Lets promote information that can be provided by the Geomatics industry as a foundation for a BIM model as well as-built models of existing structures.

As an industry we seem to be focussed and promoting what we can provide in terms of as built-models of existing structures from laser scanning data. I have no argument with this but also feel that we should putting just as much effort into promoting what we can provide in terms of information about land and existing infrastructure that will provide a platform upon which a BIM model of a new structure will be based. Whether this is from data acquired using traditional topographical techniques, laser scanning or the numerous other methods available these days – we should be emphasising that this surely is of vital importance and if the information provided is not correct than it would affect everything else. I would be interested to hear other views on this.

RICS client guides from the Geomatics faculty - Online

The RICS Geomatics faculty have once again update their client guides.

I find these guides a useful resource to occasionally refer to myself and recommend that my team read them as well - many of whom are currently undertaking the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) or are going through the Approved Development Scheme with the CICES.

They are a great resource for clients or anyone who wants to understand Geomatics to a greater extent.  They try to explain in plain English the sometimes complex, opaque world of geomatics and surveying to a non-surveyor audience.

Professionals such as engineers, architects, developers and planners will find them invaluable and the guides can also act as an aid memoire for professional and technical members of RICS.

The guides are also useful for helping clients and potential clients better understand the nuances of subjects such as map projection scale factor, scale, calibration and accuracy amongst others. In many cases it may also be appropriate to include a guide within a tender application or to be sent directly to prospective clients. RICS members are encouraged to actively use these guides.

Guides include:

• Terrestrial Laser Scanning

• Map Projection Scale Factor

Avoid the Potential Dangers of Scale Factor

• Scale

Avoid Tripping up Over Step Changes in Scale

• Reassuringly Accurate

Controlling Accuracy for Better Results

• Marine, Offshore and Coastal

An RICS Perspective

• Virtually Level

Transition from familiar benchmark to heighting using GPS

• Applications of Aerial Photography and Digital Imagery

Check them out and download them from the following link:

http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/more-services/guides-advice/rics-geomatics-client-guide-series/

Newcastle Uni GIS and Surveying & Mapping Degrees - video

Newcastle University have just launched a new video to promote their Surveying and Mapping degrees. 

I had a great experience at Newcastle University and would recommend it.  I know Glasgow also do a similar course which many of our team at Loy's went on.

Check it out at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbChbavm424

Great New Videos from Leica explain Laser Scanning

At Loy Surveys we have been carrying out laser scanning surveys for a number of years for the purposes of 3D modelling, monitoring, measured building surveys and BIM related  services.  

Leica have now produced some informative videos for anyone new to laser scanning or wanting to find out more about the technology.

Screen shot form the tutorial:

They have produced nine video tutorials. Three videos cover laser scanning - 'The basics', 'How it all works' and 'Simple and Complex projects', and six are related to Cyclone 8 including, GeoTags, Scripting and Enhanced Project Importer.  

Check them out at the following link:

Leica HDS Tutorials 

Additionally check out our Loy Surveys laser scanning web page at:

http://www.loy.co.uk/what-we-do/rapid-3d-scan/  

Merry Christmas from Loy Surveys!

It's that time of the year again. After another fantastic year here at Loy Surveys it's time to say thank you to our customers, suppliers and most importantly our staff. Click here to view our Christmas eCard.

All the best for 2013, we're looking forward to bringing you some exciting developments. For more details visit www.loy.co.uk

OS and LOCOG RICS lecture

I attended the RICS Christmas lecture last night at RICS HQ at Great George Street, London.

Neil Ackroyd from the Ordnance Survey demonstrated the huge mapping effort behind the Olympic village and all other venues.  8 OS surveyors were on the ground constantly mapping on the lead up to the Olympic Games.  All surface apertures (manholes, stop cocks etc etc) around the site had to be mapped.  The mapping was consistently updated using RTK with OSNet corrections and Lidar data.  Additionally, bringing together organisations such as the Met, Ambulance Services, London Fire Brigade and military and creating a standard mapping symbology emphasised the level of commitment by all parties.

It was an amazing effort.

James Bulley from  London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) also gave a presentation.   The logistical organisation was outstanding - bringing together a huge number of companies, organisations and working together – rather than against each other.  UK Plc really worked.

Thanks for an interesting and thought provoking lecture.

More information on OS mapping can be seen at the following YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG5dE6mqzmY&list=PLJp4yCtYcXpoD6U-SmFeS48SQxE-0u05_&index=1

Mobile Mapping - where next?

Attended an interesting seminar last month hosted by the Survey Association.

Mobile mapping from vehicles is another technology that the Survey Industry will need to embrace.  Google and Bing have acquired photography of just about everyones front garden or door across the entire world!

Topcon's have taken this a bit further.

Recipe for Mobile Mapping

Ingredients

• laser scanners,
• 360 degree camera
• GNSS antenna
• Inertial measurement unit 
• Laptop
• Odometry from wheel encoders
• Lots of cables and programming

Method:

A drive through the countryside, town or city (doesn't sound like work does it!)

Product:

A complete geospatial data set that can used for asset management, GIS systems, modelling, impressing clients with fancy fly throughs, etc, etc



Mobile Mapping - Done!

Check out the videa of a recent mobile mapping project in San Francisco - Outstanding!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaidCajQSoo