Topcon is committed to exceeding customer expectations by delivering high quality, reliable optical instruments

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new production facility for Topcon and Sokkia in Japan

Topcon’s optical instruments are designed to be used in harsh environments, such as at construction sites, and offer a high level of quality and reliability. Topcon aims to always improve upon the quality of its instruments by focussing on improving its processes in design, development, manufacturing, sales and service.  Topcon’s mission is to provide a high level of quality and commitment to their customers by fulfilling the specifications to meet the customers needs at all times.

This focus on quality ensures that Topcon only supplies products of the highest reliability.

To support the continual improvement of its world-class quality instruments Topcon Corporation opened a new highly advanced technology factory in 2017 on the grounds of Topcon Yamagata, as a manufacturing base for its surveying instruments.

Gavin Schrock, PLS, land surveyor, technology writer, and xyHt editor, visited the new production facility on the grounds of Topcon Yamagata for Topcon and Sokkia optical surveying instruments and found that the facility boasted high-tech manufacturing and finely honed production processes.

“This is the newest of the surveying instrument factories I have visited in recent years and I expected the latest in tools and equipment,” said Gavin Schrock Gavin Schrock, PLS, land surveyor, technology writer, and xyHt editor in his article on xyHt.

“But in terms of high-tech manufacturing and finely-honed production processes what I saw inside during the tour was nothing short of astounding.”

To find out more, read the article on xyHt: https://www.xyht.com/surveying/a-fine-line/ 

Click here to view the Topcon’s Quality Assurance Activities: https://www.topcon.co.jp/en/about/quality/ 

 

 

How are you managing field survey data integrity?

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Cameron Waters,  Geospatial Business Manager, Position Partners

How are you managing field survey data integrity?

  • Do you have a range of field hardware brands?
  • Do you use multiple field data collection methods including levelling, static GNSS, traversing (to name a few)?
  • Do you want to improve your field to office workflow?
  • Do you want to combine field jobs into a single adjustable data set simply and quickly?
    Let me make this simple…

Do you want to improve your data workflow efficiencies from the field to the office in a simple to use but powerful package that can consume multiple data types for adjustment all while delivering complete data integrity?
In a recent article (Unlock your survey software’s potential), I discussed the inclusion of MAGNET TOOLS in all the new MAGNET software packages. It’s this unsung hero that will change the way you look at data management from the field.

At its core, MAGNET TOOLS provides customisable processing and adjustment options for data collected using optical total station systems and GNSS hardware.

GET THE DATA
Getting the data from the field to the office is optimised with the MAGNET workflow and the included cloud enterprise module but the power of TOOLS is the huge import library spanning multiple brands and data types, including 15 different raw total station types and 12 different raw GNSS observation types. And if you can’t find it? Customise it with the custom format options!

Automated data clash detection
Any data source that isn’t in the defined grid system or has duplicate data will be automatically identified on import, saving you time and immediately improving your data integrity.

SEE IT, SORT IT. SORTED
Powerful visualisation tools allow for map and tabular views to easily verify data and make QA decisions. Access to web services, like Bing, provides a simple background to get some local situational awareness from the office. Filters allow easy switch between your data types to prepare the data for processing and adjustment.

PROCESS WITH CONFIDENCE
GNSS processing has never been easier with years of input since the world first release of the integrated GNSS system, the Hiper-Lite. The various optical adjustments and lease squares calculations provide dimensional control quality to support the hard work in the field.

A flexible software solution for daily data processing, customized reporting, and collaborative visualisation.

EXPORT, REPORT, REPEAT
Almost any export type and format is possible with the massive library of options. Direct connections to MAGNET Office products and Civil 3D can be achieved with a single click.

Reporting on any closure, control, observation, adjustment and a list of other parameters are easily created with the completely customisable reports.

The data management role of the surveyor in the company or on the project is the guardian of the data integrity and accuracy. MAGNET TOOLS can do for your data, what the Hiper-Lite did for surveying! Get started today with the MAGNET workplace.
 

Topcon announces new field computer accessories for performance in all weather conditions

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FC-5000

Topcon Positioning Group announces new accessories for the FC-5000 field computer — a landscape-style keyboard along with a stylus. The accessories are designed to improve performance in the field in harsh weather conditions.

“The new keyboard quickly and easily attaches to the FC-5000 with a clip and ram mount ball. It features a positive response, raised key, and a full QWERTY keyboard design,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global surveying products. “It offers an excellent alternative if touchscreen operation is inhibited by poor weather environments, or when operators need to enter detailed alphanumeric descriptions as well as navigate through MAGNET® Field menus without using the touch screen.” 

Additionally, the electrically grounded stylus is designed to only look for positive responses, improving the performance of the touch screen in snowy, rainy, wet or cold conditions.

“The new stylus with the electrical grounding improves reaction time on the display in cold or wet weather environments,” said Kerwin.

The accessories can be used together or separately as a complement to the field computer.

For more information, contact your nearest branch or call 1300 867 266 today.

 

Position Partners has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Quantum Systems to sell the Trinity RPAS system into Australia

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Exclusive distribution agreement with Quantum systems

Position Partners has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Quantum Systems to sell the Trinity F9 RPAS system (pictured below) into Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. Position Partners were one of the first companies to bring RPAS to Australia specifically for the purposes of aerial surveying. Position Partners have supplied fixed wing and multi-rotor systems to our customers over the last 8 years but both have limitations in terms of range and convenient use. The Quantum Systems VTOL/Fixed wing hybrid systems provides the solution for both of these issues.

The company “Quantum-Systems”, was founded in January 2015 and specializes in the development and production of automatic transition aircrafts for civilian use. Their aerial mapping solutions combine reach and efficiency with the ability to vertically take off and land (VTOL) without additional equipment.

By means of the founding team’s diversity, Quantum-Systems manages to combine extensive experience and expertise from all relevant areas of unmanned aerial systems. In 2008 Quantum systems started to conduct research in the field of automatic flight systems and already in 2012 successfully completed the first autonomous transition. Being managed by its owner, Quantum Systems remains independent in its decision making resulting in an ability to maintain currency in this fast-moving field.

The Trinity F9, released at Intergeo 2018, is a new breed of RPAS with the advantage of a vertical takeoff and landing but with all the coverage capabilities of the best of the fixed wing class.  With its modular “click together” design, on board PPK and a multitude of payload options this is the only RPAS you will ever need for your aerial surveying requirements.

Figure 1 – Trinity’s modular design and customizable payloads for full flexibility of aerial surveying operation

“We are super excited to bring this revolutionary new product to the Australian market and hope that it ticks all of the boxes for our customers” says Gavin Docherty RPAS product manager.

For information please call 1300 867 266.

 

 

Unlock your survey software’s potential

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Cameron Waters,  Geospatial Business Manager, Position Partners
MAGNET SOFTWARE

To truly unlock your software and the earning potential of your surveying company, there is five key criteria to consider when you partner with a software company before you even get to the nuts and bolts.  Digital surveying requires integrated solutions.  Surveying data processes are changing and the isolated data of old, needs to evolve into the collaborative multi-disciplinary models of today. The MAGNET workplace is the home of collaboration and has transformed the workflow and value of surveying software.

MAGNET is now providing simpler, comprehensive, high value products to meet the multi discipline survey workflows of today. Are you getting the best from your software provider? To find out, consider the following five key criteria:

1.    Integrity

The popular adjustment package MAGNET Tools with GNSS post processing is now included as standard for all levelling, optical and GNSS processing, including, adjustment and reporting for almost all brands of equipment.

 2.    Collaboration

Internet-enabled geographical project and data management with MAGNET Enterprise is now standard for all licences. MAGNET Enterprise will dramatically improve your productivity and collaboration with direct connections to Autodesk and Bentley management ecosystems.

3.    Portability

Fixed is good for RTK, NOT for software licences!  We all remember the trusty sentinel parallel port dongle, then there was the USB and computer locks, but none truly offered value in licence portability between users. MAGNET now has an internet-enabled check-in and check-out licence systems that gives instant access to software licences for any user, anywhere!

4.    Flexibility

I’ve spoken about purchasing software once before (Stop buying and start subscribing your survey software!) but ultimately MAGNET is offering you the freedom to choose what’s best for your company. Free up your capital and subscribe or go perpetual.

5.    Efficiency

Maintenance belongs back in the 80’s with the parallel port lock! The new SERVICE plans unlock software updates, local support and access to e-learning. Well trained people with access to the latest workflows and support teams will improve your profitability and enhance your client’s deliverables to lock in that next project.

So, before you make your next software purchase make sure you discuss the five key value criteria: Integrity, Collaboration, Portability, Flexibility and Efficiency.

Get started today with the MAGNET workplace.

Position Partners releases Drought and Hardship Relief Program for farmers using AllDayRTK service

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Position Partners has created a Drought and Hardship Relief Program to assist customers using the company’s AllDayRTK Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network service who are experiencing financial hardship. The program is available when drought is declared by the relevant government authority, as well as for extreme events like recovery from fire or floods.

Position Partners recognises the hardship faced by Australia’s farming community due to the current drought affecting large areas of the country. To give some practical support, customers using the company’s national RTK network service AllDayRTK can draw on a new Drought and Hardship Relief Program. The program aims to provide financial assistance to cover periods of hardship caused by drought, fire, flood or other extreme events, by extending subscriptions free of charge to existing customers.  

AllDayRTK is a CORS network service that combines Government-operated and privately owned GNSS reference station infrastructure to provide RTK precision, reliable positioning services for a wide range of applications across the agriculture, construction, mining and geospatial sectors.

“AllDayRTK is used by farmers and others working in the agricultural industry to provide high accuracy GNSS positioning services for precision farming applications,” said James Millner, GNSS Infrastructure Manager for Position Partners. “Our Drought and Hardship Relief Program offers a way to support our farmers that are doing it tough in the current drought, giving them continued access to the technology they need without adding further financial strain.”

Farmers in a drought declared area, or who are subject to a state of emergency for flood or fire, and who are suffering financial hardship as a result can apply for relief by emailing the AllDayRTK team at alldayrtk@positionpartners.com.au and briefly outlining their situation.

For more information about AllDayRTK, contact Position Partners on 1300 867 266 or visit https://www.positionpartners.com.au/news/position-partners/position-partners-investing-in-best-of-breed-infrastructure-for-the-future-with-alldayrtk/

How is your data working? A technology health check for your mine

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“The goal is to turn data into information, and information into insight.”
Carly Fiorina, Former CEO of HP

FMS mining software

There is a misconception about data that the more you have, the more productive your mine operations will be. More information theoretically leads to more informed decisions, however if there is such an abundance of information that you don’t know how to pick out the meaningful parts, it can lead to frustration and inefficiency as you try to wade through data that is invisibly piling up around you.

A report is only useful if it contains information that is wanted, delivered in a timely manner to the individuals and teams that can make informed decisions after reading it. So many software programs and Fleet Management Systems (FMS) promise all manner of reports, but how many do your mine site supervisors, mine surveyors, mine operations managers and operations team actually need, let alone read?

Essential to a meaningful report, of course, is also a factually accurate one. How do you know that the data your mining software is churning out faster than you can file it away is giving you correct information?

Position Partners has recently introduced a Technology Health Check service for mine sites. “We’ve seen an increase in the demand for our health checks to assist mines with change management and customising technology to suit customer needs,” explained Andrew Granger, Business Development Manager for Mining.

“The service includes an in-depth look into the current systems used by different stakeholders in the mine site, what’s working for them, what’s causing frustration or lacking in the technology, where there are gaps in the workflow and so on,” he added.

Position Partners technicians can validate data to ensure that the reports being generated are accurate, as well as consolidate the number of reports into something more meaningful.

“Thousands of reports are useless if none of them are getting read,” Andrew adds. “We worked with a mine site recently where different supervisors were reading different reports, so we consolidated them into a single, central report with a traffic-light colour code that gave them an immediate visual representation of where they needed to focus attention.

“It’s a simple way of making a cumbersome and difficult to understand report something that all mine supervisors could easily read, and more importantly act on,” he said.

In another example, a customer had already invested in an FMS solution, however the machine guidance technology was proving ineffective and difficult for operators to use. “Operator confidence in the system was extremely important, so we initially set up one dozer and one excavator with a new machine guidance option,” Andrew said. “Within a month, the customer had ordered another seven machine guidance systems because the operators were really embracing the technology. It solved that particular pain point for the mine without them having to reinvest in an entirely new FMS.”

Mr Granger explains that change management is key when onboarding any new technology, or even to make use of technology that has been on site for some time but that isn’t quite working to your site’s needs.

“Every site operates in a slightly different way, requiring different information delivered at certain points in the team’s workflow,” he says, adding “our Technology Health Checks are a way for mine site supervisors and operations managers to step back and ask for everything that would add true value to their day-to-day tasks.

“Ultimately, data is supposed to make your life easier, not harder, so it’s important to get it working just the way it needs to, so that it enables productivity not hinders it,” he said.

To book a Technology Health Check for your mine, speak to your local Position Partners mining technology expert today by calling 1300 867 266.

Increase the efficiency, productivity and safety of your landfill site using machine guidance

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Using a machine guidance system, such as Position Partners’ Carlson LandfillGrade, can help landfill site operators increase the efficiency, productivity and safety of their landfill site.

“The Carlson LandfillGrade machine guidance system helps our customers improve the efficiency and safety of their landfill sites through the maximisation of vertical space, leachate management, avoidance zones for gas wells and hazardous material placement and access to better, more accurate data,” said Andrew Granger, Product Manager: Mining and Landfill Systems at Position Partners.

Maximise vertical space

This solution from Position Partners assists landfill site operators to maximise the void space of their landfill site through optimised compaction and increased density.

Brad Wood, Operations Manager and Oscar Gallagher, Operations Coordinator at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre (SWMC) have been using the Carlson LandfillGrade for nearly five years and two years respectively. Both have found that using the system to maximise landfill void space has prolonged the longevity and increased the efficiency of the SWMC.

“We’ve seen the benefits of using the Carlson System since we implemented it several years ago,” said Brad Wood, Operations Manager at Summerhill Waste Management Centre (SWMC).

Oscar Gallagher, Operations Coordinator at SWMC also notes that “The Team has managed to maximise the existing landfill space through the use of the Carlson System.  The real time information, given to Machine Operators onsite, and efficiency and utilisation tools available to the Management Team allow all parties to make better informed decisions onsite and in the office,” said Gallagher.

Such efficiencies are highlighted by Wood as “optimising compaction with fewer passes, which can also help landfill site operators to reduce fuel consumption and machine wear,” said Wood.

“Using Carlson has definitely saved us in operating costs, the in-cab system means we’re not guessing when we’re at optimum compaction; the in-cab system tells us, in real-time,” said Wood.

“So, we’re not continuing to pass over an area after full compaction has been reached and we’re not wasting time, machine wear and fuel.”

Improve safety

The Carlson LandfillGrade system from Position Partners increases safety on site through improved operator situation awareness and Fixed Hazard Collision Warning technology.

Improved operator situation awareness is achieved through the constant and accurate display of the machines position relative to fixed infrastructure or hazards and the Fixed Hazard Collision Warning technology provides audible and visual alarms when the machine gets too close to predefined hazards such as buildings.

“Safety is something that every site operator is interested in and you want to make your site as safe as possible,” said Wood.

“Fixed hazards, such as liner systems and gas extraction infrastructure, can be uploaded into lift plans to show our plant operators where the machine is working in relation to such hazards. If machinery comes to close, to fixed hazards, the in cabin system alerts the Operator and allows them to react accordingly,” said Gallagher.

The Carlson LandfillGrade from Position Partners also aids leachate management through accurate and easy slope designs to control water run-off and minimise leachate for disposal or treatment, enables the set-up of avoidance zones for gas wells and hazardous material placement and eliminates the need for staff to gain access to machines to upload and download data with wireless data exchange.

Get the data you need

With the Carlson LandfillGrade from Position Partners, landfill site operators get access to the Carlson Command control, monitoring and data management system. This system transmits data between the machines and the office.

“The data we can get from Carlson has proven to be really important for both me and my team,” said Wood.

“For the guys out in the field, they can see on the in-cab screens in real-time when they’ve reached grade and can then progress to the next section of garbage; this improves our compaction rate and it saves so much time by reducing the number of passes we need to do.”

“And from the office I can monitor what’s going on in the field, I can monitor site progress and make sure the machines are on grade and the cut fills are on track.”

Your ticket to Munich is on us: Join Position Partners at BAUMA 2019!

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Have you been thinking about adding 3D machine control to your equipment? Now is the time!  Be one of the first 20 customers to purchase any two Topcon 3D machine control kits with Position Partners and you’ll win:

  • A seven-day BAUMA 2019 show pass;
  • 1 x return economy airfare from Australia to Munich – Germany;
  • Transfers to/from airport in Germany;
  • Seven nights’ accommodation at the Novotel Munich City; and,
  • Access to exclusive Topcon and Position Partners events throughout the week.

The BAUMA 2019 trade show features everything related to construction, building-material and mining machines as well as construction vehicles and equipment.

“BAUMA, which is only held once every 3 years, is the biggest of the three major international construction shows, with over 580,000 attendees attending from over 200 countries,” said Joel Seddon, Construction Business Manager – Civil Strategic Business, Position Partners.

“It is where all the machine manufacturers and technology manufacturers showcase their latest and greatest, with contractors of all sizes in attendance. In 2018, technology in the industry is moving as fast as ever, you don’t want to miss out.”

Andrew Field from Yass Earth Movers joined the Position Partners team in 2017 to attend ConExpo in Las Vegas and said the biggest highlights of attending a large trade show like this were getting the opportunity to see machines that you don’t normally get to see, all the new technology and networking with other companies on neutral ground.

“The networking opportunities at BAUMA are unrivalled. Over half a million people in town to talk construction and construction only,” said Seddon.

At BAUMA you’ll be exposed to technology that you wouldn’t normally get the chance to see: “All the machine and smart technology manufacturers such as CAT, Komatsu, John Deere, Volvo, HITACHI, Topcon, Trimble and Leica, etc are all showcasing their latest technology, at many times on prototype machinery that is in the public eye for the first time,” said Seddon.

“Product experts are on hand to discuss the products with contractors the world over. At no event will you have this level of commitment from the manufacturers to “show and tell”.”

Seddon also explained that with technology moving as quick as it ever has in the construction industry, every advantage you can achieve against your competitors and the market is as important as ever and attending shows like BAUMA exposes your company to these advantages and puts you in the driver’s seat to bring them back to Australia and into your business.

“Product experts are on hand from all of the major manufacturers to answer all of your questions – the level of personnel you are exposed to is top of its class,” said Seddon.

“[After attending a large-scale trade show], I know what’s coming up now and I can program and budget for updating machines and systems, so I can stay in front of my competitors,” said Field.

“You can foresee where you need to be in a few years and start budgeting and forecasting and be ready to go when you need to be.”

When asked what attendees can expect to see from Topcon at BAUMA 2019, Seddon noted it was a little early to know exactly what Topcon would be showcasing, but he did share that they usually like to make a splash at BAUMA!

“We have heard that they have some announcements to make around their next generation excavator machine control systems and some exciting paving developments, as well as Sitelink 2, which is the next big step forward for site connectivity,” said Seddon.

For more information on how you can get your ticket to BAUMA 2019, visit https://www.positionpartners.com.au/bauma-2019.htm

Position Partners provides drone mapping technology that helps manage oil and gas facilities more efficiently

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The case study team comprising Position Partners, Intel and Aircsope on site with the Intel Falcon 8+

Airscope, a Perth-based inspections and asset visualisation company, was enlisted by Santos to provide large-scale virtual models of its facilities in the Cooper Basin, South Australia.

Airscope needed to source the best drone technology to complete this project and found that Position Partners’ Intel Falcon 8+ drone was the only drone up to the task.

“When looking for the best drone for modelling these challenging landscapes, we compared 37 different aircraft that all claimed to be up to the specifications we needed,” said Francois Alberts, Chief Controller, Airscope.

“When Intel’s distributor, Position Partners, showed us the Intel Falcon 8+ drone, we found it to be the only aircraft which met our expectations, for its reliability, stability and true 3D modelling capabilities.”

Airscope used Position Partners’ Intel Falcon 8+ drone to extend these benefits further by developing computer-generated 3D models of entire hydrocarbon processing facilities off the North West shelf of Australia and in the Cooper Basin, effectively bringing the field into the boardroom for more effective asset management.

Position Partners’ Intel Falcon 8+ is a multi-rotor-style drone that is able to capture hundreds of aerial images per flight. These images are then collated and stitched together to form a holistic 3D model through a process known as photogrammetry.

The accuracy of image captured by the Intel Falcon 8+ means that Airscope can incorporate laser scanning data into the photogrammetry making the model accurate enough for use in detailed engineering design of major infrastructure projects.

“Intel is committed to producing high quality, commercial-grade drones that will excel in challenging environments such as the Moomba Gas Plant,” said Anil Nanduri, vice president and general manager, Drone Group at Intel.

“Looking ahead, we will see a greater focus on automation of both the data capture and more importantly data analysis. This will unlock the ability for greater analyses and inference of large data sets that will be captured entirely by drones, allowing businesses to reduce operational expenses by assessing and predicting maintenance needs.”

For more information on the Intel Falcon 8+, visit Position Partners.