under open skies...
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The GIS mapping solutions newsletter from KOREC WINTER 2008
NEW! Trimble VRS Now™H-Star™Service Thanks to Trimble’s new VRS Now H-Star service, cost-effective, decimetre positioning in real-time has arrived for GIS Mapping users. This new service provides instant access to H-Star corrections throughout Great Britain. A subscription to the Trimble VRS Now H-Star service gives users working in utilities, local government, natural resources, and land management the ability to obtain real-time, 10cm accurate positioning consistently and directly at the job site. With instant access to H-Star corrections on demand, field workers capturing high accuracy data will be more efficient and productive and can be up and running in minutes. In addition, pairing the Trimble ProXRT GPS Receiver with the Trimble Nomad™ series of handhelds (800XC and 800XE models, see our Hardware feature) provides a fully integrated pole mounted solution. The Trimble Nomad handheld's integrated cellular modem (GPRS) allows users to connect directly from the handheld to the Trimble VRS Now H-Star service for optimal performance with a minimal hardware investment. . Three easty steps to use Trimble’s VRS Now H-Star Subscription Service 1. Connect: Just power up your Trimble HStar decimetre compatible receiver (either GeoXH 2008 series handheld receiver or GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver) and connect to the system. 2. Correct: Trimble VRS Now H-Star service delivers decimetre-accurate H-Star corrections tailored for your geographic location. 3. Collect: Collect your data with precision and confidence for accurate mapping. For further information on how you can achieve cost-effective decimetre accuracy in the field, please call your KOREC representative. Plus... see overleaf to find out how Weller Designs and KKUS have been using Trimble VRS Now.
New Editions to the FastMap family
See inside for full details
Day of the Knotweed Find out inside how Cornwall County Council has adopted Trimble technology in the fight against knotweed
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
WINTER 2008
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Who’s using Trimble VRS Now? KOREC customers have been quick to see the advantages that Trimble’s VRS Now Service can bring. Below we’ve choosen two completely different applications and data collection methods to give an idea of what can be done.
ProXRT and Trimble’s VRS Now service brings early return on investment Surrey based golf course and landscape designers, Weller Designs, are reaping the benefits of the very latest in GPS receivers with Trimble’s recently released ProXRT receiver. Featuring H-Star Technology, the ProXRT is providing Weller Designs with 10cm accuracy for both position and height making it the ideal tool for golf course terrain mapping. “Previously we were using an EDM Total Station for all our survey work,” explains Company Director, Bruce Weller. “When we needed to upgrade our equipment, GPS was the obvious solution and the ProXRT met all our criteria. For the first time we can carry out surveys with just one man in the field whilst achieving height information to Ordnance Datum as required by both the Environmental Agency and Local Authorities. We’ve also subscribed to Trimble’s VRS Now Service which allows us to set out in real-time without the inconvenience and additional cost of setting up a base station. Our logger screen display shows us exactly which areas we’ve covered and exactly where we are mapping as we move along. The whole system has been exceptionally fast and very easy to use - on our last job at Hainult Forest Golf Club we managed to save four days on site despite a few problems with heavy tree foliage – and consequently we’ve already had an almost complete return on our investment.” Copyright Angus Murray
Lightweight and easy to carry, Weller Designs has found the ProXRT particularly easy to transport, making it ideal for their extensive overseas work.
David Weller, Co Director - Weller Designs using the system at Liverpool Sports Park (currently under construction)
Contracts Flow following RTK GPS Investment for Utility Services company A Stockport based Utility Services company has found that investment in a cm accurate Trimble GPS solution can put you at the top of the list when it comes to winning contracts in the water industry. John Kitson and Nick Keegan of Kitson Keegan Utility Services (www.kkus.co.uk), an enterprise specializing in As-built plans for the Utility industry, were intent on moving their company forward and recognized that investment in a 1 cm accurate GPS would play a major part in any future growth. “We know that many Utility companies now use GPS surveys and that the Traffic Management Code of Practice means that higher levels of accuracy will be required in our line of work,” explained John Kitson. “We heard about Trimble’s UK distributor, KOREC, following their involvement with National Grid Alliance partners through the Pipeline Industries Guild and were aware that they also produced data collection software designed specifically for mapping pipelines. After seeing a demonstration of the cm accurate Trimble R8 GPS receiver with KOREC’s FastMap AsLaid software on a Tablet PC and just how it easy it was to use, the decision to buy was an easy one.” John Kitson of KKUS using the Trimble R8 to survey locations and depths of fittings for the 710mm Mid-Cheshire Supply Main, Nannys Bridge
KKUS combined their Trimble R8 receiver with a subscription to Trimble’s VRS Now Service providing them with 1 cm accuracy on demand. The end result is a system that enables the real-time 1 cm accurate digital capture of all the features they require to produce detailed plans of rehabilitated streets. These include newly installed fittings such as stop tap locations, depths, size and material of the newly installed main. Overall costs are significantly lower, data collection times faster when compared to traditional utility paper based processes and data is of higher quality and consistency. John Kitson concludes, “We currently have two new contracts that require GPS surveys for As-laid large diameter mains cross-country and have been approached to tender for several more. We do still get the road wheel and hard copy drawings out if a client requests it, but our new GPS system means that we can now survey a pipeline of 1200m in little more time than it takes to walk it!”
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
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WINTER 2008
Spotlight On... The Traffic Management Act
The Trimble GeoXT handheld GPS is the perfect solution
Whilst members of our KOREC Mapping Team are out and about, they are frequently asked questions about Reinstatement Work under the Traffic Management Act 2004 and how to comply with these new legal obligations. To help clarify these requirements, we’ve drawn up our own list of Traffic Management FAQ’s but will be delighted to answer any additional queries you may have on how KOREC can help you comply and avoid fines. Traffic Management Act 2004: what does it mean for you? Following the implementation of the new Traffic Management Act from 1st April, there is a new requirement for Utility Companies, Utility Contractors and Highway Authorities to register the position and attributes of all Highway Reinstatement works, whether large or small, and give notice to the Street Authority within prescribed timescales. Failure to do this within the strict guidelines of the new TMA may result in the Statutory Undertaker receiving a fine (or Fixed Penalty Notice) for each offence, which could be very costly. What exactly are the TMA Requirements? Requirements include the capture of the National Grid Reference (NGR) of reinstatement works to 1 metre resolution and that notice is given to the Street Authority within 7 working days. Street Works registers will be based on GIS and displayed against OS MasterMap. What must my data capture system deliver? Your system must have the ability to capture the National Grid Reference (NGR) to one metre resolution with a 12 figure OS Grid Reference (E 302494, N 247097). This will place the point correctly onto the definitive OS MasterMap. Therefore if you are using GPS technology, it must deliver sub-metre absolute accuracy. An OSTN02 GPS Transformation is necessary to give the correct OS Grid reference so that the position of the reinstatement works will display correctly in the Highway Authorities GIS System. What solutions can KOREC offer? Our recommended solution is the Trimble GeoXT Handheld GPS delivering sub-metre accuracy. It is a rugged weatherproof PDA offering integrated GPS and Windows Mobile Software onboard. It is also the perfect platform for FastMap Mobile Field Data Capture Software. The GeoXT will show a current GPS position using OSTN02 Transformation and will display OS MasterMap Data (under license from you client). Importantly, it will record a 12 figure OS grid reference and Reinstatement Notice. It also enables you to send information directly back to the office wirelessly, in seconds, to comply with the Notice period. Any pitfalls to watch out for? You may consider using an off the shelf consumer GPS to save money, however this will not achieve the sub-metre accuracy required. They also won’t use the latest OSTN02 Transformation which allows your GPS positions to be overlaid on top of OS MasterMap this is how your coordinates will be checked by Highway Authorities.
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
Trimble GeoXT Handheld GPS System Benefits All in one design for field use with bright VGA Display and all day battery life Real-time sub-metre GPS accuracy with built-in OSTN02 to adhere with OS National Grid coordinate system Record accurate GPS positions with pre-defined forms on top of OS MasterMap Data ready for use in your GIS with a choice of Absolute (GPS) or Relative (Map) Measurements Send information back to the office in seconds to comply with Notice period
WINTER 2008
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New Software Releases
KOREC News
KOREC has launched two new additions to the FastMap Mobile family of GIS data capture and maintenance software. Ideal for use in conjunction with FastMap Mobile on Trimbles’s rugged Nomad field computer with integrated GPRS communications, FastMap Live and FastMap On-Demand are web-based applications that take two-way field/office communication to a new level.
Additional role for Peter Lloyd
FastMap Live provides users with two major benefits. Firstly, the ability to track the position of workers in the field from an office based computer, ideal for monitoring workers in remote or dangerous conditions and managing large work forces. Secondly, field workers can position an incident, such as a burst water main, either manually on a map or by GPS, record its features in a form, attach any relevant photos and send the whole bundle to the office with the touch of a single button. FastMap On-Demand allows field workers to request background mapping for wherever in the country they happen to be working, either as aerial photography or OS MasterMap* data. Users simply obtain their GPS position and hit the ‘On-Demand’ button to receive 100m x 100m of map data in less than 30 seconds.
We are pleased to announce that KOREC’s GIS Business Development Director, Peter Lloyd, has been invited to join the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (UK) Technology Enabler Group. Peter offers a wealth of experience regarding the latest GPS positioning technologies and GIS data capture systems and will be part of a group considering developments in technology and practical procedures that will assist the recording of underground assets. The group will also ensure any recommendations are workable and financially viable for stakeholder organisations.
*OS MasterMap data is only available to licensed users
FastMap Mobile 7 is now available for download. Please visit the download section in ‘MyKOREC’ at www.korecgroup.com. There are several new features: Improved laser range finder integration for seamless capture of tree position, height and canopy spread, directly from attribute definition screen. Support for the latest range of Trimble GPS hardware including the barcode and camera equipped Nomad and Nomad X, the 10cm accurate GeoXH and ProXRT and more third party GPS devices. Wide range of FastMap Live wireless services. New ones include: •Two–way data transfer from field to base with text messaging •Online field device tracking •Online incident reporting from the field •On-demand display of OS MasterMap data from the field (requires existing service level agreement with OS) •On-demand display of aerial imagery data from the field
Hardware Update Trimble Nomad 800X Series with Integrated GPRS We are delighted to announce that Trimble’s best selling rugged handheld GPS, the Trimble Nomad, boasts another new feature - integrated GPRS. Eliminating the need to carry a mobile phone for data transfer, the Nomad X is now handier than ever. Rugged and waterproof (IP67), it features a powerful 806 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, up to 2 GB of Flash storage, Bluetooth® technology wireless connectivity, and a 3.5 inch super bright VGA display. With a variety of configurations to suit the needs of the user, including cellular modem (GPRS), wireless LAN, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated GPS, digital camera, and laser bar code scanner, the combination of the Trimble Nomad field computer and FastMap Mobile software provides a range of all-in-one solutions for field data collection and inspection activities.
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
Peter Lloyd
Trimble Certified KOREC’s Darius Mirdamadi has become a Trimble Certified Trainer. Following an intensive three day training course at Trimble's Raunheim Offices in Germany, Darius (based in the UK), is now qualified to provide Technical Certified Training on the full range of Trimble Mapping GPS products. KOREC specialises in a wide range of GPS training from a basic introduction to advanced theory, delivered with the emphasis on quality and value for money. For further information, please visit the training pages at www.korecgroup.com
We want your stories! KOREC has been working closely with some of our mapping customers to write application stories for magazines and photograph Trimble survey instruments at work in UK locations. We are always looking for new projects and applications to cover, so if you have any suitable projects please, get in touch with our marketing team by email at marketing@korecgroup.com.
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WINTER 2008
Application Report KOREC Mapping System v. Japanese Knotweed office,” explains Adam. “The software is also compatible with our corporate GIS, ESRI ArcView. This not only cuts down our processing time to a tenth of what it was, but also means that we can take our existing GIS data out into the field for checking. The whole process is very straightforward. In the office we design forms detailing exactly what attribute information we want to collect and then load them onto the Geo. Out on site we can then record a wide range of information using these predefined fields – is the knotweed site close to water (we can’t spray near water without permission from the Environment Agency), who owns the site, what type of knotweed is it, what is the stem width, is the site accessible (can we get a JCB in to dig it up) etc.
Adam Chell of Cornwall C.C. uses the Trimble GeoXT with FastMap Mobile on-board to map a reported sighting of knotweed
Warning: Japanese knotweed is a nonnative invasive plant that is severely damaging our countryside and property. With your co-operation it can be controlled. (Guidance for Householders & Landowners) Introduced to the UK in the mid-nineteenth century as an ornamental plant, knotweed grows rapidly with mature plants reaching 3m. Unfettered by the pests and diseases that control it in Japan, it has become highly invasive in the UK with its vigorous growth in summer and thick mulch of decaying canes and leaves in winter excluding almost all of our native species. And the problems don’t stop there…it can cause extensive damage to concrete structures such as foundations, flood defences and roads and can easily grow through tarmac surfaces. Fallopia japonica – a co-ordinated approach One county with a co-ordinated approach to the control of Japanese knotweed is Cornwall. The Cornwall County Council is a major partner of The Cornwall Knotweed Forum and active in both eradicating knotweed and providing advice on its management for everyone from planners and property developers to landscape designers and members of the public. Cornwall C.C. Countryside Officer, Adam Chell explains, “Here in the Living Environment Department we are responsible for managing assets such as country parks, trails and Public Rights of Way. As part of our approach to eradicating knotweed, we need to set an example to everyone by managing it successfully ourselves and that means a planned approach. It can cost between £1000 and £2000 to spray a 10m² area of dense growth over a three year period. However costs can escalate dramatically when you look at the ‘dig and dump’ option regularly used by developers, (digging up the plant and all the root system and taking to a registered landfill site). A site this size would require the removal of around 1200
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
cubic metres of material*. This would need to be taken to a registered landfill site at a charge of around £250 per cubic metre to accept contaminated waste such as this, so that’s £300,000 even before transport costs!” GPS Solution In 2000 Cornwall C.C. began the process of manually recording knotweed locations reported by members of the public. However locations were never exact enough and producing maps for contractors could be time consuming. Adam continues, “It was obvious that we needed to refine our data collection process and were fortunate enough to borrow an old Trimble backpack GPS system. Although it was cumbersome, it convinced us that investing in a GPS would greatly improve our efficiency. Of course things have moved on technology wise enormously and when we contacted Trimble’s UK distributor KOREC, they were able to demonstrate a Trimble GeoXT hand held GPS for us. It was rugged enough to withstand heavy usage (and a few butter finger moments that would have destroyed a mobile phone!) and highly portable, making it ideal for jobs where access is impeded by heavy vegetation. In recent years we’ve mapped over 4,000 knotweed sites and with locations sometimes being just the size of a single stem, the sub-metre accuracy that the Geo provides is perfect. Initially we achieved this using a Trimble GeoBeacon, and more recently, EGNOS” Software Benefits Cornwall C.C. selected KOREC’s FastMap Mobile data collection software to run onboard their GeoXT. “For us, the great thing about FastMap Mobile is that with the OS background map data, you can see on the screen exactly where you are and where you’ve mapped – previously the first time I saw what I’d collected was back in the
The benefits that the new system has brought us are pretty clear. We can now quickly download accurate, collected information into our GIS so that knotweed locations can be viewed by everyone from the public to property planners; we can print off clear and accurate maps for our contractors to use when locating the knotweed for treatment; the system is transferrable and versatile – for example we can map the exact location of Rights of Way and then check against original map data to see if they have been moved.” Adam concludes, “Although we had a few teething problems with transferring data to our corporate GIS, KOREC’s Technical Support has been very good and always there when we’ve needed them. Cornwall County Council is now well equipped to manage its knotweed problem and provide guidance to anyone interested in combating this invasive plant.” For further information on Japanese Knotweed, please visit www.cornwallknotweed.org.uk *20m x 20m x 3m - that’s a 5m radius buffer zone around the visible plant growth and a depth of 3m as recommended by Natural England as a minimum
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Training and Support KOREC’s Mapping Technical Support Team is once again at full strength following disruptions for holiday and Trimble training over the summer. Our renowned service includes: •Technical Support help desk - phone and email •Field application engineers •On-site training/modular courses •Scheduled training courses •Trimble ‘certified’ training staff •Full product support KOREC is renowned for its high level of technical support and that’s why we are constantly developing ways to improve our service to you. Our new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is just part of this process. Each call or email that we receive from you is logged on our CRM and ALL members of the Support Team (both field and office based) can access the information. Handling around 25 calls and 10-15 emails a day, we aim to have each call assigned to a team member within 2 hours, and closed within 48 hours. If a call is left unassigned for 2 hours, the CRM flags up a warning to keep us on our toes! ‘MyKOREC’ By registering free of charge at the MyKOREC section of our website at www.korecgroup.com, you can now track the progress of your support ticket. In the future, you’ll be able to use this section of our website to create your own support ticket with attached files which will then appear in real-time in front of our support staff, further speeding up our response times. You’ll also be able to download a variety of training materials and videos…watch this space! Remote PC Support If you are really stuck, then take advantage of our Remote PC Support Service. Using the internet, with your permission, we can control your PC and show you in the comfort of your own office how to rectify your problem. Data can even be copied between PC’s just like an external drive. It’s a totally secure procedure and internal networks and firewalls are not an issue. We are there by invitation only - you can see exactly what we are doing and retain a record of where we’ve been. Whilst we’re in charge of the PC, you are most definitely in charge of us and can disconnect at any chosen moment.
Contact us... For further information on any of the products or services mentioned in Sub-dio, please contact your nearest Mapping Representative or visit: www.korecgroup.com Business Development Director Peter Lloyd peter.lloyd@korecgroup.com T: 07770 896309 GIS Mapping Solutions Consultants Richard Gauchwin (North) richard.gauchwin@korecgroup.com T: 07786 118436 Martyn Palmer (South) martyn.palmer@korecgroup.com T: 07721 919912 Brock Ryder (Ireland and N.Ireland) brock.ryder@korecgroup.com T: 00 353 863 837070
Stop Press! Please visit www.korecgroup.com for the latest news from KOREC and Trimble
Events follow up…. Many thanks to all those who have visited our stand at various events during the last couple of months. Our team has attended The West Midlands HAUC & HSOG Roadshow, The Institute of Public Rights of Way Conference, AGI Events and The Arboriculture Conference, and of course we’ve also run our own series of KOREC GPS Showcase Events. The Showcase events have provided us with valuable feedback and with an overwhelming number of enquiries for our new Trimble ProXRT GPS which is equipped to receive GPS corrections from a VRS network to achieve up to 10cm accuracy onthe-spot.
The Trimble ProXRT attracts interest at our GPS Showcase events
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
To find out where we will be in the future, please visit the news and events section at www.korecgroup.com