Sub Dio Winter 2012

Winter 2012/13 The GIS Mapping Solutions Newsletter from KOREC

Sub-dio this issue: ■ UAVs - Prepare for Take Off! ■ New from Trimble - The Juno 5 Series and Geo 5 ■ Hints and Tips ■ Meet our expanded Mapping Team

Announcing... the eBee The latest addition to the KOREC UAV portfolio has arrived, senseFly’s eBee! Joining senseFly’s Swinglet CAM and the Aibotix Aibot X6 multicopter, the eBee is an ultra lightweight, modular UAV with some exciting extras.

Whilst its light weight means it can be hand launched like the Swinglet CAM, the eBee also comes with detachable wings making it easy to transport, all in one box. In fact it packs into a case so small, it can be transported as cabin baggage!

But don’t let its size mislead you. The eBee combines technology, aerodynamic expertise and innovative design into a UAV that has 45 minutes of flight time and a wind resistance of up to 45 km/h compared to 30 minutes and 25km/h for the Swinglet CAM. With its 16MP high resolution camera, it is ideal for a wide range of applications including surveying, mining, infrastructure management and emergency and disaster management. The eBee requires no piloting skills and enables users to take their own aerial photos and produce precise orthomosaics and 3D models.

The eBee package includes Postflight Terra 3D fully automated 3D processing desktop software. After the initial data check in the field (overlap control and low resolution orthomosaic), Terra 3D automatically creates a precise geo-referenced orthomosaic and digital elevation model (DEM).

The eBee will be available in the new year. nnn

Stop Press: See the Aibot X6 on Channel 5’s Gadget Show

http://www.channel5.com/shows/the-gadget-show/episodes/episode-2-459

Units in! Book your demos of the new Juno 5 Series and Geo 5 Series now

Trimble extends mapping portfolio KOREC is delighted to announce two new releases from Trimble, the Trimble Juno 5 Series and the Trimble GeoExplorer 5 Series.

Trimble Juno 5 Series It may look like a smartphone, but the new Juno 5 series is all business.

Rugged enough to meet military specs, with an IP65 rating, it has a large screen so you can easily view data or photos even in direct sunlight. Designed by Trimble to deliver the convenience of a smartphone with ruggedness along with all the functionality you need and professional software the Juno 5 Series offers 2-4m real-time accuracy and an 8 megapixel camera with geotagging and dual LED flash.

Three configurations are available: ■

Trimble Juno 5B handheld (No modem) WEHH

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Trimble Juno 5D handheld (Phone/modem) WEHH

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Trimble Juno 5D handheld (Phone/modem) Android (Trimble software is not compatible with the Android configuration; however the Android devices will run Esri ArcGIS Mobile and other 3rd party GIS applications cont...

Trimble extends mapping portfolio

■■

...cont

Software

GeoExplorer 5 Since 1994, the Trimble GeoExplorer line of GNSS handhelds has set the standard for professional GIS data collection applications. While the GeoExplorer 6000 series is the most capable Trimble handheld for GIS data collection, not all customers require the larger screen and innovative Floodlight technology of the 6000 series.

senseFly’s eMotion 2 This software will be available at the beginning of 2013. eMotion 2 is tablet compatible and lets you plan, simulate, monitor and control the UAV’s trajectory both before and during flight. New features include:

Step forward the new GeoExplorer 5 series (see image, right).

Providing all the essential functions for a day in the field, it offers submetre productivity in a smaller package. Rugged, easy-to-use and ideal for data collection and maintenance, the Geo 5T is compatible with Trimble data collection software whilst its simplicity proves that you don’t need to be a GIS expert to capture quality data. nnn

Juno S

Juno 3

Juno 5

Get Trimble workflows into more hands

Asset Management for larger teams

Work smart with smartphone inspired mobile GIS

Geo 3000

Geo 5

Geo 6000

Rugged and reliable data collection

All you need for efficient data collection

The accuracy you need anywhere you need it

Support Tips

■■ use background maps, e.g. Google Earth ■■ move landing spot ■■ define linear landing approach sectors (UAV will automatically chose best approach direction inside this sector according to wind) ■■ virtually fly the mission and simulate wind strength and direction ■■ pause and accelerate simulation Trimble Terrasync 5.40 ■■ •Support for the Trimble Geo 5T handheld, and Juno 3E and Juno 5 series handhelds.

Performance

Asset Management

■■ •When logging a base file in the TerraSync software, the Antenna Phase Center (APC) offset is now applied automatically; when you select the correct antenna and enter the height to the base of the antenna (or your choice of measurement point), the correct antenna height including the APC offset is calculated and written to the file.

Data Collection

■■ •The Predicted Postprocessed Accuracy has been improved in the TerraSync Centimeter Edition software; with baseline lengths of 10km, Horizontal PPA can now reach 1cm and Vertical PPA can now reach 2cm.

Note – For data logged using a Geo5T or Juno 5 series handheld, use the GPS Pathfinder Office software; the GPS Analyst extension is not supported.

Trimble Pathfinder 5.40

Geo 6000 Series

■■ Support for the Trimble Geo 5T handheld, Juno 5 series handheld.

Geo 5 Nomad Series Juno 5 Geo 3000 Series Series Juno 3 Series

■■ When the License Manager is installed on a computer running the Windows® 7 operating system, it requires the Microsoft Chart Controls for MS . NET framework 3.5 to be installed. This is now downloaded automatically if required.

■■ Links to photo attributes are now maintained when exporting files to KML and viewing them in Google Earth, and image thumbnails are also now displayed in the placemark balloons within Google Earth. To enable image links from placemark balloons, you must enable Allow access to local files and personal data in Tools / Google Earth Options / General / Placemark balloons.

New System

■■ Geoid12 models are now in the Coordinate System Manager, and are associated with the NAD83 (and so forth) coordinate systems.

Utility Surveying with the Spar300 One of the most difficult tasks for the surveyor is measuring assets which are not visible.

Multiple setups using total stations and laser scanning allow the surveyor to change the field of view and consequently measure previously obscured features. But what about buried features such as pipes and cables?

By bringing together Trimble GNSS positioning technology, RTK Network corrections for greater real-time accuracy, FieldSens technology (developed by Optimal Ranging), and Trimble Access, a compelling utility survey solution has been developed – the Spar300.

from the asset in an area of good GNSS signal whilst still tracking and recording the asset’s 3D position. Of course the positional accuracy will decrease when the surveyor is remote from the asset (both in horizontal offset and depth) with horizontal accuracy being 5% of the radial distance from the asset and vertical accuracy being 5% of the depth of the asset below the Spar300.

Call KOREC for further details. nnn

Hints and Tips Geo 6000 Floodlight activation Before Floodlight is activated on a Geo6000 ensure that the device has no GPS software installed. If it does, factory reset, then activate the Floodlight. If this is not done, Windows Mobile will continue giving a exe file error and Floodlight will not work.

FieldSens analyses data collected from multiple integrated sensors, including a magnetometer and accelerometer, against a physical middle of the magnetic field expected from the utility asset being measured.

This means it is not necessary to position the equipment exactly over the asset to validate the 3D position. Traditional methods use the peak and null in the signal as the sensor passes over the asset to confirm the position whereas FieldSens only needs to be in the approximate vicinity of the asset to calculate the 3D position. Immediately the surveyor is saving valuable time. This also enables the surveyor to locate linear assets which are inaccessible, for example, under vegetation. Once the system obtains a fix on the asset, the surveyor needs only to follow a path in the approximate direction of the asset as displayed on the Trimble Access view on the controller.

Not only does this help in tracking the position of the utility asset but it also enables the surveyor to continue to work if the utility asset lies in an area of poor GNSS coverage, for example, up against a building or under tree canopy. The surveyor can actually stand up to a radial distance of 15m

Before Floodlight (left) and after (right)

Discarded satellite problem in Fastmap Mobile When using GPS firmware version 3.04 on the Geo 6000 you get a discarded satellite appearing which will not go away preventing the connection to satellites in Fastmap Mobile GPS status. This has been resolved by installing the latest GPS firmware 3.06.1 Installing Fastmap Mobile When installing the latest version of Fastmap Mobile 8.70, ensure that the SD card is removed from the mobile device first, then go through the sequence of installations. If this is not done possibly some aspects of the software will not be available or installed.

The GIS Mapping Solutions Newsletter from KOREC

KOREC Opinion Prepare for Take-Off

Brock also predicts that the market will be demand led.

“Surveyors, now aware of these systems, will push the boundaries in what is achievable and what they want to achieve. This will drive the industry to be innovative and to facilitate the needs of a growing and ambitious market.

Hardware is inevitably going to improve as are the conditions these systems can fly in. Regulations, at present, will be one of the factors holding back what can be done with these systems as opposed to what is allowed to be done with them.

However, already we are seeing the ability to utilise swarming of UAV’s to handle larger jobs and I feel this will become a reality for many markets using these systems. Software is another area that will see an increase in development for UAVs. Several software developers are making UAV specific image processing systems and they are leading the way in fast and easy processing of the data. Even now we are seeing UAVs utilising relatively standard cameras but achieving decimetre accuracy on DEM modelling which is incredible. NIR, NDVI is also now growing and will definitely be a valuable addition to the UAV systems.” nnn

KOREC News KOREC UAV Demonstrator A UK geomatics industry receptive to innovation means UAV technology is gaining a foothold We’ve long had a gap between the traditional surveying and mapping methods used on site and the option to use aerial imagery instead. The latter was only really an alternative on very large projects where the cost accrued through the hire of an aeroplane or helicopter was not an issue. On smaller sites, up to and around 1 km squared, the option of aerial imagery was simply not viable. However, with the rise of UAVs, the industry now has a number of solutions to cater for any project, no matter how small, that can benefit from the fast and efficient acquisition of aerial imagery or live video, whether it be a routine aerial survey or a detailed bridge inspection.

Typical of this new technology are the KOREC offerings of senseFly’s Swinglet CAM and the Aibotix Aibot X6 multicopter; both UAVs but both very different in construction and in the benefits they offer to an end user.

Launched in February 2010, The Swinglet CAM is typical of a new breed of affordable and user friendly UAVs that offer a safe, easy to use flying camera capable of taking high resolution images based on user defined GPS waypoints. It weighs less than 500g, has a wingspan of just 80cm and can be launched by hand and land autonomously on any surface.

New on the UK scene is the Aibot X6 multicopter from Germany based Aibotix. Unlike the fixed wing SwingletCAM, the Aibot’s rotary construction makes it particularly suitable for near distance applications such as structural inspections, the monitoring of civil infrastructures and working under bridges.

Whilst both are operated remotely via a standard Tablet-PC, neither can be flown commercially without certification.

However potential users shouldn’t let this put them off.

Certification can be achieved through a two day course run by EuroUSC (accreditation specialist) which informs end users of all the relevant rules and regulations for commercial use of UAVs in the UK. Thanks to the development and miniaturisation of appropriate technologies such as smaller computers and GPS devices, UAVs such as the Swinglet CAM and Aibot X6 are now an affordable commercial option. This is a view backed up by Joerg Lamprecht, one of three Managing Directors at Aibotix.

“An increase in battery capacity has been key in the development of the modern UAV into an intelligent and easy to use tool and the Aibot X6 is capable of undertaking flights of up to 30 minutes on a single charge. Additionally tablet technology has assisted development. The previous generation of UAVs were steered like remote controlled toys, whereas today intuitive steering tablets “program” the UAV instead of steering them.”

Brock Ryder, Sales Manager at senseFly agrees. “The last couple of years have very much cemented the potential of UAV technology for commercial purposes whether in surveying, GIS, environmental, emergency, agricultural or other areas. The technology is in place and its adoption by high profile users such as Costain and the OS will further aid take up.”

But how do UAV’s work in practice?

Sub-Dio | Winter 2012/13

Our KOREC dedicated Aibot X6 demonstrator is Darrell Theobalds. He’s been working for KOREC for five years as a Mapping and GIS analyst and specialises in providing training and support for KOREC‘s UAV portfolio. Darrell is equipped to answer all your questions on flying UAVs in the UK and will be on-hand to demo the X6 to interested customers. nnn The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) elected to use a KOREC supplied Swinglet CAM for a recent project.

Susan Stevens, a Scientist in SEPA’s Marine Ecology unit, outlines how they’ve been using the technology.

Case Study “SEPA’s Marine Ecology has been trialling the use of aerial imagery to help in the assessment of nutrient run off in various estuaries by monitoring macroalgal (opportunistic seaweed) mats. Previously we have carried out surveys at low tide by walking onto mud flats, but some areas are too dangerous to be accessed on foot. This is where aerial imagery is essential; unfortunately traditional aerial imagery is not reliable enough.

Combining low tides with good weather is not always easy in summer; in fact no imagery could be taken in 2010 at all due to the poor conditions. This is why we have decided to purchase a UAV to obtain our own images; it gives us greater flexibility to take advantage of small weather windows.

“Traditional aerial imagery combined with GPS technology has already transformed our surveys, allowing us to more accurately plan the survey without having to map in the field.

This saves time and money, as we’ve been able to reduce the surveys from five days to two days, with a minimum of two teams of two people, compared to three or four teams in the past. With the UAV now we can also run multiple flights to check the progress of the algal mats throughout the season at no extra cost. Having the post processing side of things taken care of by an online service will make a big difference to us, as no extra staff will need to do the time consuming manual processing.

UAVs on the TV! Catch the Swinglet CAM on the new series of Time Team. In previous years, Time Team has proved the perfect showcase for the introduction of Trimble instruments to a main stream audience…and now it will be introducing UAV technology as well in the form of senseFly’s Swinglet CAM. KOREC’s Surveying Sales Consultant, Rob Hudson, was quick to draw the Swinglet CAM to the attention of John Gater, head of the series’ Geophysics Team and consequently Martyn Palmer found himself on site with the Time Team in North London helping them out with some aerial photography.

Martyn reports that despite some strong winds, the Swinglet performed well and Tony Robinson even found time for a photo!

And finally, did you see us on Channel 5’s ‘The Gadget Show’ on November 12th? If not, visit the news section on our website to find out what happened! nnn

“Future uses of the UAV will be mapping sea grass beds in inter-tidal areas and after that there are many other potential projects within SEPA that could benefit, such as Wetland Surveys and riverbank surveys. The most exciting benefit of the equipment is that it will not cost us anything to pilot new projects. So this new technology will allow us to continue with sampling innovation throughout SEPA, while providing excellent value for the public purse.”

This is a great example of the efficiency that can be achieved through the adoption of this technology and SEPA are not alone in recognising what a UAV can bring to their operation.

Where Next?

As UAV technology gains a foothold in the UK market, both Joerg Lamprecht and Brock Ryder anticipate that the desire from end users to become more creative in tough economic circumstances will further push the development in UAV technology. “The Aibot X6 can mount any camera up to 2kg in weight, including specialist SLR (single-lens reflex), infra-red and Lidar cameras, which further extends its usage and will enable us to work with our partners such as KOREC to create tailor made applications,” explains Joerg. “For example, in Germany we have a thermal imaging specialist who offers the Aibot X6 equipped with the FLIR T640 thermographic camera. In one case, a scan of solar parks was undertaken with thermo cameras to find so called ‘Hot-Spots’ within defect modules.

The thermo camera could see broken modules undetectable by the human eye. This is a perfect example of a tailor made industry specific application.”

Recruitment At KOREC, we adopt a team approach to building strong positive partnerships with our customers and our staff. As an expert supplying a variety of solutions for the Construction, Survey and GIS markets, we are continually on the look out for talented people and welcome speculative applications. Email to hr@korecgroup.com Current vacancies can be found at http://www.korecgroup. com/about-us/ nnn

Stay in Touch

Customer story ‘All round’ funtionality of Juno3D is key for ecology survey The environmental impact of transport cannot be underestimated and ecology surveys are rightly regarded as essential where new routes, rail or road, are proposed.

These surveys can include anything from ecological input to an appraisal of the sustainability of route options.

Specialists in this area is The Ecology Consultancy (TEC), which provides clients, across all sectors, with expert advice on wildlife issues delivered through a team of 30 full-time ecologists working on projects throughout the UK. It was originally set up in 1992 as Ecological and Environmental Services and MD John Newton was one of the first ecological consultants to work closely with the construction industry. Early successes for the company included winning eleven contracts on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

other ecological projects and can be called upon to survey anything from reptiles and water voles to breeding birds and great crested newts. Using the Juno3D attribute information can be attached to these features by picture record, voice or camera notes and readily and speedily validated using a data quality management system such as that led by Naa Sackeyfio, Junior GIS technician.

Corrado elaborates, “Our aim is to roll out this mobile technology to multiple surveyors within TEC. The tangible benefits, for us, of moving to a digital system are reduced costs, increased accuracy, and excellent data security. However at TEC we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and professional service which makes the intangible benefits equally valuable - client confidence, R&D, analytical confidence and enhanced reputation.” nnn www.ecologyconsultancy.co.uk

Since then TEC has been involved with major national schemes associated with the rail network at various stages of development. These tend to be long-term projects spread over a number of years, and can involve seasonal surveys, mitigation work and the supervision of heavy plant.

“Asset Management is a key area for growth, both of fixed assets using GIS Mapping Systems and mobile assets using MRM (Mobile Resource Management) systems.

GIS technology is developing fast and if these systems are to be effective, they need to be populated with current, accurate asset information.

TEC has recently carried out a rail route survey that involved the extensive use of GIS and was keen to ensure that the data populating their ESRI GIS and MS Windows system was as timely, relevant and accurate as possible. The GIS team at TEC felt that the best way to achieve this was by moving from a pen and paper based data collection system to one that was fully digital and included an efficient and reliable mobile GPS system. Implementing this strategy is TEC’s GIS and Systems Manager, Corrado Cacciarru, and Senior GIS Technician, Gideon Simons.

“There were considerable drawbacks with our old pen and paper system - paper consumption for pre-fieldwork maps and geo-referenced maps, amendment printouts, the complexity of the process of producing GIS output and the endless time consuming stages in between - to name just a few!”, explains Gideon. “By going digital we knew that we could improve efficiency, establish a quality system and consequently widen the business opportunities for TEC.”

Trimble’s Juno SB Ron Bisio, Business Area Director, Rail Industry, Trimble

TEC contacted KOREC and, following some encouraging benchmark results, purchased a Trimble Juno3D citing its portability, simplicity of use, sunlight readable display and ruggedness as key features. Gideon continues, “The Juno3D offers all round functionality for the surveyor including a camera, phone, flashlight and compass along with the metre and sub-metre enabled accuracy we required”. George Siskos, Junior GIS Technician, adds, “Our ecology work regularly demands survey data with photographic evidence, especially with bats and tree scoping surveys. Moreover, working in light obscured places, the flashlight is really useful and allows one hand to always be kept free which is vital for both using the device and staying safe.”

As well as strategic environmental impact assessments, TEC undertakes a wide range of

Gideon Simons and George Siskos

KOREC NEWS

Expanding the sales team We are delighted to announce further expansion to our KOREC mapping sales team. Craig Jarvie will be looking after Scotland whilst Peter Holland will be responsible for the South West of England area and Abby Hunt our Eastern area.

Abby Hunt An experienced user of KOREC supplied Trimble instruments, Abby’s background includes 10 years working as an Archaeological Investigator for English Heritage where she was able to put her MA in Landscape Archaeology to good use. Specialising in landscape surveys and surveying archaeological earthwork sites with GPS and Total Station equipment Abby was also heavily involved in developing the use of integrated GIS and mapping-grade GPS recording within the team.

Peter Holland A graduate of Newcastle University’s School of Civil Engineering and Geoscience, Peter did a 3 year degree in GIS as part of their Geomatics programme and joined KOREC in June of this year. Peter had his first student placement at just 15 in British Antarctic Survey’s mapping department and since then has immersed himself in the world of mapping with experience gained in the game reserves of South Africa and as a GIS technician for international energy and environmental consultancy RPS.

Craig Jarvie Customers in Scotland can be sure of great service from Craig. His background includes a strong focus on customer satisfaction as well as ten years in IT infrastructure sales concentrating on improving customer productivity. Most recently, Craig has acquired industry specific experience working in sales for a GIS Solutions provider. nnn

Contact us: For further information on any of the products or services mentioned within Sub-dio, please contact your nearest Mapping Sales Consultant or visit our website

T: 0845 603 1214 E: info@korecgroup.com www.korecgroup.com

Events Mapping Showcase Vist KOREC and Trimble on stands 12 & 13 and attend our ‘Masterclass’ on UAVs at this year’s Mapping Showcase 2012, organised by the London Mapping Festival For one day only on Thursday 6 December 2012 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, Mapping Showcase 2012 once again brings together the GIS, surveying, cartography and GPS industries to provide a free to attend, commercial exhibition with a range of education and support sessions, presentations and fun activities throughout the day. For full details, please visit www.londonmappingfestival.org

KOREC Trimble Express Days Many thanks to all those who turned out across the UK and Ireland to attend our Trimble Express Days throughout September. Some of our locations saw record numbers and feedback has been extremely positive.

KOREC Technology Day Our next big KOREC event has been scheduled for May 2013.

Watch this space for full details on our Liverpool based Technology Day.