Robert Bent and Greg Barkla

Position Partners is proud to support Robert Bent and Greg Barkla on their Black Dog Ride to the Top End 2018.

Robert and Greg will depart from Castlemaine on 10 August and expect to arrive in Darwin on 18 August. During this eight day motorbike ride, they are aiming to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention and $10,000 for the Black Dog Institute.

The Black Dog Ride began in 2009 as a ride to raise awareness of depression. The Black Dog Ride’s mission as a health promotion charity is to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention.

“Depression and suicide is sadly far too common in Australia’s construction industry, with recent studies showing workers in this sector are more than twice as likely to commit suicide as other people in the country,*” Bob Bent said.

“We are passionate about raising awareness of this issue and helping to address the stigma around mental health, particularly in the face of the tough-guy tradie stereotype. Thanks to Position Partners for sponsoring us and supporting such an important cause for our customers and partners in the industry,” he added.

If you’d like to donate to this worthy cause or track Robert and Greg’s progress, please visit: Black Dog Ride to the Top End 2018

*Source: Inside Construction

LandTeam, a multi-disciplinary, survey, civil engineering, town planning, project management and water servicing coordination company, was established from the merger of three companies and Greg Goodman, Managing Director of LandTeam found that the merger of three different companies meant there were three different lots of technology.

Specifically, there was a range of five different survey software solutions, including MAGNET Office, being used across the company. Goodman and his team decided to streamline these five survey software solutions into one and MAGNET Office was the one that stood out.

Why did LandTeam choose MAGNET Office?

When Goodman decided to unify the software system, he chose MAGNET Office for a variety of reasons.

“It’s widely used, it’s always progressing, it’s user-friendly and a lot of the young blokes coming out of TAFE get involved with MAGNET Office so they’ve got an instant base to start calculations on rather than learning some other software package,” said Goodman.

“One of the other big moves to Position Partners, and thus MAGNET, was the serviceability. We like the back-up, we like the way we can phone up Position Partners and get answers, we like the way that if we’ve got to get our equipment serviced then there will be a back-up made available to us and we like the fact that on most of the engineering jobs and construction jobs across NSW it’s Position Partners’ GNSS on the machines. It’s the coverage.”

“Plus, it’s value for money. The licensing and maintenance charges make it very functional from a price point of view as well.”

LandTeam team using MAGNET Office

Benefits of implementing the MAGNET Office

What most impressed Goodman about MAGNET Office was its seamless introduction into the business and its connectivity to the businesses GNSS. Implementing MAGNET Office across the company has allowed for inter-office transfer of survey information and decreased double handling saving time and money.

“We can send an Illawarra or Southern Tablelands survey crew to our Highlands office to assist with local survey work and this interaction now happens seamlessly – we all talk the same Magnet language” said Goodman

“We’ve certainly increased our effectiveness and efficiency in relation to our survey work.”

Currently, LandTeam has Topcon GNSS and MAGNET Office meaning both the equipment and the software are integrated. Goodman’s next step is to upgrade the total stations to Topcon so LandTeam will have a fully integrated solution: GNSS, total stations and office software.

‘It’s handy to have your instrument provider also providing your software. They’re always talking to each other. It becomes a seamless process,” said Goodman.

Implementing MAGNET Office and technology has meant that LandTeam has remained on the cutting edge of technology. This has resulted in LandTeam winning a range of awards including the Sir Thomas Mitchell award at the Excellence in Surveying in New South Wales Excellence in Surveying Function in 2009 for its work for Veolia on the Woodlawn Bioreactor Waste Management Project. 

The importance of service and support during purchasing and implementation

One of the big factors in Goodman’s move to Position Partners, and thus MAGNET Office, was the serviceability.

“We like the back-up service and the ability to phone and get answers, we like the fact that if need our equipment serviced there will be a back-up machine made available to us and that on most of the engineering jobs and construction jobs across NSW it’s Position Partners GNSS on the machines,” said Goodman.

“It’s the coverage.”

About LandTeam

LandTeam is a multi-disciplinary, survey, civil engineering, town planning, project management and water servicing coordination company. LandTeam was formed in November 2008 and was a merger of three companies: Goodman’s, Campbell and Anderson and Kells.

Greg Goodman is the Managing Director of LandTeam and is responsible for the overall management of the organisation, the branches and the integrated management system.

Position Partners, Australia’s largest retailer of positioning and geospatial solutions for surveying, mining and civil construction, have partnered with Klau Geomatics to bring the Klau PPK High Precision Drone module to the Australian market.

Position Partners provides the industry’s leading support for geospatial professionals with dedicated support centres across the country. Klau Geomatics is an innovative Australian technology company that produces one of the most accurate, compact and sophisticated aerial geo-positioning solutions for high precision mapping and inspection.

The uptake of drone technology in construction, mining and inspection has put photogrammetry front and centre as the required skillset for the industry. There is a large gap here in knowledge and experience, that Position Partners has filled by establishing themselves as the industry’s leading support source for geospatial professionals.

“We’ve been working with the Klau Geomatics team for a couple of years now and have seen this product develop to the sophisticated solution we see today,” says Martin Nix, CEO of Position Partners. “We have solid product adoption with many of our enterprise customers across the mining and construction sectors.”

“Position Partners are the right choice to take our product to market, with skilled surveyors as their sales and support staff.” says Rob Klau, Director of Klau Geomatics.  “Support is critical to our customers. The Klau PPK system is more than just a drone payload, it’s survey equipment. When we get into handling custom coordinate systems, site localisation and details of photogrammetry, the level of support many customers need starts to grow. With Position Partners’ reach on sales and support we can focus on what we do best, continuing to develop an industry leading product.”

Customers are routinely achieving absolute positioning results at the 3cm level XYZ on the ground using the Klau-calibrated camera supplied with the Klau PPK kits for DJI drones. The time saving both in the field (no need to place GCPs) and in the office (reduced photogrammetry processing time), with the streamlined workflow for data processing and management, makes this a very valuable product for survey professionals. 

With the seamless integration of the Klau PPK unit onto almost any drone, including the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, Matrice 200 and M600, no professional operator should be without this high precision option for their drone.

“Position Partners are very proud to be the exclusive distributor of this revolutionary airborne survey product and are looking forward to improving productivity for our existing and new customers” says Gavin Docherty RPAS product Manager at Position Partners. “The high quality of the L1/L2 GNSS receiver (BeiDdou enabled), coupled with tight integration to Position Partner’s AllDayRTK CORS network, means the end user has all the tools necessary to carry out reliable Aerial surveys efficiently and without the need for ground control across the coverage area.”

Multiple survey reports showing absolute accuracy achievable (sub-5cm)	3D model of a precise RPAS case study in NSW

Customer Testimonials

Luke Burton
Principal Surveyor
BHP Billiton Mining, AU

27 June 2018 

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to participate, my experience has been great.

What results have you gotten from our product, in regards to accuracy?

After conducting numerous missions of trial areas, as well as comparisons to physical GPS/laser scanning surveys I have observed the following accuracies:

• Camera accuracy MAX 30mm (as reported in agisoft);
• PPK accuracy AVG 12mm (compared to RTK points);
• GCP accuracy AVG 4cm (compared to RTK points, flown at GSD 3.2, 120m AGL);
• DEM accuracy AVG 1cm (compared to how we normally survey surfaces via driving or walking with RTK GPS);
• Standard deviation of all output point clouds to ‘site proven’ data is 30mm.

What made you believe that Klau Geomatics was the best choice for achieving your desired results?

We compared multiple products and ended up down the path of PPK, this left 2 products on the market.  We already had one of the other products, so was in our best interest to trial the KLAU system.  Ultimately the results were favourable for KLAU, hence our subsequent orders.  The difference came down to:

• Ease of use: only requiring 2 SD Cards to process the data. i.e no flight controller data required;
• Portability: the external batteries are favourable when surveying all day;
• Software: easy to follow, localized site datums;
• Hardware: physical modification of the camera to get the exact timing;
• Support: excellent telephone and email support. Screen sharing, general optimization tips and overnight software updates definitely tipped the scales towards KLAU.

What exactly do you like most about our product?

As above, however excellent support, accurate.  Physical modification and calibration of the camera to get the exact timing.

If a potential client was on the fence about whether to purchase from Klau Geomatics, what would you say to them?

We have found the accuracy to be excellent, based on our flight settings and subsequent processing in Agisoft.  The support received from KLAU team has proven superb and helped with implementation of the product.  Physically tapping the shutter on the camera removes a large source of error that other products only compensate for.

Michael Cutfield
Survey Manger
The Fletcher Construction Company Ltd, NZ

26 June 2018

What results have you gotten from our product, in regards to accuracy? 

The accuracy of the Klau PPK Module exceeds expectations every time.  I have performed some checks using a surveyor’s Total Station against the results from the Klau PPK Module, and if the flight is done at low altitude and with a large overlap, the accuracy on any point is as good as single measurement performed by RTK GNSS measurements (usually better than 20mm).

What made you believe that Klau Geomatics was the best choice for achieving your desired results?

After an experience with a competing system, I needed to be sure that Klau Geomatics was going to deliver the system that was offered.  After speaking with Rob Klau many times, I could tell that he and his company were very capable of delivering, as well as being always available to provide support and answer any questions.

What exactly do you like most about our product?

I love the fact that it just works… every time.  Oh, and not spending hours/days placing ground control points too, of course.

If a potential client was on the fence about whether to purchase from Klau Geomatics, what would you say to them?

The support is second to none.  And the cost benefit of not placing GCPs will pay for itself very quickly.  Not to mention the added safety and freedom of not needing to walk the subject site.  It’s a no brainier.

Will Heesterman
Surveyor
The Surveying Company HB Ltd, NZ

26 April 2018

Basically this PPK unit is awesome.

What results have you gotten from our product, in regards to accuracy?

Most errors come in at around 20mm horizontally and 30mm vertically. The worst result I have achieved is 49mm vertically on a check point, and 33mm horizontally. This is well within spec for the work we do with the UAV.

What made you believe that Klau Geomatics was the best choice for achieving your desired results?

I read numerous articles on PPK vs RTK, and PPK appeared to be the better option for many reasons. I started researching PPK units for UAV’s, and found the Klau unit. I then spoke to Rob a few times about how it all worked etc and he was extremely helpful. Being able to speak directly to the company and ask questions was a big plus. And that support has been ongoing, even after purchasing the unit.

What exactly do you like most about our product?

The best thing about this unit is that it allows you to survey areas that are inaccessible without having to lay ground control. The time saved by not having to drive all over the survey area putting out ground control is huge. The unit is also very small and doesn’t seem to have an effect on flight times, and the post flight reduction software is pretty straight forward to use.

If a potential client was on the fence about whether to purchase from Klau Geomatics, what would you say to them?

Give Rob a call and have a chat. Then just buy one!   

Brendan Walsh, Ground Technique 

Brendan Walsh and his team at Ground Technique have been working on a 20-lot Tran Civil development in Diamond Creek, Victoria. This project is on a large sloping block that is very undulating and requires a substantial amount of cut and fill. To complete this project, Walsh installed the Topcon 3D GPS+ machine control from Position Partners on his Hitachi Zaxis 13-ton excavator.

“The Topcon 3D GPS+ system has meant that we have no people on the ground for starters and I think we’ve saved ourselves up to maybe four blokes on the ground. It means we can use smaller excavators if required because we’re so much more efficient with what we do,” said Brendan Walsh, Director, Ground Technique.

“It also means there’s no human error. The only human error will come down to the surveyors and designers and you’re always going to have surveyors and designers involved. There’s a lot less material come out because you’re pulling out only the exact amount.” 

Walsh also pointed out that using the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system increased safety on site because there were no workers around the machine.

“I believe it’s the way of the future and people who aren’t using it, I think, are really living in the past now,” said Walsh.

Why did Ground Techniques choose the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system?

For the Diamond Creek Project, the other option Walsh had considered was a rover on the ground but he was concerned about the downtime. 

“Often blokes forget to charge batteries and what not on those things so there’s a lot of downtime,” said Walsh.

“Number two someone has to read the screen and interpret it and in the meantime the operator is sitting there waiting on that bloke on the ground.”

The Topcon 3D GPS+ machine control system from Position Partners was appealing to Walsh because it reduces downtime and increases site safety and efficiency.

Walsh was also interested in a 3D system over a 2D system because the Topcon 3D GPS+ machine control system meant that Walsh and his team didn’t need to re-bench the equipment each time they moved the machine.

“The screen on the new system in particular is very big and easy to see and because it is 3D it’s plug-and-play essentially once the machines loaded,” said Walsh.

“There’s no recalibrating once the machines moves, with a convention 2D system every single time you move the machine you have to re-bench the machine.”

Benefits of implementing the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system

Prior to implementing the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system from Position Partners, Ground Technique would have used the string line, lots of spray paint, lots of pegs, a surveyor on the ground, more people and a lot of interpreting plans. Walsh has found that implementing the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system has increased efficiency and site safety.

“Obviously, efficiency being the main one, minimising the people on the ground so it keeps things safe as well. Safety is a big one on these job sites and the lack of human error,” said Walsh.

Another benefit that Walsh has seen since implementing the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system is access to Tokara Link.

The benefits of using Tokara Link

Tokara Link is an Australian-designed telematics solution created specifically to improve efficiency and productivity for earthworks and civil construction projects. Using a modem installed in the machine, Tokara Link connects your machines to the office, provides access to Position Partners’ technical support and links you to any GPS network required for the job.

Walsh said Tokara Link was one of the reasons he went with the Topcon 3D GPS+ 3D machine control system from Position Partners – the ability to continue keep working on the site while working on issues and problems was a strong selling point for him. He found using Tokara Link made training very fast.

“When I have the Tokara Link fired up on the GPS, I also have Bluetooth on my phone so when I’m talking to the support network down in Dandenong there, I can literally keep moving my digger and excavating while I talk to them over the phone, while I watch them play around on the screen that I’m looking at, all at the same time,” said Walsh.

“I can watch them, what they’re doing and they can talk me through what they’re doing so it makes training really efficient.”

The importance of service and support during purchasing and implementation

Having access to a local Position Partners team member was important to Walsh during his decision-making process.

“Position Partners has a very good reputation for support. That was a very big one for me. Even on this job in particular, I had started the job, Position Partners came out and made sure the machine was calibrated, eastings and northings were set up properly and the buckets were calibrated and what not and they spoke to the surveyor just to make sure the files were readable in the machine,” said Walsh.

“Any questions from there on they’re on the blower from first thing in the morning to late afternoon. The ongoing support as well is awesome.”

About Ground Techniques

Ground Technique is an excavation company that specialises in detailed excavation: 3D GPS on the machine. Ground Technique operates around Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Ground Technique has been in operation for approximately three years and is always growing.

Brendan Walsh is the Director of Ground Technique and focuses the majority of his time on Business Development, chasing new clients and getting the word out there. Walsh’s team is responsible for being up to date with the latest excavation techniques and OHS systems. They’re expected to know the basics of the construction industry.

“Having construction knowledge is a big part of what we do and they’ve got to make sure the job runs as safely and efficiently as possible,” Walsh said.