Connected Construction

Fugro Aperio says it is improving the quality of road and airport runway repair techniques using its sophisticated ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology. The firm is now able to offer a combination of real time kinematic (RTK) GPS with multi channel radar systems due to partnerships with Yotta in the UK, and Pavement Management Services in Australia and the Middle East. This sophisticated package enables pre-planning of surveys, quicker execution and better positioning for more precise mapping of defect

Topcon has produced a new imaging station which, it claims, will dramatically increase productivity when used in two-man auto-tracking or single operator robotic modes. Using prism auto-tracking scanning interface technology the IS-3, when used with Topcon’s RC-4 remote control system, will track prisms up to 1,000m away.

Sokkia has combined its SRX robotic total station with a gyroscope which, the company says, makes it even better for tunnelling, pipeline work, mining and shipbuilding. The Gyro X Gyro Station now has auto-pointing capabilities and a newly equipped image sensor. It finds true north and determines the azimuth with 15" precision regardless of work site environment.

Dutch surveying company Geomaat says it is taking millimetre accurate measurements in record time to aid a range of highway design, construction and maintenance projects. Using the mobile laser mapping system StreetMapper, and specially developed point cloud software, Geomaat says it can calculate highly accurate cutting, milling and asphalt figures, create as built models and undertake change detection.

New developments in the software sector will improve construction efficiency. Standards organisation BSI is working with government, industry bodies, and private construction practices to create best practice standards for implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM). In 2011 the UK Government announced that all suppliers that wish to bid for public sector construction contracts must use BIM tools and techniques from 2016, making its implementation commercially critical for companies that wish to apply

Sokkia has launched its new FX reflectorless total station – said to come with the construction industry’s most complete package of innovative technologies. The FX includes on-board Magnet Field application software, the TSshield telematics-based communications module, and a long-range wireless communications system using Bluetooth Class 1 technology.

Topcon Europe Positioning has launched a new total station range to its mid-range engineering grade portfolio. Available in three different angular accuracy models (2.54cms, 7.62cms and 12.7cms), and running the latest version of Windows CE 6.0, the OS Series is said by Topcon to redefine this class of optical measuring device.

Topcon has produced a new imaging station which, it claims, will dramatically increase productivity when used in two-man auto-tracking or single operator robotic modes. Using prism auto-tracking scanning interface technology the IS-3, when used with Topcon’s RC-4 remote control system, will track prisms up to 1,000m away.