Winter 2010 The Survey Newsletter from KOREC
Synchronize this issue: n We round up the top Trimble launches at Intergeo n Who’s using what - our customers talk n The 10 Minute Interview n Meet the Team
Welcome Welcome to the winter issue of our new look survey newsletter, Synchronize. The city of Cologne has a long history dating back to Roman times and its cathedral dominates the city centre skyline. This Gothic structure sits close to the Rhine which splits the city of Cologne in two and houses the ‘Shrine of the Three Kings’. So it was under the towering twin spires of this famous Cathedral, on a very warm first week in October, the city of Cologne hosted Intergeo.
Trimble Launches KOREC rounds up the best It’s a busy time of year for Trimble with Intergeo and Trimble Dimensions, and that means it’s a busy time of year for KOREC as well! With so many new releases, we thought we’d give you a quick round up of what’s new for surveying. Trimble Tablet Now Runs Trimble Access for Integrated Surveying
Presented as ‘The world’s leading trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management’, Intergeo is an annual trade show which travels around the cities of Germany. It is always very well supported and this year was no exception with over 17,000 visitors.
n Bright 7-in touch screen – ideal for visual data n Windows 7 Operating System n Two integrated cameras with video capability
The unusually warm weather, combined with the relatively low roof of the exhibition centre, numerous spot-lights illuminating exhibition stands and the number of occupants, made for a ‘hot’ show – literally! As always, the Trimble stand, or booth as it was referred to by the many Trimble employees from across the pond, was a buzz of activity with the theme “Success Found Here”. The Trimble stand was surrounded by the stands of Trimble distributors from Germany making for a forest of yellow and grey instrumentation. There were several product releases and upgrades from Trimble and details of these can be found both in this newsletter and on the KOREC website. Intergeo is always worth a visit; see you next year at Nuremberg? nnn Andrew Beckerson, Director of Sales, KOREC
The Trimble Tablet combines the toughness and portability of a field controller with the operating power and larger interface of a laptop and it’s now available running Trimble Access for Integrated Surveying!
n Integrated GPS for navigation / geotagging photos Surveyors using Trimble Access on the Trimble Tablet can perform tasks not available with other controllers. For example, perform volume calculations in the field and deliver to a client without travelling back to the office. And don’t forget, the large 7-in screen is designed for outdoor use: Clearly view background maps and check work on the vibrant colour graphic display for greater data control, visualisation, and confidence. nnn Trimble’s Tablet with Access Continued inside
Stop Press:
Trimble’s Quantm Alignment Planning Software has been used extensively throughout the world and will be the latest addition to the KOREC portfolio
Trimble Releases:
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Trimble CX 3D Scanner Operating with the same familiar survey software platform as Trimble GPS and Total Stations, Trimble’s CX scanner is now available from KOREC. n WAVEPULSE™ technology that maintains high accuracy over operating range (80m) n Clean, low-noise data n Data capture 50,000 points per second n Large 360° x 300° field of view n Supported by Trimble Access for Spatial Imaging running on the Trimble Tablet n Streamlined integration with Trimble RealWorks nnn
Trimble 4D Control: New Advanced Features for Monitoring Scalable and now even more versatile: A new Web module provides remote and distributed access to Trimble 4D Control from virtually any location worldwide via the Internet. It centralizes multiple monitoring sites into one dedicated control room, or simply enables access to the system within an organization. It can also connect up to four user-defined internal or external links enabling direct access to on-site Webcams or weather station results. Geotechnical sensor support enables the addition of more comprehensive data about monitored sites: Geotechnical sensors provide measurements of non-georeferenced movements and pressures in a monitored structure or rock face. Sensors such as piezometers and tilt meters can be combined with GNSS and optical total stations as fully integrated parts of the Trimble 4D Control solution. nnn
Trimble CX 3D Scanner
Trimble CU Controller Optimized for Trimble Access
Update: Trimble Business Center 2.40 Trimble Business Center 2.40 offers the following new features and enhancements:
Surveyors who appreciate the hands-free operation of the attachable Trimble CU Controller can also enjoy the enhanced workflows and more of Trimble Access software.
n An improved GNSS Baseline Processor, which increases processing reliability in adverse GNSS conditions n Automatic creation of Trimble Connected Community™ directories to simplify project management
The latest version of the Trimble CU offers more power and a brighter screen, but retains its easy attachment to both total stations and range poles and runs the Windows CE.Net Operating System. nnn
n A new Trimble Geomatics Office project converter n Custom Exporter enhancements that enable the export of scan points n The most utilized features of Trimble Geomatics Office software are now included Download now by clicking on the Technical Notes section at http://www.trimble.com/tbc.shtml nnn Download version 2.40 now
Software Update We caught up with our Technical Support Team to find out what’s caught their interest since the last issue of Synchronize: ● Processing GNSS data in Trimble Business Center? Trimble has recently posted a new office software configuration update on their website for those processing GNSS data. It is available for download from KOREC at http:// www.korecgroup.com/resources. php?cat=software within the “GPS Antenna Files” folder under the “Utilities” header. ● In July, RICS published the 2nd edition of their very useful guidance document “Guidelines for the use of GNSS in land surveying and mapping”. It’s well worth a visit at: http://www. rics.org/site/scripts/news_article. aspx?newsID=1652 ● Other useful documents available to download from the RICS Mapping and Positioning Practice Panel are available from: http://www.rics.org/site/scripts/documents_info. aspx?documentID=441 ● Software Tip – Trimble Business Center Survey Edition is v2.3. -If after installing TBC 2.3 the residuals section of the Baseline Processing Report is missing then go to the Reports menu and select Report Options. Click on the Baseline Processing Report and expand the Settings section by clicking the + button. Find the Residuals setting in the list and change the status to Show. Press Apply then OK.
MX8 Mobile Spatial Imaging Solution KOREC is delighted to announce that Trimble has just launched the Trimble® MX8 Mobile Spatial Imaging System, an advanced mobile data capture system that combines imaging and laser scanning capabilities to measure objects in 3D to produce 3D, 4D and 5D data sets for spatial imaging projects. A ground-based sensor such as the Trimble MX8 that delivers centimetre positioning accuracy, 3D measurements and video imaging at highway speeds is ideal for as-built modeling, inventory, inspection, encroachment analysis, and asset management for roadways, bridges, railways, utilities, and other infrastructure. Trimble clearly defines the benefits: n Fast and Accurate Spatial Data n Affordable Change Detection
Trimble CU Controller
Trimble NetR9 A full-feature, top-of-the-line receiver with an industryleading 440 channels for unrivalled GNSS multiple constellation tracking performance, the Trimble NetR9 was designed to provide the network operator with maximum features and functionality from a single receiver. In addition, it can be used as a campaign receiver for post-processing, as a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) receiver or portable base station for real-time Kinematic (RTK) applications, and as scientific reference station. nnn
n Rapid Return on Investment Featuring a podtype design, it is easily redeployed and installed on a variety of vehicles as project demands change. nnn
Trimble MX8 Trimble Net R9
Intergeo Trimble’s Verdict... INTERGEO 2010 was truly a success. Trimble introduced additions to its “ portfolio of Connected Site™ solutions for the field and office. The enhanced tools allow surveyors to collect, share and deliver data faster to improve accuracy, efficiency and productivity. From the feedback we received, international visitors confirmed that we are on the right track. One of our key objectives is to deliver complete, leading-edge solutions that enable our clients to improve productivity, optimize their financial investments and pursue new business opportunities so they can remain competitive in the marketplace. nnn
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Inigo Bonilla Regional Sales Manager, Europe & Russia/CIS, Survey Division
The Survey Newsletter from KOREC
Customer stories The Missing Link Balfour Beatty Rail are the first in the country to use the Network Rail approved GEDO CE Track Measurement Device (TMD) for tamping as well as surveying After 50 years of closure, Network Rail is re-opening the Bathgate – Airdrie passenger rail link and creating a 47 mile direct route between Edinburgh and the East and Glasgow and the West. This £300 million project is a major investment for Scotland’s public transport network and Network Rail anticipates an express journey time between Edinburgh and Glasgow of just 64 minutes and a commuter journey time “If we were of approximately 74 minutes.
processing a 7km file using traditional methods, it would take 6-7 hours the TMD can do it in 15 minutes.”
Responsible for £60 million of the work, which includes the reinstatement of the ‘missing link’ stretch of track between Bathgate and Airdrie, is Balfour Beatty Rail (BBR).
No stranger to innovative engineering approaches in the rail industry, BBR decided to carry out the earthworks and ballasting of the 15 miles of new line between Bathgate and Airdire using Trimble 3D Machine Control with GPS rather than Total Station technology, successfully challenging industry reservations as to the suitability of GPS control on rail jobs where tolerances are so tight. This project has also seen BBR become the first in the country to use KOREC’s Network Rail approved GEDO
CE Track Measurement Device (TMD) for tamping as well as surveying, supplied by Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services, an internal plant and fleet provider to Balfour Beatty Group. Using the TMD for Tamping After a new stretch of the Bathgate – Airdrie track has been laid, the tamping machine runs across the railroad to position it in its final design alignment. By following the tamper with the TMD, the BBR engineer can see the difference between the design and actual alignment on his TCS2 data-logger. This information is then downloaded into the GEDO Tamp PC software where the design string and as-built string for the road can be viewed and edited as the engineer sees fit. A WinALC file is created and it is this data which goes into the tamper and dictates how much movement of the track is required. The TMD can then be used in the same way for any additional passes until the track is perfect. Tamper time is expensive and therefore it makes sense to get from as-built to design as quickly as possible. Using the TMD for tamping cuts out the time consuming steps of the traditional method for carrying out this work, eg. a trundle wheel to mark chainages as required... measurement of each track separately using a rail shoe... manual creation of WinALC file...calculation of the differences between this and the design – all repeated until the track is perfectly positioned. BBR’s Permanent Way Section Manager Gary Brown acknowledges the benefits:
The TMD on site between Bathgate and Airdrie
“We’re the first to use the TMD for tamping in the UK rather than just for general surveying. It’s hard to put an exact figure on how much time the TMD has saved but undoubtedly the time and cost savings have been immense, for a start, on a 20km site, we would have had to set-out and knock in 2,000 pegs for both roads and this has been avoided completely. Additionally, if we were processing a 7km file using traditional methods, it would take 6-7 hours - the TMD can do it in 15 minutes. By cutting out the need to record measurements manually in a notebook and then do the calculations for the lifts and slews, we’re also cutting down the possibility of human error. All this adds up to a considerable saving in time and a reduction in costs.” The project is scheduled for completion in October 2010 and open to passenger traffic in December 2010. nnn www.bbrail.com
“Reliability” makes Trimble VRS Now choice for M25 We are delighted to announce that following a thorough evaluation process, Skanska Balfour Beatty JV have taken up a Trimble VRS Now Site License for the M25 Road Widening Scheme. This License provides coverage for the entire job, which is over 100km in length, through a customized ‘polygon’ of the area which also includes all slip roads.
Trimble’s iScope service
Senior Land Surveyor Mark Lawton explains the reasons behind the decision. “This is a high profile contract and the perfect showcase for exploring new technology to enhance quality, production and safety issues. Our decision to go with Trimble VRS Now was based on end user feedback - a simple evaluation process that entailed users (mainly land surveyors and engineers) trialing similar packages and completing a comparative questionnaire. Everyone reported back that with the Trimble solution
there was minimal loss of connection and repeatability of known point data. These findings have been justified every day since - we’ve had no problems at all and it really has been 99.9% reliable. This site is 100km long which means that using a traditional base station network we would have had to purchase up to ten base stations and finance their maintenance. As it is, with Trimble VRS Now, the package is supplied and managed by KOREC for any number of users on the project. This includes visiting contractors with their own manufacturer’s GPS units. All users can employ the service as much as they want, wherever they want, day and night, 7 days a week. It really is a maintenance free solution.” Skanska Balfour Beatty JV have also opted to use Trimble VRS iScope, an add-on service that offers Trimble VRS Now subscribers the ability to track and manage their assets in real-time as well as view their session history and rover information. Mark Lawton continues, “Essentially, iScope
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The Trimble S8
We’re constantly adding to our Resources section. Visit here for case studies, white papers and much more.
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KOREC Launches Webinar Program
KOREC’s Matthew Lock and Gavin McDonald take a closer look at the S8, pass on their views and highlight a couple of case studies with particular reference to monitoring and rail applications at www.korecgroup.com /news-events/news/ the-trimble-s8-indepth-review.php
October saw the launch of our new webinar program with an in-depth look at two survey topics, ‘Monitoring’ and ‘Surveying for Rail Projects’. Thank you to all those who joined us on these days, but for those who couldn’t, all our webinars are available on the KOREC website at www.korecgroup.com/ news-events/events/
Technical Tips
Events Update
Our Support Team are frequent bloggers and www. korecgroup.com/blog is the perfect place to pick up hints and tips on using your Trimble instruments.
At KOREC we’re always out and about…or are we? Without doubt it’s a busy time of year for us with Intergeo, NCE’s Infrastructure Show and Trimble Dimensions. However,
Synchronize | Winter 2010
provides us with a ‘live feed’ which is an excellent tool for fleet management and an incredibly interesting option for us. Although it’s early days, I can already see the potential iScope has for improving our productivity and better managing our fleet. GNSS receivers are costly items of kit and by tracking how many are used at any one time and where they are positioned, I can better manage our equipment needs. VRS iScope is like having an extra eye and can provide me with an instant snapshot as to what equipment is being used on site. It’s a new management tool for the future.” Mark concludes, “Trimble VRS Now supplements our radio coverage and the end result is a clever and dependable solution 24-7. Most important of all, it offers us the reliability that is absolutely vital on a contract of this stature.” nnn www.skanska.co.uk / www.balfourbeatty.com
Autumn has also seen us participate in our first ever ‘virtual’ show, Infrastructure Now. Operating just as if at a live event, the KOREC stand featured case studies, white papers and live chat with KOREC’s Technical Consultants. The event was completely free for visitors and of course no travel required! Registration Visitors just registered, and logged in from their computer when the event went live. Just like a real show, there was a full conference programme and plenty of opportunities to network. All in all, a very exciting first for KOREC that gave delegates the opportunity to interact with our consultants from the comfort of their own office or home. nnn
At ‘Virtual’ Show, Inrastructure Now
Atlantic Geomatics tell us about their Trimble VX Spatial Station Who are Atlantic Geomatics? Atlantic Geomatics (UK) Ltd has been based near Penrith, Cumbria for over thirty years. We have evolved out of a traditional land survey company and have now grown to become the largest independent surveying practice supplying multidisciplinary surveying services in the Scottish Borders and the North of England. We offer particular experience in topographic surveys, laser scanning surveys, underground utility mapping, measured building surveys, river and coastal surveys, boundary surveys, establishing GNSS control networks and GIS development and spatial data management. Why did you decide to invest in a Spatial Station? At the moment, the buzz word associated with spatial information is ‘3D’. There is a lot of demand for 3D products for example in visualisation and planning, accurate volume calculations and deformation surveys. With the VX we use the supplied 3D data software Trimble Realworks to produce 3D models of buildings and other structures for clients who need it, and for those who don’t, we process the scans to produce outputs such as material volume reports, cross sections, building elevations and deformation reports. The VX also allows us to take general site snapshots and quick scans, helping us to save time on revisits and reworking of the data. Why was the Trimble VX selected? KOREC has supplied Atlantic Geomatics with Trimble instruments for many years and sticking with new Trimble equipment and a trusted supplier means that all staff are familiar with the software, company and its people.
Meet the Team
The VX is a total station (based on the Trimble S6) and laser scanner hybrid. The scanning capabilities are limited based on its speed, but to produce small scale scans it is a perfect tool, while its effectiveness as a standard total station is superb. This means that we have very little time where the VX isn’t being used for something, be it a scan or a survey. We are therefore benefitting from a fast return on our investment. How have you utilised the VX? We have used it to undertake surveys of several buildings and structures. It has been used to produce building and bridge elevations and undertake deformation surveys of structures such as retaining walls. When utilising the VX for producing elevation surveys, the process becomes more efficient and reduces site time compared to more traditional methods. On site, the instrument is used to take a series of images covering the building faces which are then geo-referenced. To provide reference planes, reflectorless points are measured on any flat surfaces such as walls, roofs, window frames and doors. In the office, the data is correlated and used to construct line work onto the planes in order to produce an accurate
representation of the building face to scale. All data processing is undertaken using Trimble RealWorks software with data then exported to AutoCAD for any final presentation requirements. For deformation monitoring we have used the VX to scan and produce profiles of collapsing retaining walls in the Lake District. In this situation higher density scans were used to produce a 3D model of the walls. From this we were able to extract cross sections through the deformed areas providing the client with an accurate representation of the deviation of the wall from its original state, and determine quantities for the restoration project. What are your overall impressions of the VX as part of the surveying portfolio? As a scanner and total station hybrid, we are impressed with the speed and accuracy of the VX. The features it brings to land surveying, and as an entry into the 3D modeling market, makes it invaluable as a survey tool, speeding up our productivity and reducing site visit time. The most valuable aspect of the VX is its multi-functionality as a scanner and total station, allowing the instrument to earn money at all times. (with thanks to Dan Coates MRICS TCInstCES, Survey Manager, Atlantic Geomatics) nnn www.atlanticgeomatics.co.uk
Next issue: Meet the Technical Support Team
KOREC is delighted to announce the expansion of its Survey Sales Team with the appointments of David Orde and Robert Hudson. David joins KOREC with 10 years of land and engineering surveying experience and has extensive knowledge of the Trimble portfolio. Rob is a familiar face to KOREC customers. He has been with the company for over 9 years and an internal move will see him shifting his extensive construction engineering experience to the Survey Sales Team. Q. The one to watch - what should our customers be thinking about for the future?
ML: With the introduction of the Gedo Track Measuring Device (TMD) and a higher specification Trimble S8 which includes Trimble Vision, the measuring and monitoring of the UK rail infrastructure will become faster and more accurate. Along with advances in software, customers will be able to deliver enhanced and more visual deliverables
to delight their clients.
Matthew Lock, Surveying Sales Consultant, UK North East
Ryan Bowles, Surveying Sales Consultant, UK South West
RB: With the Trimble VX Spatial Imaging Station, a picture really does tell a thousand words. Planning and design criteria are becoming ever more complex, the tide is beginning to turn, the demand for 3D visual data is growing. The productivity gains through combining the
traditional scanner with a Robotic Total Station are becoming ever more apparent - no need to return to the site, simply re-visit the data. CB: GPS modernisation is offering huge benefits to surveyors. With the use of the GLONASS satellite constellation alongside the Trimble VRS data correction service, difficulties with obtaining data in challenging environments is becoming a thing of the past.
Christina Bell, Surveying Sales Consultant, UK East
RH: Keep an eye out for Trimble Access. This is the latest and easiest software platform for controlling and managing your total station, GPS receiver or laser scanner. Apps for mining, monitoring, tunnelling and road surveying can be added giving you flexibility to cope with future projects, as well as the ability to send and receive data to and from the office in the wink of an eye.
going from strength to strength. Introduced in 1998 Trimble has continued to develop integrated surveying solutions to aid Surveyors . Looking forward to 2011 Trimble offers the IS Rover the ultimate integration of the S Series Total Stations and R Series GNSS Receivers combined in one file on one logger it gives Surveyors the flexibility and efficiency they need to increase productivity for a variety of applications.
DO: Integrated surveying is
CP: Offering 3D Point Cloud data and visualisation is
Rob Hudson, Surveying Sales Consultant, UK North West
David Orde, Surveying Sales Consultant, UK Central Southern
Contact us: For further information on any of the products or services mentioned within Synchronize, please contact your nearest Survey representative or visit our website
T: 0845 603 1214 E: info@korecgroup.com www.korecgroup.com
becoming more of a prerequisite for many companies. With the introduction of the Trimble CX scanner with Trimble Access, this allows for fast and efficient 3D data capture with fewer setups enabling you to increase productivity and also reduce operating costs. Not only is it rugged, mobile and lightweight but also operates with the same familiar survey software platform as the Trimble GPS and Total Stations. nnn
Colin Powell, Surveying Sales Consultant, UK East