David McCarthy awarded Brian McLoughlin Employee of the Year Award

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David McCarthy and Martin Nix
Martin Nix, CEO, pictured left with David McCarthy, Tasmania Manager

David McCarthy, who manages Position Partners’ Tasmania branch in Launceston, has been awarded the Brian McLoughlin Employee of the Year Award 2016-2017. Presented in recognition of an employee that has gone above and beyond in their role and responsibilities, all employees were asked to cast their vote based on the following criteria: 

  • Personal outstanding performance,
  • Best lives the company’s values,
  • Teamwork with fellow colleagues and/or partner companies

David was chosen because he has achieved a significant gain of new customers in Tasmania since he started with the company in September 2009,” said Martin Nix, Position Partners CEO. “Being outside the major offices requires a “multi-tasking” capability of sales, support and administration as well as significant communication work to actively make the branch part of the whole company rather than a remote outpost.  For Launceston, David has created significant success on many counts and he is highly respected and valued by his colleagues and our customers alike,” he added. 

This year was the first to honour the memory of Brian McLoughlin, one of the founders of Position Partners who passed away in January 2016. From this year onwards the award will be called the Brian McLoughlin Employee of the Year Award. 

Accepting his award at a surprise morning tea in Campbellfield, Victoria, David said: “I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone at Position Partners and in particular to all who voted in this year’s award process, and all staff that received votes. I truly believe that we are all part of a greater team, that we all have an equally important role to play in this great company. We should all be extremely proud of the company that Position Partners has grown into.

“There is nothing more humbling than to receive recognition from your peers, for the effort and commitment of the last eight years. I could not have got to where I am today, without the support and backing of some great people (I won’t name names but you know who you are). Whilst I have been working out of Tassie now for eight years and on my own for a majority of that time, we have now established a great team.

“Position Partners is the longest running job that I have had in my life, and I have never experienced this level of support or closeness from my colleagues. I am deeply honored and proud to be this year’s winner. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck in next year’s award, because if someone from a three man team based out of Tassie can do it, anyone can.”

iVolve and Position Partners announce alliance for integrated fleet management systems

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Ivolve

The agreement will see the integration of fleet management software and high precision machine guidance, locally supported throughout Australia, and New Zealand.  

Geospatial and positioning company Position Partners announces an alliance with iVolve, a leading provider of real-time intelligent machine software solutions. The partnership will combine iVolve’s Fleet Management System (FMS) with Position Partners’ expertise in machine guidance technology to offer integrated, locally supported, high precision mining solutions for the resources sector.     

“Combining iVolve’s software development capabilities with our extensive services network and experience in machine guidance technology will ensure customers receive a comprehensive solution, backed by local support,” said Andrew Granger, Mining Product Manager for Position Partners.

Under the agreement, iVolve will focus on research and development for its integrated mining platform, whilst Position Partners will be responsible for sales and support throughout Australia and New Zealand.

“This agreement will provide best in class solutions and support for our customers,” said Jon Breeden, APAC Sales Manager for iVolve. “By integrating our advanced fleet management system with high precision machine guidance, we will provide a seamless site-to-office solution that enables customers to increase productivity, cut costs and minimise risk.

“This combined with Position Partners’ large network, remote support technology and more than 25 years’ experience with machine systems makes for a robust partnership that will ensure customers are fully supported wherever they are working,” he added.

Congratulations to Garry and Bob for industry milestone celebrations!

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Without these guys, Position Partners wouldn’t be what it is today. Garry Fleming and Bob Bent are two of the company’s founders, who alongside their colleagues helped to form a single business from five state-based firms in 2008.

Celebrating 30 years in business and 40 years in the industry respectively, we threw Garry and Bob a couple of celebratory parties to acknowledge their significant contribution not only to our company, but the technology we support and the industry overall.

Garry Fleming – 30 years ridin’ the wave

In New South Wales, Garry Fleming and Brian McLoughlin started LaserQuip in 1987, taking an enormous leap of faith and following their passion to increase productivity on the job site with laser and machine control technology. Brian’s dining room was their first office and a beaten up 1968 Holden Premier their shared company car.

30 year Garry30 years on and Garry is now our NSW and ACT Regional Manager, as well as Partnering Services Manager where he heads up our service, support, training and hire capabilities company-wide.

Sadly Brian is no longer with us to celebrate alongside his business partner, having lost a battle with cancer in 2016. To recognise all that he contributed, a plaque for Brian has been created that will sit in pride of place at our Sydney office.

On 8th May we threw Garry a surprise lunch celebration with 100 or so of his colleagues, family and customers, many of whom had travelled from far and wide to make it.

Now, keeping a secret from Garry is no mean feat – his eagle eye for detail and close working relationship with everyone in his team means he’s tapped into everything! But with a lot of effort and everyone living in fear of spilling the beans and ruining all the hard work, we managed to pull it off. The look of genuine surprise and seeing his smile broaden as he recognised one after another of the faces in the crowd made it all worthwhile.

With congratulatory messages from Martin Nix, our CEO, along with a video speech from Jamie Williamson, Vice President of Topcon Positioning Group and a few classic early days photos, a great afternoon was had by all. We also presented Garry with a little sketch that brings together two of his great passions – surfing and laser levelling technology! Congratulations Garry!

 

Bob Bent – 40 years full throttle

In Victoria, we celebrated Bob Bent’s 40 year contribution to the construction industry. As Bob heads off for a well earned break (although we can’t picture him taking it easy and playing chess), we celebrated with customers, family, friends and colleagues alike to wish him all the best for his retirement and a huge thank you for all he has done for everyone who’s had the pleasure of working with him.

BobBob’s passion and energy for our business has truly been second to none. His positive can-do attitude and great head for business helped him to build Laser Beams alongside his equally talented wife Janine. After Position Partners was formed in 2008, Bob went on to lead the Victoria and Tasmania teams as Regional Manager and more recently, project managed the successful creation of our wholesale distribution division for laser levelling tools and establishing our New Zealand business.

With heartfelt thank yous from countless customers, colleagues, friends and family from all over Australia as well as our Topcon friends in the States, Bob was brought to tears to see so many people recognise his help over the years.

Like Garry, Bob also has a great love of laser levelling technology, so his sketch combined this passion with his favourite hobby – heading out for a ride on his BMW motorbike! Congratulations Bob on such a wonderful career and all the best for your retirement. Don’t be a stranger!  

 

 

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 Mk1, Mk2, Mk3 Battery Replacement

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“Panasonic Australia has announced a battery recall for affected FZ-G1 Mk1-2-3 battery units. Affected units may present a risk of overheating, causing smoke or ignition, presenting a potential hazard to users.

Despite only a single documented case in Australia, Panasonic are acting in line with our shared commitment to user safety. End-user, partner and distributor stakeholders have been advised and will receive ongoing updates until the issue is addressed. We now request that end-users contact our team to register affected devices as a next step.

Full details and expanded FAQ’s are available at our dedicated issue website
www.panasonic.com.au/FZG1productissue

The model number of the battery pack is FZ-VZSU84U. Affected batteries can be identified by the lot number, which is printed on the battery. The affected lots are: FZ-G1A***, FZ-G1C***, FZ-G1F***,  FZ-G1L***, FZ-G1M***, FZ-G1N***.

In Australia, the specific SKU’s impacted are:

Panasonic FZ-G1 Toughpad

 

 

Mk1 SKU

Mk2 SKU

Mk3 SKU

 

 

FZ-G1AABAKBA

FZ-G1FAB1FBA

FZ-G1L3100BA 

FZ-G1AABDXBA

FZ-G1FAB30BA

FZ-G1L3100CA 

FZ-G1AABEKBA

FZ-G1FAHAHBA

FZ-G1L3101BA

FZ-G1AABJKBA

FZ-G1FAHAXBA

FZ-G1L3103BA

FZ-G1AABKXBA

FZ-G1FAHJHBA

FZ-G1L3104BA

FZ-G1AABNKBA

FZ-G1FAHLHBA

FZ-G1L3106BA 

FZ-G1AABZXBA

FZ-G1FAHLXBA

FZ-G1L3110BA

FZ-G1AADJKBA

FZ-G1FAHNHBA

FZ-G1L3113BA

FZ-G1AAHDXBA

FZ-G1FAKAHBA

FZ-G1L3114BA

FZ-G1AAKAKBA

FZ-G1FAKDHBA

FZ-G1L3117BA

FZ-G1AAKEKBA

FZ-G1FAKJHBA

FZ-G1L3121BA

FZ-G1AAKJKBA

FZ-G1FSHEHBA

FZ-G1L3122BA

FZ-G1ACH66CA

FZ-G1FSHLHBA

FZ-G1L3125CA

FZ-G1ASBEKBA

FZ-G1FSH2KBA

FZ-G1L3126BA

FZ-G1ASBJKBA

 

FZ-G1L3132BA

FZ-G1ASHJHCA

 

FZ-G1L3134BA

FZ-G1ASH5TCA

 

MK3 ATEX

FZ-G1ASPCKBA

 

FZ-G1M3100BA

MK1 ATEX

 

FZ-G1N3102BA

FZ-G1CCH66CA

 

FZ-G1N3101BA

FZ-G1CSKDKCA

 

FZ-G1N3101VA

FZ-G1CSKHKCA

 

 

 

 

Users have been advised they have two options for any affected unit prior to the receipt of their replacement batteries.

1. To apply a BIOS utility that will reduce charging from 4.2 volts to 4.0 and reduce the peak operating settings of batteries. This is now available locally for all users for download from www.panasonic.com.au/FZG1productissue.

Once run, the device will provide a “0” code which confirms the changes have been successfully implemented (Note: this is specific to FZ-G1 Mk1-2-3, and will return a “99” code on FZ-G1 Mk4 and “3” on any other platforms without making any changes). This setting will only become effective after rebooting the unit. Full instructions are online.
 
OR
 
2. Where it is safe to do so, users with an affected unit are advised to cease operations, turn off their FZ-G1 Tablet, remove the battery pack and only power the computer through approved vehicle docks, desktop docks or the power adaptor and cord from mains power directly.

Action

  1. End-users will contact Panasonic to register the quantity, model and location of affected units, along with where they prefer replacement batteries to be sent, their subject owner and preferred contact details e.g. they may wish to have replacement batteries shipped to one location, or multiple locations.
  2. End users are asked to call 1800 700 006 or email panasonicrecall@salmat.com.au to register.

Additional Actions on Receipt of Replacement Battery

  1. Once the replacement battery is fitted to non-ATEX units, please download a new firmware utility which will be available for download from www.panasonic.com.au/fzg1productissue.
  2. Certified ATEX users can install replacement batteries upon receipt. Other users will have batteries installed by a Panasonic partner. If you are uncertain if a fleet is registered to complete battery installations, please contact toughbook-recall@au.panasonic.com. Please do not apply the firmware update until Panasonic confirms sustained ATEX certification.
  3. Once the replacement battery is installed and this firmware is applied, your actions are complete.

FAQ’s
 
When will we receive further information?
Panasonic are working with all stakeholders to confirm the timing of replacement batteries for affected units. Registered users will be contacted with further details in the near future.
 
What actions should I take?
Please ensure your end-users apply one of two optional actions prior to the receipt of replacement batteries for affected units (as above). Please contact the Panasonic team to register your preferred support location and quantity for battery replacement, subject owner and contact details.

Are current FZ-G1 Mk4 Toughpad SKU’s affected by this potential issue?
No, this action is specific to selected FZ-G1 Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 SKU’s.
 
Are any other platforms affected by this potential issue?
No, this action is specific to selected FZ-G1 Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 SKU’s.
 
Will the FZ-G1 Toughpad still operate on mains power, or a DC vehicle dock with the battery removed?
Yes.

Will the firmware utility affect the original BIOS utility applied before I received the replacement battery?
The final firmware utility will overwrite the BIOS utility to ensure additional safety controls and full product performance. Panasonic will advise ATEX users when they can apply the new firmware after replacement batteries are installed. The firmware can be applied immediately upon installing the battery for all other users.”

 
For further information, please contact Panasonic:

 

Topcon has the edge

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mmGPS

Cairns-based construction firm chooses Topcon for accuracy, ease of use and flexibility

Kenfrost is a mid-sized construction company that specialises in residential building development in Cairns, with a civil construction division that offers road and other earthmoving services.

The company operates two graders and runs 3-4 construction and survey crews. Grader operator Matthew Byl has worked for the company since 2009 and explains why they opt for Topcon and how upgrading to the latest mmGPS machine control technology, along with a brand new CAT 120M AWD grader, has resulted in huge productivity improvements for the business. 

Why Topcon comes out Top

Mr Byl explained that although he’s been loyal to the Topcon brand for many years, he hasn’t done so just out of habit. “When we purchased this new CAT grader we were open minded and we did look seriously at upgrading the existing system that it comes with in place of Topcon,” he said.

“But when I had a demonstration and really compared the two, I wasn’t convinced that the other brand would offer any advantages and in fact there were a few key differences that made Topcon a clear winner from my perspective,” he added.

Mr Byl explained that Topcon is the only system on the market that can deliver fine precision grading using laser and GPS technology together at the same time. “What’s great about it is that even if you briefly lose line of sight with the laser, the GPS will keep you working so you don’t lose everything.

“Other systems rely on robotic total stations, which aren’t linked with the GPS technology so when you lose line of sight – which everyone does at some point as it’s just the nature of the job – you have nothing,” he added.

Mr Byl said he likes the fact that Topcon technology uses GPS at the core of its systems and supplements it with other technology such as lasers and robotics to increase accuracy.

“The fact the technology works together makes it more flexible for all sorts of different applications, without losing accuracy,” he said. “Other systems seem more cumbersome to me, as though you’re operating two types of technology independently from one another.”

A brief history lesson

Mr Byl has been using machine control technology since its early days and has experienced firsthand its evolution. Agtek, which was acquired by Topcon in the 1980s, invented the first 2D machine control system that enabled operators to grade cross slope and other complex designs. Later Topcon added Sonic Tracking technology that allowed the operator to follow the stringline with multiple grades and changes in level.

“I was working for a company in Western Australia when I started using machine control technology, the first being an Agtek System 4 which later evolved to the more sophisticated Topcon System 5 that is still popular today,” Mr Byl said. 

In 2009, Mr Byl relocated to Queensland and started working for Kenfrost. That same year the company purchased its first 3D machine control system, Topcon mmGPS. 

Commenting on the difference between 2D and 3D machine control, Mr Byl said: “2D is fantastic technology and it certainly makes your work a lot faster, but you are still reliant on others in the team for grade checking.”

“I find that with the 3D system I have everything I need to work independently without waiting for surveyors to peg out the design or check grade,” he added. “I can also start and finish the job where I want to, I don’t have to work areas that the surveyor has already set out as I have all the data I need on the screen in front of me.

“Personally I still run a stringline at the end just for my own peace of mind, but it’s not something I need to do!”

Yes you CAN

With the ability to connect directly into the machine’s CAN system, Topcon mmGPS delivers extremely high accuracy and rapid response to the machine’s every move.

An added advantage of direct connection to the machine’s CAN system is the ability to use the CAT joystick without adding additional controls.

“As an operator, I was impressed that Topcon could make use of this new joystick design. This way all the auto buttons and grade adjusters are part of the joystick, allowing me to keep my hands on the controls at all times,” Mr Byl said.

Automatic side shift is a new feature that Mr Byl explains makes road work significantly more efficient and accurate. “When boxing out curb, the system now has a feature that enables you to automatically side shift the position so that you follow the line of the curb exactly,” he said.

“Previously we would sometimes have problems when the team came to lay the curb and the line not being correct, which was usually an operator error somewhere along the way. This removes the risk of human error and makes it a lot more precise and faster to grade,” he added.

Other benefits of the new system include a faster, modern Topcon GX-55 control box that also features three integrated LED light bars for a quick visual reference to grade. “Our other system was five years old so as with any computer, the newer one is much faster,” he said. “I love the light bars as well, I’d got used to them on the 2D system and it’s great to have them back on this new version just to keep an eye on how I’m tracking to grade.”  

Single versus Dual Antennas

Topcon’s mmGPS solution has the option of using either a single or dual GNSS antenna setup. Kenfrost’s original system had a single antenna, but on the new one the company opted for twin GPS and is realising increased performance as a result.

“The single antenna system we had previously was extremely accurate, but I think the dual antenna setup has the edge especially if you’re working in tight spaces,” Mr Byl said.

“I love the fact that keeps up with you just as well in reverse as it does when you’re going forward”.

Although I don’t grade in reverse, with the single antenna you’d have to drive forward for a few metres before it would lock onto your position, whereas the dual system always knows exactly where you are, no matter how small an area you’re in or how often you switch direction,” he added.

Another advantage Mr Byl highlighted with the twin antenna setup is the ability to pitch the blade forward and still maintain good accuracy from the GPS. “With the single antenna, it needs to remain perpendicular to the blade to maintain accuracy, so you need to keep working at the same pitch,” he said. “But with the twin setup, I can adjust the pitch a bit to give me a sharper point on the cutting edge for work on hard surfaces, whilst still maintaining fine precision accuracy.”

High calibre install and support

Mr Byl highlighted the excellent service and support the company receives from Topcon’s Australian Distributor, Position Partners. “I was very impressed with the gentleman who installed this latest system. I worked with him whilst installing it, and I was very happy with the attention to detail that he had and to the overall presentation of the installation, particularly the wiring harnesses which can sometimes be challenging to get to looking neat and tidy.”

Kenfrost also utilises Position Partners’ Tokara Link remote support and diagnostics technology – a system that was developed specifically to meet the needs of the Australian construction market and provide industry-leading support capabilities.

“Just last week I ran into a problem whereby the control box froze on me,” Mr Byl said. “The support team in Brisbane was able to logon immediately to run some diagnostics and update the system to the latest software. Within the hour I was back up and running, so it saved a huge amount of time and I’ve had no problems since.

“It’s great to have the support of a professional team behind the technology that can assist us when need be,” he added.

Safety, Reliability & Flexibility! Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

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CLIENT: POSITION PARTNERS, NEXUS DELIVERY (Ferrovial Agroman – Acciona)

THE CHALLENGE

The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing is the largest Australian Government funding commitment to a single road project in Queensland’s history ($1.6 billion – 43km).  One of the main engineering features of the project is “the viaduct”, an 800m long bridge that will negotiate the steep terrain of the range. The Senceive system was used to monitor the Brisbane-Toowoomba Railway and its surroundings during early earthwork, piling and blasting activity. This involved the rapid relocation of the monitoring system in different areas of the valley as works progressed.

OUR SOLUTION

The initial monitoring area was located directly under the bridge path. 42 wireless tilt nodes were positioned on the sleepers of the two train lines, measuring CANT and TWIST (3m and 9m) at a 30 min rate. 21 tilt nodes monitored the embankment, the retaining wall and multiple boulders on the side of the valley in order to identify any suspicious movement towards the tracks.  After several months, the first phase of work was finished and the system had to be moved several hundred meters South to monitor a blasting cut. 58 nodes were relocated and reconfigured in only a few hours to monitor a larger portion of tracks with different specifications (5m spacing and a swap of fixings).

THE OUTCOME

In addition to providing highly reliable readings (Resolution of 0.001° and repeatability of ±0.003°) which helped keep the public and site workers safe, Senceive was able to provide the TSRC project with a bespoke quickly and easily adaptable system. This was thanks to innovations including:

• Solar powered Gateway

• 3G Gateway connected to International mobile network

• 12 -15 years battery life • Interchangeable bracketry

• Remotely upgradeable firmware The easy to install FlatMesh system saved on cost/time and eliminated the need for maintenance.

New Z+F scanner unveiled at Locate17!

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Z+F’s 5016 model is a smaller, faster and lighter 3D laser scanner than its predecessors, with the same reliability and accuracy the company’s instruments are renowned for.  

With an extended 360-metre range and 360 x 320 degree field of view, the new 5016 enables precision scanning of larger areas, whilst reducing the number of scan positions required to a minimum.

In-field registration

Capturing more than one million points per second, the 5016 offers the same high quality scans and the unique in-field registration capability first introduced with the 5010X model. This ‘Blue Workflow’ involves an optimised surveying and data processing solution that enables users to register, check, edit and evaluate point cloud data in the field, whilst scanning. With automatic registration, this workflow ensures better data and target quality, more comprehensive data sets and more efficient use of field and office time.

Position Partners’ newly appointed Product Manager – Scanning Systems, Paul Malatzky, commented on the new model’s performance. “Z+F enjoys a great reputation for high quality 3D laser scanners for good reason, and the new 5016 model won’t disappoint. It’s small form factor and user-friendly workflow make it enjoyable to use, whilst also delivering tangible benefits in terms of time saving and data set clarity.”

All the bells and whistles

“As you would expect from an industry-leading instrument, it also comes with all the bells and whistles such as built-in GNSS, IMU and HDR camera so that it can handle a wide range of tasks and applications,” he added. “Handy features such as integrated LED spots and rapid picture capturing also save time in the field by eliminating the need for external light sources and reducing a full panoramic image set capture to three and a half minutes – an industry best.”

In what we believe to be an industry first, Position Partners and Z+F are partnering to offer free user training at Z+F’s headquarters in Germany with the purchase of every 5016 and 5010X model purchased. Training includes flights, accommodation and comprehensive product training for one person, at no extra cost.

Topcon announces integrated mass data processing software

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 Manet collage

Topcon Positioning Group announces its MAGNET® system of software solutions has expanded to offer a package designed to consolidate and facilitate the working environment for point cloud data processing and visualisation — MAGNET Collage.

The system offers an “all-in-one” solution for professionals using laser scanners, mobile mapping devices, modern paving scanners, and traditional surveying instruments.

“With MAGNET Collage, mass data users with multiple sensors, such as mobile and static instruments, can stay in one software environment to process point cloud data and imagery,” said Jason Hallett, vice president of Topcon global product management. “Traditionally, each mass data sensor would require standalone software. Now with Collage, processing can be completed more quickly by combining all the raw scanning data into one holistic 3D environment.”  

The system uses advanced matching and ground control functionality for quicker results. “Collage lets users rely on automatic cloud matching with ground control, instead of going through the process of manually matching multiple clouds,” said Hallett.

Collage is designed to offer up to eight times faster processing of scan data than previously available solutions.

For more information, visit topconpositioning.com or contact us on 1300 867 266   

Position Partners welcomes Paul Malatzky as Product Manager Scanning Systems

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Mr Malatzky brings many years of experience with mass data capture technology to the role, with responsibility for 3D laser scanning and mobile mapping solutions across the business.

Position Partners announces the appointment of Paul Malatzky as Product Manager Scanning Systems. Mr Malatzky will have responsibility for 3D laser scanning and mobile mapping technology throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

Paul MalatzkyA certified engineering surveyor (ESP-AP) with more than 20 years of experience, Mr Malatzky has worked as a cadastral, mining, engineering and offshore surveyor in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

“We are delighted to welcome Paul to the Position Partners team,” said Cameron Waters, Geospatial Business Area Manager. “His wealth of expertise and understanding of data delivery as a surveyor will be a fantastic asset to the company and our customers.”

Mr Malatzky first became interested in mass data capture technology when introduced to multibeam sonar scanning on offshore projects. Since then he has worked extensively with mobile mapping and 3D laser scanning technology, most recently as Scanning Manager for Land Surveys.

“As an early pioneer for the distribution of mass data capture technology in Australia, including mobile mapping systems and survey drones, I am excited to join the Position Partners team in what is an exciting time for the survey and geospatial industries,” Mr Malatzky said.

“Surveyors have never had such choice when it comes to the technology they can use for any given application, with the clarity, accuracy and speed of data capture evolving at a rapid pace,” he added. “I look forward to strengthening Position Partners’ role in offering industry-leading solutions backed by unparalleled support for our customers.” 

Taking off in Tassie

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Ben Ritchie is a surveyor with a difference: having taken a 10-year hiatus from working with the land to work in the sky as a commercial pilot, he recently returned to the surveying industry with a view to combining his skills and leading the way for Veris’ aerial mapping services.   

Veris, known until November last year as OTOC, was formed from eight businesses joined by a vision to create a world-class planning, design, surveying and spatial solutions business that could service clients across Australia.

Lester Franks is a 35-strong team based in Devonport, Tasmania, that specialises in delivering clients comprehensive surveying services that incorporate the latest technology.

“3D laser scanners, sonar and more recently drones, complement traditional survey methods and give us the ability to map a complete environment by air, water and land,” Mr Ritchie said.

Survey drones up efficiency

Far from replacing traditional survey technology, Mr Ritchie argues these tools simply open the door to more projects and enable surveyors to achieve more with their time.

“Survey drones and scanning systems make field crews more efficient and they allow us to survey areas that are too inaccessible, dangerous or large to survey on foot,” he said.

The coverage drones are getting in the media, across all industries, also helps the cause. “We often get customers requesting a drone survey, and even if that might not be the best solution for their particular project, it still brings more work our way and through discussion with the client we can give them the right service for their needs,” he said.

Recently, the team in Tasmania undertook type training on the MAVinci Sirius Pro fixed wing and Falcon 8 multi-rotor Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Veris-owned Whelans has been working with a similar solution in Western Australia with great success, so Lester Franks was eager to do the same.

“Our colleagues at Whelans use their MAVinci Sirius Pro almost daily as they work on large, open sites throughout WA,” he said. “In Tassie, the landscape is different and often a multi-rotor system such as the Falcon 8 is ideal for tighter spaces, so we decided to get trained up in both systems so we have the flexibility to fly either to suit the job at hand.”

Two experts from Australian distributor Position Partners completed the training with Lester Franks. “I have to say the team at Position Partners has been fantastic – very knowledgeable, passionate and helpful,” Mr Ritchie said.

Fixed wing or multi-rotor?

The fixed wing and multi-rotor drones are excellent in different ways, Mr Ritchie explained. “The AscTec has more versatility to fly in small spaces and to complete video monitoring projects, whereas the Sirius is ideal for broadacre and mining applications.”

“I’ve been very impressed with both aircraft,” he continued. “The Falcon 8 is an extremely stable platform and the triple redundancy it has on-board is very reassuring. We recently completed a video monitoring project on the underside of a bridge that was over water, so in situations like that it’s great to use a drone that you can rely as crash landing wasn’t an option!”

The stability of the MAVinci Sirius Pro also impressed Mr Ritchie. “Although I haven’t had an opportunity to use it on a project yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it coped with very poor weather conditions during our training,” he said. “It was a testament to the confidence Position Partners has in the system that they even let the training go ahead, I had assumed we wouldn’t have been able to fly in gusty wind conditions but we did and the system performed very well.”

The Sirius Pro features RTK ground control via a GNSS base station and on-board GNSS antenna, enabling high precision mapping without the need to set out ground control points.

Lester Franks uses Pix4D and Agisoft software to process and analyse the data sets from RPAS flights. “The point cloud is the most valuable part of the process and its here that the benefits of adding surveying skills to advanced technology such as drones really come into play,” Mr Ritchie said.

The importance of surveyors

Rather than replace the need for surveyors, Mr Ritchie argues that a surveyor’s expertise has never been more important when it comes to drone surveys. “The aircraft is really just a vehicle to lift a camera into the air and take a series of photographs,” he said. “Anyone can learn to fly a drone, but it is only when you mix the photos with the professional skills of a licensed surveyor who knows how to verify accuracy and implement ground control properly that it becomes a viable surveying tool.”

Mr Ritchie is excited about the rapid advancement of technology in this space and what the next few years will bring. “Everyone is in a constant state of catch up at the moment as every six to 12 months the technology shifts up another few gears, but I think the availability of on-board LIDAR will be a real game-changer as we won’t need to post process photos and it will just be a case of downloading a completed point cloud straight off the plane at the end of the flight,” he said.