021, a South

African gold mining company announced that they are able to produce electricity from solar power at USD 1.1c/kWh. This pricing is nearly on par with the best international solar pricing USD 1.04c/kWh, achieved in competitive bidding in Saudi Arabia. The fact that South Africa has world-class solar and wind resources is gaining traction in both government and industry, and the fact that it is cheaper to provide electricity from South African renewables than it is to provide power by importing foreign gas.

Getech Releases Heat Seeker – a New Paradigm for Geothermal Energy Exploration

temperature, tectonism, structure, geothermal system type with commercial analysis of market dynamics; including power grid and power plant distributions, heat demand maps, and the location of customers. Competition from other clean energy sources is also taken into account.

Geothermal, which is increasingly recognised for its future role in the transition to a net-zero world, offers a massive resource of sustainable low-carbon baseload energy. Countries around the world have set their targets for a net-zero future and creating energy from geothermal sources will make vital contributions to meeting them.

“When these key components are enhanced with machine learning and combined with advanced geospatial analytics of the market for any produced resource, the results are a solution that enables organisations to rapidly identify sweet spots for geothermal energy across a region – be it international, regional or local. Gaining such early project focus saves time, increases profit-margins, and ultimately reduces payback times in geothermal projects.”

etech, a provider of geoscience data, knowledge, and software to the energy and strategic minerals industries, has released its unique HeatSeeker™ solution in response to the fast-developing geothermal energy market.

But how will those in charge of low-carbon strategies be able to assess geothermal potential and then develop this important source of carbon-free clean energy? Getech developed Heat Seeker™ to meet that challenge. By providing an integrated solution for geothermal energy favourability analysis and site selection, Heat Seeker™ enables companies and governments to appraise the technical potential for geothermal

September-October issue l 2021

energy on a regional scale and gain a deeper understanding of the localised market economics that drive the viability of the resources. Chief Operating Officer for Getech, Chris Jepps, explains how his company’s new solution will benefit organisations working within this emerging marketplace: “Heat Seeker is built on the solid foundations of Getech’s market-leading gravity and magnetic data holdings, and our understanding of sub-surface heat conditions and geological structure. Heat Seeker integrates geological factors, heat flow,

Executive Director of The International Geothermal Association (IGA), Marit Brommer, commented: “Heat Seeker is a unique product in the geothermal sector. I’m convinced it will help organisations across the globe with the sweet-spotting of new geothermal energy sites based on subsurface and above-ground information.

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OPINION

Collaboration in the engineering sector is vital for achieving South Africa’s national agenda

t has been almost a year since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, with a key objective being to create jobs, primarily through aggressive infrastructure investment. However, little progress has been made despite many industry bodies putting their hands up to aid with state capacity. Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu recently called on engineers to “patriotically contribute” to the development agenda of South Africa. This was part of her keynote address at a virtual seminar hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in June, and has reaffirmed — for me, and for Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) — the importance of our industry bodies and associations raising our hands and offering partnerships with our government. But, before we raise our hands, perhaps we should be joining our hands. The South African engineering profession is home to countless industry bodies, associations, institutes, and authorities which have somewhat segregated us, causing disintegration. Between CESA, ECSA, SAICE, SABTACO, BBCBE, NSBE, SAIEE (and the list of acronyms goes on), South African engineers are operating in silos — something we have oft-criticised of government departments. The South African engineering sector should rather make efforts to present a united front, putting aside our differences and collaborating towards improved service delivery, economic development and transformation.

Author: Chris Campbell ,Chief Executive of Consulting Engineers South Africa

September-October issue l 2021

This may be more appealing to young engineers too, who are faced with a plethora of organisations to join when starting their career. Under one banner, we could focus on pooling our efforts and put aside any differences between our respective organisations in the relentless race to be heard first and recognised most. Together, we are capable of providing innovative solutions in support of the

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OPINION

national agenda and help deliver the infrastructure our citizens deserve — cost effectively and honestly. I am not suggesting a dissolution of existing industry associations, but rather a reinvigoration of an overarching body that could assist with better coordination of wider sector efforts. One example might be SAFE — the South African Forum for Engineering, which was established some years ago in response to this need for wider collaboration and communication. It became dormant, but perhaps the

“

time has come to revitalise it, or something similar, especially as we aim to unite in support of South Africa’s economic recovery plan. I envision that a united engineering industry would be more conducive to the provision of equal opportunities, skills development, mentorship, industry transformation, talent retention and sustainability of the profession. These are all elements that are given attention by individual industry associations, so why not work together as one body on these important goals? A better-

integrated profession and industry would be more efficient, effective, and more appealing to stakeholders, including our government. It is confusing and time-consuming for decision-makers to deal with multiple entities individually, when we each share the same objectives. Under one banner, we are capable of providing innovative solutions in support of the national agenda and help deliver the infrastructure our citizens deserve – cost effectively and honestly.

Under one banner, we are capable of providing innovative solutions in support of the national agenda and help deliver the infrastructure our citizens deserve – cost effectively and honestly.

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”

Semptember-October issue l 2021

FEATURE

Cadastral Survey

Cadastral survey is a detailed land surveying of the boundaries and metes of a given country. A large number of countries have undertaken Cadastral Surveys to record their land boundaries and to allow easy access by legal professionals for boundary disputes, land ownership, and land boundaries among others. This allows a layperson to see exactly what a land boundary is according to a country’s civil law and to understand what is an easement, a public right of way or a private landowner’s right to occupy the land. It also gives the public an idea of how much a particular land or area is worth, and this is essential in selling or buying land or properties.

Most people think of a cadastral survey as a purely administrative task whereby land is surveyed to find out the boundaries of properties. However, a cadastral survey can also be a lot more complex. For example, a town or city may want to know how many times a street has been altered since it was last surveyed so that they can plan future road improvements accordingly. If planning permission is needed then the town or city will need to apply for an addition to the current civil law land survey to enable them to do so. Also civil law areas may require a survey to find out if there are any underground utilities that may affect the marketability of a home or block of flats. If planning permission is required for any structural changes then added to a civil survey could be vital to avoid future problems with planning applications.

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“The absence of defects in the record chain of title and freedom from encumbrances are major factors upon which the marketability of a land title is generally considered to depend. Such encumbrances and defects remain a clog on the title and an impediment to its marketability,” says a marketing representative at Geoinfotech Nigeria. Geoinfotech Nigeria, further believes that, a properly executed cadastral survey can add value to land marketability in the following ways; • It confirms the genuineness of the land or building. • Eligible access to insurance plans. It grants security to land in terms of grappling and

such land or building has rights to compensation in case of government’s policies and decisions. People value security in Landed properties and as such, the key factor to its marketability is assurance that the property won’t be revoked or hijacked from them. Fred Aboagye-Larbi, Managing Director at BEACON SURVEY LIMITED, states that, “The accuracy of cadastral survey increases the confidence in the document covering the land or property.” Additionally, when planning a building project, or altering or extending an existing one to make it more efficient, or perhaps to increase its marketable value, a cadastral survey is essential for giving the planner an accurate idea of how the property would look

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CADASTRAL SURVEY “Traditional cadastral surveys are executed with traditional survey equipment like theodolites and tapes or with total stations whilst the modern cadastral surveys are executed with modern equipment like GPS,GNSS,drones etc,” says Fred Aboagye-Larbi.

What are Land Ownership B o u n d a r i e s ?

“The rapid rate at which advances in technology are occurring have outpaced the ability of many individuals and organizations to react quickly and appropriately to change. It will take years to fully understand the impact of emerging technology on the land surveying profession. The differences are basically advancements in; Methods and techniques, Equipment, Data collection and presentation, Data storage and retrieval system. The field of land surveying and mapping have benefited from technology innovations in personal computers, digital instruments, global navigational satellite positioning system (GNSS), geographic information system to name just a few. New tools for rapid acquisition of measured data are continually being developed and refined, and the Internet has provided the means to share such data with people worldwide,” elaborates Geoinfotech.

“

“New technology has not changed the boundary surveyors’ core responsibility, which is to locate, mark, and document the boundary in a legally defensible matter, for their clients, all future owners of real property, and interests in real property adjoining the boundary. Nonetheless, the global positioning system and computers have changed the way land surveyors measure, analyze, and calculate data. Land owners and land managers have turned to geographic information systems to make complex ecological and economic decisions. The increased need for better tools to manage complex issues in land matters has spawned to the realization and adoption of modern cadastral surveying over the traditional methods of rigorous, time consuming and outdated operations,” enhances Geoinfotech.

before construction, and this knowledge could help with the approval procedure. According to Geoinfotech, a parcel of land remain unmarketable so long as encumbrances and defects in the record system are evident, even though the person having an interest in such land may be totally ignorant of the existence of such right. The company further points out other marketability factors which may include; access to road network and other social amenities, Proximity to development, Land use category (urban or rural settlement, industrial land use, residential land use, administrative land use) etc., personality of the land marketer of or seller in terms of reliability, trustworthiness and presentation.

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There are two different kinds of cadastral surveys: traditional and modern. The traditional survey is still used by a number of voluntary organizations and government bodies. One major advantage of these traditional cadastral surveys is that they enable the organization or government body to establish the boundaries of areas of land whether the boundaries change because of new developments, or boundaries are shifted due to natural geological phenomena. Another important advantage is that these surveys are usually not particularly costly and tend to produce very accurate results. Modern cadastral surveys are less accurate and produce more random results; however they are much more expensive than traditional ones.

There are some problems associated with nonremovable types of boundary surveys. Because of removable walls do not shift; it is difficult to determine where a boundary should be moved when new buildings are built on the boundary. In some cases an accurate survey may still be required, but in these cases it is usually possible to simply dig a trench around the boundary to define the exact position of the boundary. In addition to this other problems include access to the land and the cost involved in raising the land to the required level for the surveyor. There are also problems associated with the traditional cadastral surveys. Landowners often find that changes to their land ownership boundaries can mean they will need to get a new survey in order to mark the new boundary. This can result in extra costs and a lengthy process; therefore it is necessary to ensure that the boundary surveyor you choose has sufficient experience and expertise in relation to your land ownership boundaries and can produce the results you require quickly and efficiently. If your boundary surveyor cannot produce the correct results then there is a good chance you will need a new one.

Semptember-October issue l 2021

AWARDS

Arcadis 2nd Consecutive Win as Quantity Surveying Team of the Year at the RICS Awards 2021

rcadis’ winning team demonstrated strong technical acumen in value engineering and the ability to identify issues beyond their job scope, helping to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the project. Arcadis Singapore won the award for Quantity Surveying team of the year at the RICS Awards 2021 Southeast Asia for its work on CapitaSpring, an integrated development that is sustainable, peoplecentric and empowers occupants with new levels of flexibility and mobility. The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational

initiatives and developments in the built environment and recognises teams and individuals who have contributed to the community and the development of the profession. Quantity Surveying Team of the Year The transformation of the old carpark complex into a future-ready integrated development was filled with many complexities such as managing a tight schedule, collaboration between multiple trades, and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the project. Arcadis demonstrated teamwork, professionalism, strong technical acumen in value engineering and

applied value-added innovations, as well as BIM and VDC. This enabled the smooth delivery of an excellent suite of cost and commercial management where all contract packages were awarded within budget with significant cost savings for the Client. Commenting on the awards, Managing Director for Singapore, René Hillig, said, “We are delighted to be recognised by RICS for this award once again this year. I am very proud of our teams’ achievement and our commitment to continue bringing our best to our projects and to our clients regardless of the challenges.”

Tetra Tech Receives a Canadian Consulting Engineering Award of Excellence

he Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada recognized Tetra Tech with an Award of Excellence in the Project Management category for the Turcot Interchange and Railways Reconstruction Project. Tetra Tech received the award during the 2021 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards virtual event in October. As part of an integrated team with the Québec Ministry of Transport, Tetra Tech and partner AECOM have managed the Turcot Interchange and Railways Reconstruction Project since 2008. The project aimed to replace four interchanges and three highway sections, to move the nearby Canadian National Railway tracks, and to add new municipal connections. The team proudly contributed to this reconfiguration, using a combination of alternative and traditional conception methods. In turn, their efforts allowed a seamless integration of this project in an urban area, while also keeping Canada’s busiest road sector operational.

September-October issue l 2021

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DRONES

Percepto launches drone with advanced AI analytics

ercepto, an Israel-based company specializing in autonomous inspection with industrial robotics, has launched its 2022 Autonomous Inspection & Monitoring (AIM) platform and Air Mobile drone. Recently listed in TIME magazine’s 100 Best Inventions of 2021, Percepto offers an end-to-end solution powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to collate and streamline all visual data for accurate actionable insights. Percepto AIM 2022 has a new Insight Manager to deliver AI-powered packaged solutions for sectorspecific use cases, such as solar, mining, energy, oil and gas and other industries. The company drew on tens of thousands of hours collected by autonomous robot missions at industrial facilities to create it. Percepto’s AI change-detection framework offers unified visual data and critical business insights for each of the sector-specific solutions. AIM 2022 can be integrated with autonomous drones and robots as well as other visual data collectors, now including DJI drones, and fixed cameras. Reports and insights are automatically generated based on the combined visual data. Disseminated to relevant stakeholders on any mobile device, issues and faults are geotagged and displayed on a map, enabling effective action before escalating into more serious problems. Percepto also introduced its new Percepto Air portfolio to support the enhanced platform, which will address the diverse needs and increasing demands of various markets. Percepto Air Max. The next generation of Percepto Sparrow, the Percepto Air Max is a field-proven solution that operates in the largest mining, oil and gas, and energy companies on six continents. It has a top-grade, versatile payload for specific use cases.

Designed to inspect and map complex industrial environments where the highest accuracy and durability are critical, Air Max also has an optical gas imaging (OGI) camera. Percepto Air Mobile. This option is a more compact and lighter weight model for smaller sites or organizations taking their first steps with a dronein-the-box program, or larger sites that need greater deployment flexibility. It is designed for linear inspections, such as pipelines and power lines, and can monitor short-term projects across multiple sites, such as construction sites. Percepto Air Max and Air Mobile drones are stored permanently onsite within their respective Percepto Bases. The Air Mobile’s base is light and easy to

relocate while maintaining high levels of durability. These encasements are designed for infrequent maintenance and protection against extreme environmental phenomena, such as hurricanes. Percepto’s drones are safe and regulation ready, and ensure all operational aspects meet corporate standards. “Percepto AIM 2022 and the new Percepto Air line of drones, together with the most advanced change detection solution, alert and prevent failures and downtime within diverse use cases across many industries,” said Percepto CEO Dor Abuhasira. “Percepto AIM provides the most advanced and comprehensive enterprise inspection software that offers a complete data workflow — from capture to insight. With Percepto Air Max and Percepto Air Mobile, companies have a range of options to choose from depending on the size of their facilities and the flexibility needed to deploy drones.” “The real power of Percepto’s system is how data collection and analytics are integrated for a holistic view from both a technical and management perspective,” said Tim Shanfelt, director of Operations Transformation, Koch Ag & Energy. “Our workers are connected to high-level information that helps them make the right decisions while keeping them safe and free to pursue higher value activities. Our goal is to eliminate hazardous, wasteful, and mundane tasks from our operators’ day. For example, instead of an employee climbing an icy ladder in the winter, a robot or drone can perform the same task while still obtaining accurate measurements. We see Percepto playing a significant role in helping make our facilities more safe, secure, efficient, and profitable.”

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Semptember-October issue l 2021

COVER STORY

BIM for Construction A Cost Effective Delivery Solution

Avoiding costly mistakes and achieving great results IM for Construction is a term that describes an approach to delivering buildings and infrastructure using digital models. Building Information Modelling is an integrated process supported by various software packages, related technologies and contract terms that enable the design and implementation of digital models to create a structural and physical characteristic of a location. It is the foundation of many construction projects and is used in the management of the construction process from beginning to end.

“BIM enables us to build virtually first, allowing us to make mistakes in the virtual world rather than the real world where the costs are greatly increased. By enabling various members of a project team, the Architect working through a complex design process, the contractor looking to deliver this vision to a client who may not fully understand a 2D or 3D visualisation for their building, BIM can provide benefit throughout,” says Chris Allen, Director - BIM Institute. “As defined by Autodesk, Building Information

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Modeling (BIM) is the holistic process of creating and managing information of a built asset. BIM encompasses several different tools to integrate multi-disciplinary data to produce a digital representation of an asset across its lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations. This data can be managed in an open cloud platform for real-time collaboration. The whole BIM process has as an end goal making every phase of construction and design as efficient and costeffective as possible,” remarks Mrs. Uboho Y. Othman, Communications Executive - BIM Africa. “Projects go wrong when the initial cost of the project is calculated incorrectly due to a lack of understanding or information. The very creation of the Building Information Model forces the design team (Architect, Engineer, Specialist Supplier) to have to think through details of the design to a much greater level than in traditional methodologies, thus reducing the potential for information to be missed. When this is then expanded upon by the construction team reviewing the information as they work through their delivery process, it further reduces

the potential for incorrect or poor information to be disseminated to those responsible for the delivery, the subcontractors. For the cost management team, this also assists in reducing the potential for a surprise, especially when technology such as digital scans are used, with this information being converted into BIM models to assist in verifying the physical quantities, thus increasing the quality of the costing exercise and reducing the risk of cost overruns. The combined effect of this process is achieving great results on projects,” adds Chris. BIM involves structural and material modeling, construction costing, scheduling and communication. It provides accurate insights which prove to be helpful in decision making. The concept of BIM has made it possible for construction firms to successfully deal with critical issues like cost effectiveness, schedule management, material procurement, budget management, site selection, land management etc. This helps in increasing productivity, quality, reliability and safety. “With BIM, activities can be carried out in real-time

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BIM FOR CONSTRUCTION

collaboration in an open cloud platform, allowing all role-players access to important data from anywhere. This reduces rework because every member of the team will always have the most current information on hand. Thus, the preconstruction process will be more accurate, cutting down on rework later,” asserts Mrs. Othman “By taking a BIM model into VR or AR headsets, one can immerse project participants, down to the individual worker, in the project delivery process, to the extent that H&S challenges can be communicated, thus reducing risk to all the participants. These interventions reduce the potential for mistakes to happen which would lead to project delay and rework. Furthermore, when clients understand what they require and BIM models can communicate this to a project team clearly and unambiguously, it fosters a more positive culture in the project enabling other issues to be worked through without the traditional conflict that is inherent on projects. This generally results in improved delivery including the key areas of quality, cost, time and health & safety,” comments Chris. BIM software allows construction firms to gather important information relating to their projects such as cost, availability and price of materials, optimal schedule, time required to complete the project and more. BIM aids in the identification of the appropriate material, location, and techniques to use for various structures. It enables the construction firms to create accurate construction schedules and manage resources efficiently. BIM is available in several forms such as design software, 4D planning tools and 6D virtual teams. Many construction firms are now using these BIM solutions to streamline and complete their work. “BIM systems store project information such as design information, scheduling, cost, etc. Since several models (structural, MEP, etc) are integrated into one main BIM model, this helps in clash detection for effective identification and reporting of interferences in a project. Improved flow of information and workflow leads to increased productivity. BIM also enhances financial risk management and provides reliable construction cost estimates long before the construction phase begins. Not only does this give

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stakeholders a better idea of how much the project will cost, but it also helps them discover ways to reduce costs,” elaborates Mrs. Othman.

be realised,” she emphasizes.

BIM is based on the principle of structural modeling and is a useful tool in decision making. The main advantage of BIM is that it is designed to manage and collect building information from different sources including manual data, digital information, and structural drawings. BIM software provides critical information in easy to understand formats which are then used by the engineers during the design phase. It is mainly intended for designing buildings, tunnels, shafts, pipes, insulation, foundations, and structures. The main use of BIM software is to reduce errors in the construction process and make projects more efficient and economical. As stated by Chris Allen, BIM provides a single platform of information so communication between the different parties to a contract are better informed, thus improving their understanding of a project and decision making. Poor decisions are a result of poor information; therefore, improving the quality and quantity of information available to decision makers is key to improving this. BIM models incorporate all the elements of a project including temporary elements that may have major implications in the decision-making process. Mrs. Othman further points out that, communication and teamwork are the key tenets of a successful construction project. Of all the many benefits of BIM, the most important is that it improves collaboration by bringing all project stakeholders together. This synergy between owners, consultants, and main contractors enhances access to quality information thus promoting and improving the decision-making process of projects. “Indeed, BIM is a reality. Not only are professionals embracing it, but Governments from all over the world are requiring it for publicly-funded projects and policies are being developed around BIM. However, the BIM chain should remain unbroken all through the phases of a construction project - from project inception to the eventual demolition of the project, otherwise data will be lost and the benefits of having the complete project history in a single BIM will not

BIM provides the necessary information during the design phase of a construction project and can be applied for any type of construction and is specifically designed to meet the needs of the structural engineers. BIM software contains a userfriendly interface, which enables the users to easily manipulate and modify the models, run the software in a demo version, and even print out the completed models. “As a result, improved coordination of the various facets of a project can be carried out in a more seamless fashion. Furthermore, those elements have large amounts of data attached to them, all in a single location. The fact that data can be assigned to objects in the model environment and that the data can be extracted for upstream or downstream analysis provides a huge opportunity to enhance the level of knowledge of decision makers and thus greatly assist them to make the correct decision more often. Add in modern computing power and data analysis software and decision making now has many additional tools available to enable better understanding of the complexity and implications (scenarios) that may play out as a result of decisions made. The ability to communicate these scenarios to a wider discourse of project participants (stakeholders) will in turn also enable greater feedback into the decision-making process, further enhancing that process going forward. The key aspect is that the visual nature of the data enables multiple entities to provide input. This then results in an enhanced output,” affirms Chris. BIM is used in many areas of construction such as structural design, costing, schedule management, material planning and forecasting, and many others. BIM also provides a fast, accurate and flexible method of collecting and organizing necessary information for a construction project. Most of the BIM solutions are flexible enough to handle the complexity of the projects, resulting in less manual work from the designers and engineers. BIM can also integrate all the necessary modules into one platform, making it easy for the project managers to modify information and resources at a later stage of the construction project.

Semptember-October Semptember-October issue issue ll 2021 2021

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SMART SUBSEA SOLUTIONS Delivering data in most adverse conditions: underwater acoustic modems with advanced communication technology and networking Accurate USBL and LBL positioning of underwater assets Modem emulator and other cost-saving developer tools Autonomous surface vehicle for bathymetry, monitoring and AUV support

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EvoLogics.de Rescue workers at the collapsed building in Gachie

September-October issue l 2021

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INFRASTRUCTURE

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Semptember-October issue l 2021

FEATURE

Engineered Elevators

levator systems, including those that are engineered, have been in use for over 150 years. With this in mind, it is easy to see why there are so many questions surrounding their proper installation and maintenance. An Engineered elevator, as any expert will tell you, is a product that is designed to last longer, require less upkeep, and ultimately save money over time. The first question usually asked is: "What is an Engineered Elevator?" This answer differs slightly from a standard elevator as it utilizes mechanical parts that are not essential to the operation of the elevator. Often, all that is needed for the operation of an Engineered Elevator is a new hardware and software. The components are, however, typically more superior and dependable due to the fact that the components have been designed for superior performance. A typical Engineered Elevator has a number of motors in its mechanical system. These motors may be part of a single chain drive unit, or they may be part of multiple chains. Regardless of how these motors are arranged within the system, the end result is the same. There is always a mechanical process that occurs and it results in the elevator moving upwards or downwards in an efficient and reliable manner. One of the most common questions about Engineered Elevators pertains to their safety features. Each part of the elevator, from the motors to the counterweight systems and bottom tracks, is tested to make sure they operate safely.

September-October issue l 2021

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ENGINEERING

Additionally, the entire building (including the ceiling and floor systems) must be considered during the testing process to ensure the integrity of the entire system. Ultimately, any part of the system that malfunctions poses a risk to those who may be using the elevator. For example, if the elevator's motor is not strong enough to lift the load at the appropriate times, or if the elevator encounters a technical glitch, an emergency stop can be triggered and the load can be lifted and moved out of the way. If an Engineered Elevator is used for transporting people, then maintenance is even more important. An entire building can become seriously damaged by not paying attention to small details. A large part of the system is the counterweight system. This contains the machinery necessary to lower and raise the load, and it also requires precise force from the motor itself. If

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anything is not working correctly, it can cause serious damage to the structure of the building or, in the worst case scenario, collapse. Such damage can be avoided if the employees know what to look for. Moreover, any employee in charge of maintenance should carry an annual safety certification. The training process varies from location to location, but a basic outline of what is required can usually be found online. Such training sessions should cover preventive maintenance, inspection and any other relevant information. It is also important that the employees know what to do in the case of an emergency and how to act in such an event. By taking the time to learn about such basic maintenance and procedures, a business can greatly decrease the amount of unexpected downtime, and the resultant cost.

Semptember-October issue l 2021

AWARDS

Deadline extended for the KSA Innovation in Construction and Logistics Awards 2021

ominations are open for the KSA Innovation in Construction and Logistics Awards 2021. The event is set to take place on December 15th in Riyadh. The KSA Innovation in Construction & Logistics Awards 2021 is one of the leading events applauding the achievements of the region’s construction and logistics professionals. The awards strive to recognise individual excellence, corporate strengths, and project success. Companies are invited to nominate the people, projects, and initiatives of which they are most proud of. The awards presentation will happen at a gala dinner in a five-star venue – a celebration which has proven to be a great social occasion and essential networking opportunity. Winners will receive a commemorative trophy, plus extensive print and online coverage of their success in Construction Business News ME & Logistics News ME. Nominate yourselves now, to stand a chance to win at the much-awaited construction and logistics industry awards event of 2021. To nominate and to find out how you can be a partner and sponsor for the awards visit: https://www.cbnme. com/construction-innovation-awards-ksa-2021/ Here are the categories for the awards: Construction/Design Categories

500 words about the firm and its progress. Consultant of the Year This award category recognises the outstanding consultancy firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the Consultant of the Year that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region. All types of construction consultancy companies (quantity surveyors, cost consultants, engineering consultants, project management consultants, etc) are qualified to nominate. Entries for the Consultant of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress. Facilities Management Company of the Year The award for overall FM Company of the Year will go to the company that can demonstrate how it has had the greatest impact on the FM-related business. The winning company is well-respected, with a solid reputation among customers and the industry. Its all-round performance in the FM industry over the past year, as exhibited by in its ongoing involvement in flagship contracts and/or projects, will have built on a track record characterized by service excellence, delivery, and innovation.

Company Awards

Entries for the FM Company of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.

Contractor of the Year

Real Estate Developer of the Year

This award category recognises the outstanding contractor firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the contractor that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region.

This award category recognises the outstanding Real Estate Developer firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the Real Estate Developer that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region.

Entries for the Contractor of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.

Entries for the Real Estate Developer of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress.

MEP Contractor of the Year

Technology & Innovation in Facilities Management

This award category recognises the outstanding MEP contractor firm in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The award will be given to the MEP contractor that showcases high quality projects and innovation in the MENA region.

Entries for the Technology & Innovation in FM should show case how their technology has benefited their clients in a effective way in no more than 500 words.

Entries for the MEP Contractor of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than

This award category recognises the outstanding architectural firm in the 12 months to the end of

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Architecture Firm of the Year

September 2021. Judges will be looking a firm, which delivers high quality projects in the MENA region. Judges will be looking for the firm’s greatest achievements, projects, and financial summary of the relevant period. Entries for the Architectural firm of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress. Fit-Out Company of the Year The award is for the outstanding fit-out firm of the year who has delivered some amazing projects in the past 12 month till September 2021. The limelight would be on firm’s completed projects, financial summary, nature of clients, and other accomplishments. Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description about the firm and its achievements. HSE Initiative of the Year Contenders for the Health and Safety (HSE) Initiative of the Year award will need to provide details of an initiative successfully executed in the GCC in the 12 months to the end of September 2021. The category is open to all companies operating within the construction sector in the region. Special merit will be awarded to companies that can demonstrate the initiative has had a wider impact on the industry. Entries for the HSE Initiative of the Year award should support their nominations in no more than 500 words Best Workplace of the Year The award is presented to the construction/ architectural/design firm that takes on a peoplecentric approach and demonstrates strong commitment towards employee empowerment and enrichment. Companies must try in terms of improving employee’s job satisfaction, employee recognition and retention, fair communication, and promote work-life balance. Entries for the Best Workplace of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words about the firm and its progress. Interior Design Firm of The Year The award is for an outstanding design firm of the year whose projects standout with Inspiring and creative ideas. Judges will be looking for a firm,

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AWARDS

which has shown excellence in design and delivered excellent projects on time. Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description about the firm and its progress. Property Management Company of the Year The award for Property Management Company of the Year will go to a PM firm or asset management firm that’s making rapid strides either through its own Facilities Management division, or via its outsourced FM operator. Entrants for the Property Management Company of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words. Software Solutions Company of the Year This award goes to the company that provides the best software solutions in the construction and facilities management industry. Entries for the Software Solutions Company of the Year category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words. Supplier of the Year The award for Supplier of the Year will go to the organization who can demonstrate their most efficient and productive impact to their suppliers and innovators.

Best Futuristic Project

This category awards the best overall project with multiple and combined functions, including (but not limited to) commercial, residential, co-working, institutional, health and wellness, cultural, hospitality, sports and recreation, transportation and more, and are physically and functionally integrated.

This category is dedicated to any type of building and development that is already in the design/ architectural phase with a start date already in place and gives an insight into what the future may hold through distinct architectural/construction, use of advanced technology, and environmental qualities.

Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the innovative project supporting the ideas of the same.

*Kindly, note that in the submission document, companies must indicate when the construction intends to start (date, year).

Residential Project of the Year

Entries for the Best Futuristic category should support their nomination with no more than 500 words.

This award is for the outstanding residential project in the Middle East Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the residential project and its features.

Commercial Project of the Year This award is for the outstanding commercial/public sector project, which includes museums, government buildings, cinemas, airports, offices, and galleries in the Middle East.

Innovative Project of the Year

Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the commercial project and standout features of the development. Hospitality Project of the Year (Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants) The award will go to the outstanding hospitality project—restaurant, bar, or hotel in the Middle East.

Entries of the Supplier of the Year should support their nomination in no more than 500 words.

Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the innovative project supporting the ideas of the same.

Project Awards

Mixed-Used Development Project of the Year

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The Best Innovative Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology. We are looking for an project that has developed and applied the most innovative approach to overcoming one or more construction challenges. Winners may have developed a demonstrably new and different technique or process or may have harnessed emerging or existing technologies to create new or improved products, tools or services leading to better built outcomes. Entries for the Innovative Project of the Year should support their nominations in no more than 500 words Energy Project of the Year

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AWARDS

This award is for the outstanding Energy Project (Solar, Renewable, Oil & Gas) in the Middle East.

should support their nomination in no more than 500 words

Entries for the Energy Project of the Year should support their nominations in a total of no more than 500 words

Ground Handling Company of the Year

Master Plan Project of the Year This award is given to any completed master plan project dedicated to the long-term connections between buildings, infrastructure, social and economic conditions, environments, and future development. Entries for the Master Plan Project of the Year award should support their nominations in no more than 500 words SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR The Sustainable Project of the Year Award will be awarded to the project that makes an important contribution to its surroundings, demonstrates construction best practice, and can show how construction techniques and technology have contributed to its success MODULAR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE YEAR Entries should support their nomination with no more than 500 words of description of the modular project and standout features of the development. Individual Award CEO of the Year The award for CEO of the Year will go to the executive who can demonstrate delivering outstanding results at his or her organisation during the previous 12 months. The category is open to CEOs and other senior executives working at any company operating within the GCC construction sector during the period. Entrants for the CEO of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words Engineer of the Year The award for Engineer of the Year will go to the engineer who can demonstrate the greatest impact on his or her organisation and projects during the previous 12 months. The category is open to any engineer working at any company operating within the GCC construction sector during the period.

This award is open to any business entity involved in the provision of ground handling services in the Middle East. We will be looking for an organisation that is deemed significant in terms of providing exemplary support to the aviation sector. E ach company must submit evidence for the size and nature of the organisation. The company must have a track record of innovation and they must demonstrate the degree of innovation and their commercial potential. Freight-Forwarding Company of the Year his award is for companies displaying excellence in freight forwarding, in terms of service and efficiency in ocean, road or rail freight. Entries for the Freight Forwarding Company of the Year should support their nomination in no more than 500 words E-Commerce Company of the Year This award recognises the air freight operators going out of their way to deliver outstanding services to their customers. Entries for the E-Commerce Company of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words Most Innovative Technology for Logistics Technology has played a pivotal role in transforming the logistics landscape, and tech companies constantly strive to offer the next ‘big thing’ to increase productivity in the supply chain. The Most Innovative Technology for Logistics award recognises such companies and their unique product offerings for the market, in fields such as warehouse, express delivery, supply chain management, and more. Entries for the Most Innovative Technology for Logistics category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words Express Logistics Provider of the Year

award a distinguished facility that meets several criteria on the list of what makes a warehouse ideal Entries for the Warehouse Facility/Firm of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words Digital Solutions Provider The award will recognise a digital service provider in the logistics industry. Digital freight providers use automation to connect shippers and carriers to minimise human intervention and error while streamlining freight procurement. Entries for the Digital Solutions Provider category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words Integrated Logistics Service Company of the Year Handling a variety of cargoes associated with capital projects, large and small, including bulk, break bulk, containerized, and special cargoes. Logistics companies that deliver professional people and certified equipment to make the transfers between ships, barges, marshalling areas, warehouses, and ground transportation while minimizing the risk of lost and damaged freight, as well as loss of production time. This award aims to recognise such integrated logistics company, who provide services that not only imbibe technology, but also set the path for others to follow. Cold Chain Service Provider of the Year This award recognises companies that provide optimal temperature-controlled services, while balancing energy consumption, costs and efficiency. Entries for the Cold Chain Service Provider category should support their nomination by providing the following information in no more than 500 words Automotive Logistics Company of the Year Seamless logistics is required to get everything from pre-assembled components down to the last screw to the right place at the right time. As automotive specialist, companies offer solutions for complex logistics requirements for in-bound production material and the distribution of spare parts.

This award category recognises the most efficient and respected Express Logistics Provider in the region. We will be looking at a consistent track record and strong client portfolio. Incorporation of recent trends such as e-commerce logistics, last mile delivery, and inclusion of technology will all be taken into consideration.

This award aims to recognise such automotive logistics company, who provide services that not only imbibe technology, but also set the path for others to follow.

Cargo Operator of the Year

Entries for the Express Logistics Provider of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words

This award recognises the air cargo operators going out of their way to deliver outstanding services to their customers.

Warehouse Facility/Firm of the Year

The award CEO of the Year will go to the senior executive of a leading logistics company who can demonstrate the greatest impact on his/ her logisticsrelated business in the last 12 months.

Entrants for the Engineer of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words. Logistics

Entries for the Cargo Operator of the Year category

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The Warehouse Facility/Firm of the Year seeks to

CEO of the Year

Entries for the CEO of the Year category should support their nomination in no more than 500 words.

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Subsurface Locators

ubsurface Locators are helping geologists, engineers, geophysicists, archeologists and other professionals gather data from the surface of the ground. This is vital to them, because the condition of the ground affects many aspects of their research. Geologists have to drill holes, remove soil to find and evaluate samples. This is risky and can create a lot of delays in their projects. Geophysicists must map the surface to determine what is below the ground. This can take days, weeks or even months depending on the size and detail of the site. As a result of the global crisis, these professionals are now turning to land surveyors for help. These professionals will also do any needed modifications or repairs on the land that is being surveyed. A geologist sends out a subsurface surveyor in order to get an accurate evaluation of the land they have at their disposal. Once the land has been assessed, the land surveyor will then communicate with you to determine if purchasing this land would be beneficial or otherwise. If so they will help you determine which side of the land you should purchase.

Once all of the surveying has been completed and the land has been purchased, the land is committed under a contract for a certain period of time. This will allow the company to complete what they need to before you can focus on your land. You will find that most companies require that you locate the subsurface surveyors as soon as possible. Once you have located the subsurface locators you wish to hire you will discuss the details with them. They will then go to work. In most cases the land surveyors send someone to locate the land for you and make any necessary repairs. In some instances you may not even need to have the land surveyed because they may have already done the process for you. Subsurface Locators are very beneficial when it comes to buying or selling a property. The price is right and you have the professional you need to finish the job for you. These locators are great to have when things go wrong. When there is something wrong with your land, you want to have someone to look it over. In most cases the professional from the first company that you choose will come back to your location to assist you solve the problem at hand.

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Semptember-October issue l 2021

MINING

Battery Powered Mining Trucks to Support Customer Goals

t’s an exciting time at Caterpillar as they support their customers in achieving their climate-related objectives. No doubt, the world is on the cusp of an energy transition to address climate change, promote sustainability, and improve communities where we live and work. The energy transition may be uncharted territory, but we’re focused on teaming up with customers to develop solutions that work. THE FUTURE STARTS HERE BHP, a world-leading resources company and one of Caterpillar’s largest customers, announced an agreement with Caterpillar to develop zero-emissions battery powered large mining trucks. These brandnew trucks, to be designed and built by Caterpillar, will facilitate the trajectory of zero-emissions mining worldwide. Mining trucks are the lifeblood of mine sites around the world – which makes them a key component in plans to achieve sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals. Like Caterpillar, BHP is serious about addressing climate change; they are committed to being a net-zero operator by 2050. We’re excited to be part of a valued customer’s plan to reach aspirational goals to build a better world.

As part of the newly announced agreement, BHP will have early access to the Caterpillar-developed zero-emissions equipment and will provide input to the developing and testing processes. The resulting collaboration will shape the processes, technology and infrastructure that will ultimately support zeroemissions machines and mine sites of the future. This milestone is the result of more than 12 months of close teamwork between BHP and Caterpillar in analyzing energy demands and options to apply new technologies at BHP sites. DESIGNING FOR DIVERSITY Diversity and inclusion (D&I) is foundational to both companies’ business strategies. BHP has an unwavering commitment to D&I – in 2016, the company set an aspirational goal to achieve gender balance by 2025. Caterpillar’s continuing journey to build a more globally diverse workforce and inclusive environment is spelled out in its 2021 D&I Report. Given the D&I passion of both companies, it’s not surprising that a critical element of the newly announced agreement focuses on supporting a more inclusive mining industry. During the design process,

Boliden collaborates with Epiroc and ABB on journey towards fossil free mine

piroc, Boliden and ABB will develop and demonstrate an electric trolley truck system on a test track in the Kristineberg mine, Sweden. The electric trolley truck system is a vital component in enabling heavy transportation with electric driven battery vehicles. This development project will lower CO2 emissions, improve work environment and contribute to Boliden’s vision to be the most climate friendly and respected metal provider in the world. All three partners have clear corporate goals that support more sustainable operations, aiming to help mines improve sustainable production and meet growing metal demand across the world. The electric trolley assist concept is highly suitable for long haul ramps and builds on Epiroc’s proven Minetruck MT42 Battery. Battery electric vehicles improve operator health and safety, reduces CO2 emissions and lowers total operating costs. The zero-emissions mine truck will be joined by a

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BHP will provide critical input to aid Caterpillar in designing machines that can be comfortably operated and serviced by a broad range of the workforce. BHP Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant said: “The opportunity for our teams to input into the design process also gives us confidence that the trucks will be safer and easier to operate for a workforce that’s more diverse than ever.” DOING WORK THAT MATTERS BHP and Caterpillar share similar values. Through our collaborative agreement and teamwork, we are putting our unique purposes into action, working together to redefine the mining industry, and helping build a better, more sustainable world for future generations.

“We are very proud to enter this collaboration and are excited to jointly take the next steps on Boliden’s journey towards a fossil free, automated underground mine. Our electrification solutions are well proven globally and contribute to substantial reduction of CO2 emissions, leading to a smaller environmental footprint”, says Lars Bergkvist, Global Key Customer Manager with Epiroc’s Underground division. “As part of the eMine™ framework and commitment, we build partnership and combine expertise to successfully integrate electrification in mines. We contribute with solutions that further reduce overall costs and improves mine performance while significantly lowering environmental impact,” says Björn Jonsson, Hub Manager, Process Industries at ABB.

trolley pantograph, which in turn is connected to an overhead contact power line. ABB's contribution includes design of electric trolley truck systems, definition of standards and vehicle interface, as well as rectifier substation for the test track. The electrical infrastructure is part of the ABB Ability ™ eMine portfolio of integrated portfolio of electrification and digital systems designed to accelerate the decarbonization of the mining sector. This project is supported by funding from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova.

Boliden targets full scale electric trolley system implementation in the Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine, in northern Sweden. The Minetruck MT42 Battery is part of Epiroc’s new generation zero-emission offering. Since earlier this year, Boliden is also testing Epiroc’s Scooptram ST14 Battery loader and the automated Minetruck MT42. Epiroc will offer its complete fleet of underground mining equipment as battery-electric versions by 2025.

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MINING

Proterra and Komatsu announce collaboration to electrify underground mining machines

roterra Inc, a leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, and Komatsu, a global leader in construction and mining equipment, today announced a nesw collaboration to electrify next-generation underground mining machines using Proterra’s battery technology. Under the collaboration, Proterra will supply its H Series battery system technology to Komatsu for the development of battery-electric LHDs, drills and bolters for underground hard rock mining. Mining equipment and services provider Komatsu plans to utilize Proterra’s high-performance battery systems for the development of prototype machines this year before the expected commencement of commercial production in 2022.

rock,” said Josh Wagner, vice president of hard rock mining at Komatsu. “Leveraging their battery technology, we seek to offer customers increasing sustainable solutions for their operations.” This is the second collaboration between Proterra and Komatsu. The two companies previously announced an agreement in which Proterra supplies its industry-leading battery systems to support Komatsu in electrifying its first medium-sized hydraulic excavators.

“Proterra is excited to build on our relationship with a proven, industry-leader like Komatsu to electrify mining machines with our EV technology,” said Gareth Joyce, President of Proterra. “The benefits of zeroemissions, battery-electric vehicles extend far beyond our roads and cities. Switching to battery-electric technology means helping protect clean air for those working in underground mines while delivering a high-performance technology solution where safety and reliability are paramount.”

Komatsu has helped advance customer options to mitigate environmental impact through product development for many years, through initiatives such as its hybrid hydraulic excavators kickoff in 2008, which marked the world’s first hybrid construction equipment on the market. This year, Komatsu also announced its new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) alliance with customers to actively collaborate on product planning, development, testing and deployment of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment and infrastructure. The alliance’s initial target is advancing Komatsu’s power-agnostic truck concept for a haulage vehicle that can run on a variety of power sources including diesel electric, electric, trolley (wired), battery power and even hydrogen fuel cells.

“We are excited to be working with Proterra to bring zero-emissions mining solutions to underground hard

Designed and manufactured in the United States, Proterra battery systems leverage industry-leading

The collaboration represents Proterra’s entry into the underground mining equipment market.

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energy density and a customizable design to fit within a variety of vehicles. Proterra’s best-in-class battery systems have been proven in more than 20 million service miles driven by Proterra transit vehicles and selected by world-class commercial vehicle manufacturers to power heavy-duty vehicles, including construction equipment. Proterra battery systems offer an outstanding application for confined, underground mining settings where safety and durability are of utmost importance, while helping to mitigate air and noise pollution through battery-electric technology. Proterra uses rigorous testing to ensure Proterra battery packs are designed to withstand tough conditions and meet or exceed the latest functional safety standards. Proterra battery systems incorporate liquid thermal conditioning, monitoring sensors throughout the battery pack, as well as active and passive protective features like passive propagation resistance to isolate individual battery cells in the rare case of a thermal event.

Semptember-October issue l 2021

FEATURE

Construction Project Management

Construction Project Management C

onstruction project management is an organized professional service which makes use of specialized, creative project management practices to oversee the entire planning, conceptualization, design, and construction of an organization's project, from the initial planning to the finished operation. It involves the use of technical skills, best practices, financial management, quality control, resource allocation and communication. It is generally a collective discipline of people who work together for a common purpose, such as constructing a building, bridge, airport, or other structures. In the planning stage of the construction project management process, various aspects are considered. These include budget analysis, scheduling, cost analysis, cost control, cost allocation, cost recovery, and technical solutions. The budget is the most important aspect of the entire plan, as it represents the maximum amount of money that can be spent. It must be analyzed in terms of both revenue potential and expenditure. If revenues are considered more than expenditure, then expenses are adjusted to meet the potential. Finance decisions are made at this stage using methods such as budgeting, financing, debt consolidation, and the sale of assets.

September-October issue l 2021

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction Project Management In the scheduling phase, the project manager determines the schedule, as well as milestones and other dependent tasks. Achieving the schedule depends on many factors such as the scope, complexity, and time required. The schedule is dependent on the planning phase objectives, which may include timelines, cost estimates, time limitations, financial constraints, and realistic business models. The objective of scheduling includes reaching the objectives within the defined time frame. This aspect of construction project management involves managing the schedule and controlling the costs. Cost management, on the other hand, refers to the reduction of expenses associated with the completion of the construction projects. Most construction projects have several levels of enclosures, which involve different levels of labor, materials, and overhead. Contractors are responsible for overall management of all levels of enclosures. Control of costs includes controlling materials, labor, and overhead associated with the completion of each stage. Although each stage has its own unique set of associated activities, all of them are included in the construction project management process. The project manager decides how to integrate all of these activities to ensure that all of the goals of the organization are met. In the contracting phase, contracts are drawn up between contractors and organization, covering what services the organization requires and how much the contractors are able to provide within a certain period of time. The construction projects are managed through delivery and completion by using supply, subcontractors, material suppliers, transportation contractors, and other heavy civil and heavy equipment contractors. Plan Street is a system designed to help construction project managers use all of the resources they have available to them for managing construction projects. This system is designed for large, complex, as well as small companies. All of the software tools and modules required by project managers are included, allowing them to complete a full year's worth of reports, analysis, case histories, database searches, and more. Project managers can customize their software programs, so that they can better meet their individual company needs.

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Semptember-October issue l 2021

CONSTRUCTION

Tanzania plans to construct four strategic dams in response to climate change

n response to the effects of climate change, Tanzania plans to construct four strategic dams in different parts of the East African nation, this is according to Cabinet Minister for Water Jumaa Aweso. The Minister further confirmed that, preparations are underway for the construction of the strategic dams in Dodoma, Morogoro, Songwe and Iringa regions, adding that the construction of the strategic dams will go in tandem with the construction of mediumsized dams in various parts of the country. "Climate change has indeed affected water resources in the country," Aweso told a press conference in the capital Dodoma. Aweso said other measures aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on water resources will include drawing water from the major lakes of Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa, and also drawing water from major rivers of Ruvuma, Rufiji, Kiwira, Songwe and Kagera. He added that the government has put in place measures aimed at protecting the country's major water catchment areas.

South Africa's Mahlako supplies 10 MWp of solar power to Amazon via wheeling

n South Africa, Mahlako Energy Fund's solar photovoltaic power plant is entering commercial operation in the Northern Cape Province. The project is intended to supply solar photovoltaic energy to Amazon Web Services (AWS) via wheeling. Mahlako Financial Services (MFS) has been successful. The 100% black-owned energy investment and advisory firm is successfully commissioning a solar PV plant in Khathu, in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. The company implemented its project through its Mahlako Energy Fund, which entered into a “wheeling” transaction with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the subsidiary of U.S. e-commerce group Amazon, which specializes in on-demand cloud computing services for businesses and individuals. Wheeling allows electricity to be generated remotely in one location and billed to an energy user in another area. The Khathu solar plant has a capacity of 10 MWp. This power feeds AWS’ facilities through the state-owned Eskom grid.

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Read also- COP26: South Africa receives an $8.5bn cheque for its energy transition “With the South African government’s recent announcement at COP26 to accelerate investment in renewable energy and other sectors, we are committed to contributing to South Africa’s goals of just transitioning to cleaner forms of energy,” says Meta Mhlarhi, director of Mahlako Energy Fund and managing director of MFS.

According to the Sandton-based company, the project implemented in partnership with the Sola Group has contributed to the economic development of the Northern Cape Province during the construction phase and, throughout its lifetime, will support permanent jobs in the areas of electrical maintenance, operations and safety.

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ENERGY

Africa Ren launches the construction of the Kodeni Solar plant in Bukina Faso

frica Ren, the French company is launching the construction of the Kodeni Solar photovoltaic power plant in Burkina Faso. The plant, which will come on stream in 2022, will have a capacity of 38 MWp. Africa Ren closes financing for a solar photovoltaic project in Burkina Faso. The Paris, France-based Company is also starting construction of the solar power plant at a site near Bobo-Dioulasso in the west of the country. As part of its project, Africa Ren has set up the company Kodeni Solar, which has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Burkinabe authorities. Wholly owned by Africa Ren, Kodeni Solar has raised the necessary financing for the construction of its plant from the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), and it’s Access to Energy Fund (AEF) provided by the Dutch government. Kodeni Solar is also supported by the Interact Climate Change Facility (ICCF), a joint facility of European development institutions that provided longterm debt. The development phase of the project was co-financed by the Seed Capital Assistance Facility (SCAF), an initiative of the United Nations

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Environment Programme (UNEP).

An investment that will lead to others

Commissioning in 2022

The Kodeni Solar plant will employ 150 people during its construction phase and another 35 during its operation. The facility will be able to produce 73,000 MWh of electricity per year, which will be fed into the grid of the Société nationale d’électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL). The state-owned utility already has a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Kodeni Solar. Africa Ren estimates that its plant, which will come on line in August 2022, will be able to power 115,000 Burkinabe households while avoiding the emission of 41,000 tons of CO2 equivalent each year.

Kodeni Solar has entrusted the construction of its solar power plant to Ineo by Equans. The subsidiary of the French group Engie will build a solar power plant with a capacity of 38 MWp. The solar power plant is expected to go into commercial operation in 2022. The plant will be one of the largest in Burkina Faso, with a capacity greater than that of Nagréongo (34 MWp), currently being built by the French independent power producer (IPP) GreenYellow, a subsidiary of the Casino Group. For Bachir Ismaël Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, the Kodeni Solar project is “essential for the energy autonomy of Burkina Faso. Solar energy is the cheapest and most abundant source of electricity for the country. Kodeni Solar also demonstrates that the government’s framework for encouraging PPPs is beginning to pay off. More than 500 MW of capacity will be added before 2025 at an extremely competitive price, to the benefit of the Burkinabe population and businesses.

Its CEO Gilles Parmentier does not rule out investing in another clean energy project in Burkina Faso. Africa Ren could then benefit from the support of Africa Ren Energy. This newly formed investment holding company is intended to support Africa Ren’s projects, as well as the operational entities of the Africa Ren group. The platform is co-funded by FMO and Metier Sustainable Capital, a private equity fund focused on clean infrastructure investments across Africa, managed by Metier.

Semptember-October issue l 2021

PROJECT REVIEW

Azuri Towers Development in Marina District, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, Nigeria

September-October issue l 2021

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AZURI TOWERS - NIGERIA

zuri Towers is a mixed-use development situated in the Marina District of the Eko Atlantic City in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria. The project comprises three 30+ floor towers i.e Azuri ONE, Azuri TWO, and Azuri Offices, as well as multiple townhouses with some retail elements at ground floor level. Azuri ONE and Azuri TWO will include 7-bedroom villas on the top floors, 6-bedroom penthouses, and 2 and 4-bedroom apartments complemented by amenities such as smart homes with state-of-theart connectivity (optional), 24-hour electricity, and integrated air conditioning system. This is in addition to concierge services & valet parking, swimming pool, gymnasium & games rooms, a minimum of two parking bays per resident with visitor parking areas, squash courts, restaurants, shopping outlets including mini-marts, access to the marina which berths up to 350 yachts including 25-meter yachts as well as a boat, ferry & helicopter services linking the city to Lagos metropolis, children’s play area & playroom, and generous rooftop gardens over 2 acres or 8,000sqm. AZURI OFFICES, on the other hand, the Azuri Towers’ dedicated high-tech office tower, will offer state-of-the-art amenities such as fibre optic data connections and SMATV that take unique advantage of Eko Atlantic’s existing, selectively pre-conceived infrastructure.

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Semptember-October issue l 2021

September-October issue l 2021

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When the project matters

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Africa Surveyors September- October Digital issue 2021

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