The Survey newsletter from KOREC AUTUMN 2008
synchronize
Paul Williams and Jamie Stephens of Team Surveys prepare to scan the front of Weymouth Pavilion with the Trimble GX 3D scanner.
Plain Sailing! Trimble 3D Scanner increases productivity on Olympic Sailing Site Tired buildings…an unsightly car park…derelict land. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council recognized that the Weymouth Pavilion and Ferry Terminal was a major asset going to waste and have embarked on an extensive redevelopment programme which will turn the site into a visitor destination for the future and a venue for the 2012 Olympic Games sailing events. The prestigious project to provide an accurate ‘model’ of parts of the existing site was awarded to St Austell based Team Surveys*, the largest multi disciplined land surveyors in the West Country. “We needed to collect data for the production of detailed elevations of the existing Pavilion Building, a 3D model of the auditorium, cross-sections through the auditorium and street scene elevations of surrounding buildings and features”, explained Team Surveys Managing Director, Andrew Cooke. “On an extensive and varied site like this, we need to be productive and accurate and therefore immediately contacted KOREC to hire a Trimble GX 3D scanner.” The Trimble GX 3D scanner can quickly catch millions of coordinates for recording sub-centimeter, photo-realistic job details. On this job, the scanned data was collected from existing survey control which Team Surveys had already established during a full topographical survey of the site in 2006. The point cloud data was used to produce traditional 2D elevations and sections as well as a 3D model of the internal of the Pavilion Building and also sections of surrounding areas. Andrew continues, “The Trimble GX helped us to collect this sectional data very quickly – normally it would be difficult or even impossible to collect without the use of expensive access equipment. Choosing a scanner allowed us to complete the job in a fraction of the time on site that more traditional methods would have taken. Not only was it easy to use – we weren’t delayed by the need for several days training beforehand – but the dual compensator allowed us to set-up in a similar way to using a Total Station. We simply entered the station co-ordinates and then checked reference co-ordinates in the field, eliminating the need to register the scanned data in the office.” Team Surveys Partner Paul Williams adds, “Using the scanning software on site was very straightforward, as was the office work. We used the scan data to output a pointcloud for autocad which is where we created the 2D elevations. The job went exactly to plan with the scanner delivering everything we needed for our specification all backed up by a speedy, no nonNew Release! sense approach and competitive hire rates from KOREC.”
The Trimble S8 Total Station Trimble's most advanced Autolock and Robotic total station yet
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
* Team Surveys merged with SUMO Services, who are also a significant Trimble equipment user, in March 2008
A True GNSS ‘Network’ from KOREC and Trimble KOREC is pleased to announce the upgrade of the Trimble VRS Now GB Network solution, providing extensive coverage to areas of the Midlands and the South East including Stafford, Birmingham, London, Cambridge, Reading and Brighton. At no additional cost, this GNSS Networked solution provides users with corrections for the maximum number of satellites, aiding operation in areas of limited ‘sky’ visibility such as urban canyons or high foliage environments. Tracking both GLONASS and GPS satellites - including the new L2C signal - can also improve productivity by reducing the time required to achieve centimetre-level RTK accuracy initialisation. A subscription to Trimble VRS Now, a GPS rover, and mobile phone is all you need to begin surveying or collecting data with Trimble precision. Simply switch on your receiver and real-time corrections will be available in seconds. In most cases, no further GPS investment is necessary. Trimble VRS Now works with many GPS and GNSS survey instruments from a variety of manufacturers.
AUTUMN 2008
synchronize
System News Trimble VX Spatial Station and RealWorks Survey software Trimble’s state-of-the-art spatial station combines 3D scanning functionality, optical positioning and video technologies into a single, proven, sensor. For many clients a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case, three million survey points as well! UK users have selected the VX for a range of applications from Police Collision Scene Investigations through to Building Elevations and Land Surveys. One of the first companies to invest in this new technology was Bristol based chartered land surveyors, M J Rees. We caught up with Land Surveyor Tony Millington, during their latest project to survey Bristol Old Vic for redevelopment.
the theatre’s redevelopment, it’s been the perfect job for M J Rees to test the flexibility of their Trimble VX Spatial Station. Project Manager Tony Millington explains, “On this job we’ve been able to really give our new Trimble VX a work out and have achieved some interesting results. We’ve noticed substantial reductions in site time to obtain data for elevations and sections - around 50% for the fairly complex front elevation– and further savings of around 25% for the production of floorplans for irregular, inaccessible or poorly lit areas. Plotting time has been reduced similarly. The ability to switch easily between conventional measurement, as a total station, and Spatial Imaging and scanning modes has been very useful, as has the ability to take photographs of general site views or specific features to clarify plotting. We’ve also been able to view survey data already collected, overlaid on live video of the site. This has been a particularly productive feature for tracking survey progress on site and ensuring that all required detail is surveyed.”
During this project M J Rees have been using the Trimble VX in place of their Trimble 5600 Direct Reflex Total Stations for topographical and measured building surveys. The Trimble VX uses the same Survey Controller software, in common with other Trimble instruments. This has ensured a straightforward transition to the Trimble VX with minimal time required to learn how to use the instrument and, following some training, detailed results have been easily achieved using the processing software, RealWorks. Tony concludes, “We were able to complete this complex survey promptly and efficiently aided by the ability of the VX to seamlessly switch between total station, scanner and camera. The time savings we’ve achieved on site have been particularly encouraging and we look forward to a further return on our investment with future projects” The Bristol Old Vic refurbishment appeal offers the dual opportunity to support the arts and to contribute to the preservation of an historic working building. www.mjrees.co.uk
Martin Summers of M J Rees carries out the survey
Surveying Bristol Old Vic Bristol Old Vic (BOV) is currently developing plans for the refurbishment of its home, the Theatre Royal complex. The redevelopment project is designed to deliver the infrastructural needs to re-establish BOV as a theatre company which is loved locally and respected internationally. The complex includes the beautiful purpose build classical playhouse, Theatre Royal, with a range of found and adaptable spaces for live performance of all kinds. A Grade 1 listed complex with parts dating back to 1766, its abundance of odd corners, irregular room shapes and complex frontage has proved an interesting challenge for M J Rees and Company Limited. Contracted to produce floor plans, elevations and sections for the architects leading
Photo elevation of Bristol Old Vic
For full details on any KOREC product or service please call your local Technical Representative Full contact details are on the back page of this issue of Synchronize
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
AUTUMN 2008
synchronize
RealWorks Survey
v.6.22
Released in July 2008, RealWorks version 6.22 is now available to supported users and can be downloaded from the trimble website at http://www.trimble.com/realworks_ts.asp?Nav=Collection-31056
Hardware Focus Trimble S8 opens doors to new applications
New features include: ● Better use of images taken with your VX. Increased functionality means it’s easier to draw line work on your rectified images than ever before ● Faster production process from field to client deliverable products ● Enhanced control/adjustment of field data ● New tools to produce media deliverables including movies and fly throughs
Survey Controller
v.12.22
Download the latest version of Survey Controller Software to enhance the functionality of your VX Spatial Station. New features include: ● Choice of rectangles or polygons to frame your scan areas
● New panorama function to capture multiple images to cover a defined scan area ● Ability to display the point cloud over the scan area ● Feature code processing lines displayed in the video screen allowing you to simplify survey results by selecting line colours as well as styles ● Trimble data folder can now contain individual Project Folders
Software Focus Geosite 5.1 Released Supported customers can download it at www.korecgroup.com/mykorec New features include: ● Road Alignment and Section Support with direct link to Trimble Instruments ● Improved Building Elevations ● Improved Interface for quick access to commonly and recently used commands
Recently released by Trimble, the S8 Total Station is Trimble's most advanced Autolock and Robotic Total Station yet. As well as delivering unsurpassed performance and productivity in land surveying, it is ideal for specialised engineering applications, such as monitoring and tunnelling. The Trimble S8 offers 1” angular accuracy and an EDM precision of 1mm+1ppm along with two new features, 10Hz synchronized data output and FineLock™ tracker technology. ● The 10Hz synchronized data output allows the instrument to measure moving objects very accurately, perfect for positioning ATV’s, boats or other vehicles. ● FineLock™ is a smart tracker sensor which allows the S8 to distinguish the correct prism from a tightly positioned array of prisms (typically located at 500mm centres at 200 metres range). This makes the S8 ideal for monitoring applications, particularly when allied to the new Engineering Module in Survey Controller field software and the new Trimble 4D Control office software. Key benefits of the S8 include: Speed – Rotation of 115 Per Second ● 40% faster than mechanical instruments over a typical measurement cycle ● Detect movements more quickly ● Initiate alarms earlier. FineLock – Narrow Tracker Beam ● More flexible instrument / target locations ● More targets per instrument setup MagDrive – Unique Trimble Drive System ● No wear and tear on drive mechanism ● Silent instrument turning Engineering Module – Optional on Familiar Survey Field Software ● Setup and output monitoring survey measurements ● Define, measure and analyse tunnel data ● Use all the normal benefits of Survey Controller
Use the S8 for tunnelling
4D Control Office software – View and Report On Measurements ● Simple intuitive software ● View the raw observation information ● Output a variety of informative report formats Flexibility – Undertake Your Normal Work and Access New Markets ● Measure to a wide variety of passive and active targets, only Trimble offer this ● Use the instrument for normal surveys and FineLock makes the S8 ideal for monitoring applications setting-out as well as new measuring tasks such as monitoring, tunnelling and dynamic applications ● Custom monitoring reports can be generated directly on Survey Controller field software and emailed from the site without using any office processing software
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
AUTUMN 2008
synchronize
Application Report Faced with multiple contractors surveying in a built up area, Thames Water has been quick to adopt the latest Trimble GPS technology maintaining data asset quality. The NetR5 has the ability to send an RTK correction message directly over the internet logging into an internet IP address at the rover allowing users to work up to 20km away without repeater radios. Ben continues, “Using the Trimble NetR5 base station has changed the way we work - we can now post process data in the office without ever having to visit the site as well as view its data or settings without needing physical access. It can also track the satellite constellation which means longer working times with less down time due to lack of satellites. There is no limit to the number of people who can log in and we can keep track of contractors on the ground.”
Having five extra satellites means that Thames Water is achieving about 80% of data with GPS in the Greater London area
Old and Leaky Although they’ve served us well, many of London’s Victorian water mains are simply no longer up to the job. Faced with drier summers, the capital’s growing population and antiquated cast iron pipes that are unable to withstand the stresses put on them by modern day traffic, renewing the network has become a matter of urgency for Thames Water. Targeting the areas where the mains are oldest and leakiest – a third are over 150 years old – Thames Water has already replaced over 800 miles of old iron pipes with new more durable plastic ones. By 2010 Thames Water aim to have a new network of over 1,100 miles of water mains in place that can be maintained and operated more efficiently. However for this to be a reality, it is vital that Thames Water knows exactly where the new network is located. Principal Surveyor, Ben Darlow, explains. “A project of this scope will inevitably mean short term disruption to both road traffic and water supply. As well as recording accurately where the new network lies for maintenance, we also need to monitor our contractor’s progress to keep disruption to a minimum and meet the Traffic Management Act’s requirements. It was therefore vital that our contractors knew exactly what the job entailed and were equipped to meet our stringent specifications.” Trialling GPS During 2005, as a member of the National Underground Assets Group*, Ben assessed a number of survey methods
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
for the job. “If we were to deliver accurate and efficient data, the obvious contender was always going to be a predominantly GPS based system. Previously we had been using offset measurements from buildings but this could only be as accurate as the OS map data we took the building corner from which was 0.2m. For maintenance purposes and the fast location of leaks and blockages in the future, we required 0.1m accuracy. Photogrammetry was also rejected. Trials showed it to be too time consuming and we were constantly troubled by parked cars obscuring points. Survey grade GPS was therefore the obvious way forward. We have a long standing relationship with Trimble and their distributor KOREC and over a period of several weeks we carried out a series of field trials surveying 200 hydrants across London using Trimble R6 GPS receivers. Although the systems performed well, working in a built up area reduced our satellite coverage, which meant that we could only survey 66% of the hydrants. To overcome this problem, we supplemented our GPS with a Trimble S6 Robotic Total Station and this combination was eventually selected by the majority of our contractors who later upgraded to the R8 GNSS receiver when it was launched last year. Having five extra satellites available has certainly improved coverage and we are now achieving about 80% of our data with GPS”
Ben concludes, “Our collected data is exported as ESRI Shape files into Thames Water’s GIS. Future problems in the network will be easier to locate which in turn means smaller excavations and less disruption all round. We’re currently talking to KOREC about Trimble’s hand held GPS, the GeoXH, which offers 0.1m accuracy. This would allow us to navigate back to assets and even locate them under water as well as differentiate between specific valves which are often close together. The way we are surveying on this project means that data is handled considerably less which cuts down on errors and expensive rework. Without doubt this is a cheaper, more efficient, more flexible way of working. The hardware has all been brilliant and it’s a real bonus being able to check the quality of contractor’s work through the NetR5. The only real problems we’ve had have been connected with our server, but KOREC’s Technical Support team has always been on hand to sort out any minor hardware niggles or send someone on site if required.” *NUAG is a group of relevant stakeholders, including utilities and local authorities, established to support the Dept. for Transport in achieving the relevant TMA targets.
Base station technology A Trimble NetR5 base station was set up at Murphy’s depot in Kentish Town which was central to the area of work and will remain there permanently underlining Thames Water’s commitment to improving and
Ben Darlow trials the Trimble GeoXH
AUTUMN 2008
synchronize
KOREC and Trimble News “Flexibility” of Trimble’s integrated systems brings £250k order for KOREC on MVM Road Widening Contract
KOREC supplies “Integrated Surveying Solutions” in Highways Agency drive to open roads faster
KOREC is delighted to announce that it has now supplied in excess of £250k worth of Trimble and Nikon surveying instruments for use on the MVM M1 Road Widening Contract. The contract was awarded to Anglo-French joint venture MVM (Morgan-Est, VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Sir Robert McAlpine) in 2007 by the Highways Agency, and covers a 23km section of M1 between Junction 25 at Sandiacre and Junction 28 at Pinxton. The Trimble instruments, which include five R8 GPS Receivers, two R6 GPS Receivers, two S6 Robotic Total Stations, an SPS851 Base Station and a subscription to Trimble’s VRS Now service, were selected for their flexibility and the ease with which they could be integrated. “As the buyers for this contract, it was up to us to ensure that our surveyors and engineers were properly equipped to deal with the demands of this 23km site,” explains MVM Land Surveyor, Christopher Gill. “We were already familiar with the reliability of the Trimble kit and knew that the ability to easily upload our MX road design files by GENIO would quickly win over new users we have ten people in the survey team and there’s a great deal of design information to handle!
Faced with the challenge of opening roads faster after traffic incidents, the Highways Agency has embarked on a massive £2.5million investment programme to ensure that Police Collision Investigation Units across the country are properly equipped to carry out their survey work with minimum road closure time. Following a successful trial of GPS, KOREC was approached by the Highways Agency to tender to provide an ‘Integrated Surveying Solution’ that included the Trimble DR (Direct Reflex) Total Station and R8 GNSS Rover. This tendered solution was selected by many Police Forces throughout the UK as the optimum solution. The S6 is ideal for recording all collision marks such as skids, gouges, scrapes and people and vehicle positions whilst the R8 GPS is proven to save time doing the same job on larger crash sites. A common logger, the TSC2, means that optical and GPS data can be seamlessly integrated into a single data file whilst officers are still in the field. In some cases the new system has enabled survey time on site to be cut by up to 50%.
Whilst the majority of our setting-out, asbuilt surveys and checking can be carried out using the R8 GPS receivers, the motorway does run through forest, heavily built up areas and under bridges which can compromise the satellite signal requiring us to switch to the S6 Robotic Total Stations. The real advantage for us here lies in the Survey Controller software which is common to both – it’s a short learning curve and if an engineer can use the GPS, he can easily switch to the S6 and vice versa.” MVM opted for both a subscription to Trimble’s VRS Now Service and a fixed SPS851 Base Station on the site. “Again, this is all about flexibility,” explains Chris. “The VRS Now service gives our surveyors RTK on demand and is ideal for working fast. They don’t need to use a base station and can just arrive anywhere on the site, gain initialisation and begin working. Even previously inexperienced users like our site foreman are achieving good results working like this. Where the survey work is more detailed, we use the SPS851 station. Having a fixed base means that I can dial in
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
and get access remotely. Even if I’m in London, I can log in and download files for checking. It’s also perfect for a site this length. By sending an RTK correction message directly over the internet, we can work anywhere on the 23km stretch without repeater radios. The SPS851 also enables us to use GLONASS satellites which improves lock and accuracy working in forest areas”
The Agency has also invested in Trimble's Spatial Imaging Solution, the Trimble VX, which offers 3D scanning with integrated video to capture the shape, detail and precise coordinates of all aspects in the collision investigation. All of this advanced survey technology will allow police forces that patrol some 4500 miles of UK roads to create a ‘virtual-map' of any collision scene, re-open the road faster after a serious incident and keep traffic-flow moving.
VISIT www.korecgroup.com for further information
AUTUMN 2008
synchronize
Training and Technical 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. Here’s what’s currently on offer: • Technical Support Help Desk/Phone/Email • Field Application Engineers • On-site Training/Modular Courses • Scheduled Training Courses • Trimble ‘Certified’ Training Staff • Full Product Support 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! ‘MY KOREC’ By registering free of charge at the MY KOREC 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.
Come Join Us!
Survey Sales Consultant in the South West Region KOREC has enjoyed excellent sales growth for the last 5 years and is looking to build upon this success with the appointment of a Survey Sales Consultant in the South West Region. The successful candidate will be responsible for maximising the sales of Trimble Robotic Total Stations, Trimble GPS, GeoSite Software and Spatial Imaging Products. The right candidate will be a self-starter, with evidence of sales success in a business-tobusiness service environment. You will have experience of construction or land surveying GPS equipment, be ambitious and have a successful sales track record. You will have excellent communication skills, written and verbal, and outstanding negotiation and presentation abilities at all levels. Above all you will have the confidence, commitment and ability to sell innovative solutions in the surveying industry. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a rapidly growing company with a young and ambitious team. A substantial package is available to the right candidate. Forward a letter of application marked Private & Confidential to HR Manager, KOREC, Blundellsands House, 34-44 Mersey View, Liverpool L22 6QB, or by email to hr@korecgroup.com
Measured Solutions Construction | Surveying | Mapping
Technical Notes Trimble has added a new security routine to its high-end optical instruments, the Trimble S8 Total Station and Trimble VX Spatial Station. The new Trimble eProtect™ security feature prevents unauthorized access to these instruments by locking them via a dual-layer password protocol on their Face 2 display. You can benefit from this important new feature simply by installing the latest total station firmware, version R10.0.58. There is no need to make any hardware changes or to upgrade. The latest release of Trimble Survey Controller, version 12.22, supports the Trimble eProtect keypad.
Contact Us Surveying Solutions & Laser Scanning Sales Colin Powell (Midlands): T: 07774 239125 Matthew Lock (North): T: 07974 255597 Gavin Mcdonald (South East): T: 07786 118435 Sean Higgins (Ireland): T: 00 353 868 066477 Mark Poveda (Ireland): T: 00 353 866 005252
Events Trimble Dimensions 2009 will be held on February 23rd - 25th at the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas. We will be publicising full details on our web site shortly. Save the Date!
KOREC Mapping GPS Showcase 08 KOREC is proud to announce the launch of the latest Trimble mapping solutions at our SHOWCASE ’08 seminars, in partnership with Ordnance Survey. The seminars have particular relevance to the utilities sector and anyone needing cost-effective decimetre data capture. We will be featuring the latest GeoXH™ handheld, GPS Pathfinder™ ProXRT receiver and the Trimble VRS Now™ H-Star™ service, which is able to achieve 10cm realtime accuracy. The first seminar takes place at Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday 7th October, with the second seminar at Reading on Tuesday 14th October and a final seminar in Edinburgh on 21st October. Register at News & Events, www.korecgroup.com