360 Surveys NI Ltd.

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Out on a wind farm today… couldn’t help but take these scenic pictures!

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When you’re surveying in Tipperary and getting some help from man’s best friend! 🐶

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Prior to the advent of tilt compensation for surveying and construction GNSS rovers, there were incremental approaches to tilt, with limited success. However, five years ago, “no-calibration tilt compensation” was first incorporated as a standard option for rovers. Some users remain skeptical or exercise the same caution as they did when such innovations as EDMs were first introduced. Nevertheless, the adoption of tilt compensation — for appropriate tasks — has spread rapidly. How did we get to this point?

For centuries, plumb bobs and bubbles were the only viable options to level an instrument or pole about a point. Early references to spirit levels appeared in the 15th century; however, siphon style water levels may have been in use in ancient Greece, China, and elsewhere for much longer. In more recent centuries, various types of level vials became a standard feature for surveying transits, theodolites and levels. Vials with a slight upward curve position a bubble between defined center marks when level.

Circular, convex glass bubbles appeared for industrial applications in the 19th century and were soon incorporated into surveying instruments and survey poles. In recent decades, electronic bubbles, or “e-bubbles” emerged, using microelectromechanical (MEMS) tilt sensors along with various methods to apply an orientation to compute the position of the pole tip relative to the phase center of the GNSS antenna. This is in contrast to relying on a bubble alone to orient the phase center directly above the pole tip.

There are both pitfalls and potential productivity losses if the pole has to be leveled solely with a bubble for each measurement; we’ll examine these later. If freed from the bubble — as electronic bubbles, tilt sensors, and various methods for orientation enable — how much productivity gain can be realised? For which tasks do the users find tilt compensation most useful? For which do they not?

Read more - https://www.gpsworld.com/tilt-without-guilt-no-calibration-tilt-compensation-is-now-standard/

Renewable energy is an essential element of the clean energy transition – both onshore and offshore. Hydrography information is crucial to understanding the development of offshore forms of renewables, such as offshore wind, tidal power and, in due course, offshore waves. Key opportunities are related to the more effective mapping of the seafloor, for example to identify where the tidal stream energy might be concentrated. The power generated by offshore tidal turbines can be very sensitive to the location, and moving the turbines just a few hundred metres can lead to considerable differences in energy output, due to the way in which tidal streams can be focused, particularly by bathymetric conditions. Understanding this is crucial for siting turbines.

Also, as we build very large wind farm arrays, issues such as scouring and evolution of the seafloor and coastal morphology will need to be monitored. There is clearly a role for hydrography in both the siting and monitoring of these arrays and, eventually, the decommissioning of offshore infrastructures. This also applies to the cabled power infrastructure from offshore installations, whether tidal wave or wind, to shore-side locations.

To date, hydrographic surveying has been very dependent on offshore survey vessels and, as we know, shipping is a particularly hard sector to decarbonize. The carbon footprints of survey vessels can be significant, both individually and collectively, and are one of the major drivers of cost in offshore surveys. Consequently, opportunities exist in exploring suitable alternatives to the use of survey vessels. Some of these options may reduce the carbon footprint while also having cost benefits. These options include satellite measurements of seafloor bathymetry and the use of Lidar techniques in shallow waters, uncrewed surface vehicles with swath bathymetry suites installed and underwater autonomous vehicles.

See more - https://www.hydro-international.com/content/article/from-seafloor-mapping-to-clean-energy-hydrography-s-key-role-in-a-sustainable-world

In the early days of surveying, surveyors were pioneers in charting the unknown. Today, with the Earth having been completely mapped to some degree, surveying has become a much more specialized field with different types of surveyors and sophisticated equipment. Let’s look back on how the surveying profession has changed over the past two decades.

The demand for cost-effective services is increasing -

The global digital twin market is projected to grow exponentially during the next years as industries accelerate their digital transformation. Geospatial data is fundamental to unlocking efficiency gains in many industries. Surveyors are best positioned to support this exponential demand for geospatial data. However, surveyors need to find innovative ways to ensure their clients understand the value of their services. Surveyors who can provide services that add value for their clients will stand out from the crowd.

Pair new technology with user-friendly workflow services -

When it comes to technology, surveyors are increasingly using newer technologies to improve their productivity and accuracy and to expand their service offerings. According to research by Hexagon’s Geosystems division, 95% of surveyors agreed that new technologies have made them more efficient at work, while 40% responded that they are already working with uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. More surveyors will likely adopt UAV systems in the coming years, which will spawn new use cases for aerial reality capture. Solutions like autonomous laser scanning modules for robots are also enabling scanning with minimal human intervention. As an increasing number of surveyors appreciate the accuracy and ease of data collection that laser scanners offer, their use will continue to rise.

Surveyors must also pair this technology with the adoption of user-friendly workflow services that enable faster data transfer between the field and the office.

German campaign aims to get youngsters excited about mapping and surveying

The German Association for Geodesy (DVW) has launched a campaign to build young people’s awareness of the exciting career opportunities in the geospatial industry. The world of geoinformation is diverse, dynamic, challenging and – most importantly – indispensable in our rapidly changing world. While surveyors and other geospatial professionals are obviously aware of this fact, the realm of mapping and surveying remains abstract and unfamiliar to the average person. The German campaign is aimed at addressing this to bring about a radical transformation and attract much-needed young talent.

The initiative, undertaken by InteressenGemeinschaft Geodäsie (IGG) – the geospatial interest group formed by DVW together with German Association of Publicly Appointed Surveyors (BDVI) and the Association of German Surveyors (Deutscher Vermessungsingenieure/VDV) – takes the shape of a social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram, titled ‘Weltvermesserer’. Translated literally as ‘world surveyor’, the name is a play on the German word for idealist: ‘Weltverbesserer’ (literally, ‘world improver’). The primary objective of this admirable campaign – which will hopefully serve as an example for other countries to follow – is to ignite young people’s interest in the field of geodesy.

Through this endeavour, the German association hopes to introduce young people to the profession and inspire them to pursue careers in geodesy. Like many countries, Germany is currently struggling with a severe shortage of technical personnel, with the number of vacant positions significantly surpassing the number of applicants.

The IGG campaign’s creators, who deserve strong praise, emphasize that there are numerous pathways to becoming a geospatial professional. The message to young people is clear: this field offers excellent prospects for an exciting, diverse and fulfilling career. The shift from traditional surveying to emerging disciplines unveils a wide array of new employment opportunities.

https://www.gim-international.com/content/news/german-campaign-aims-to-get-youngsters-excited-about-mapping-and-surveying

Port of London Launches Fully-electric Survey Vessel 🚢

In a first for UK ports, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and University College of London (UCL) have launched a fully electric, remotely operated survey vessel.

It will support a MSc Hydrographic Surveying course they have run in partnership since 1999.

The state-of-the-art platform, manufactured by Maritime Robotics, was acquired by the partners, following a successful bid and award of an £263,000 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The vessel features the most advanced sonar and scanning system from technology manufacturer NORBIT, called a WINGHEAD. This facilitates unparalleled collection of data to create detailed maps of the riverbed, and structures, such as bridges, jetties and shipwrecks that need to be surveyed and inspected to ensure accurate information for safety of navigation or maintenance.

The platform will facilitate PLA and UCL research in coastal morphology, carbon reduction, habitat mapping and other areas of education and development in the sphere of maritime safety, autonomy, and robotics.

Due to its small size and maneuverability, the remote platform can be deployed in situations where traditional survey vessels would be impractical or unsafe, such as shallow waters, or close inshore or around and under marine structures. Its battery- powered electric thrusters provide a much more environmentally-friendly solution than traditional marine diesel or petrol engines.

The tidal Thames is home to the UK’s port and busiest inland waterway; accurate and regularly updated riverbed data is essential to safe navigation. The PLA’s port hydrographer, John Dillon-Leetch, said, “We’re delighted to lead the way in launching this remote surveying vessel with UCL.

“Not only does it feature the latest in innovation, thanks to NORBIT’s multibeam technology, but it also enables our hydrographers to survey in previously inaccessible areas, safely and sustainably. This aligns with two of our goals in our Thames Vision 2050 strategy, launched last year.”

https://www.marinetechnologynews.com/news/london-launches-fully-electric-628371

Radiation Surveying: Elios 3 Indoor Inspection Drone Gets New Payload

Indoor drone company Flyability, in partnership with radiation detection leader Mirion Technologies, has announced the launch of a radiation surveying payload for the Elios 3 indoor inspection drone.
By integrating the Mirion RDS-32™ radiation survey meter onto Flyability’s Elios 3, this new solution lets users map the environment while gathering radiological data to be localized in a high-resolution 3D model of their asset.

With this integration, the Elios 3 is the first commercially available drone capable of remotely operated indoor radiation surveying and localization. It provides nuclear personnel with a safe method of collecting data without entering irradiated areas.

“This partnership between two market leaders is an important step towards the specialization of Elios 3 to provide full solutions in our main markets,” said Flyability CEO Patrick Thévoz. “The months of field testing in nuclear facilities has proved that this product will strongly contribute to our mission of increasing safety through robotics.”

This integration includes a new widget for Elios 3’s piloting app, Cockpit, providing the pilot with a live reading of the sensor featuring current dose rate to characterize radiation sources, cumulated dose to allow for radiation planning, and measurement history to visualize measurement trend and search for higher radiation sources. In addition, the live map has been upgraded to colorize the drone trajectory based on the recorded level of radiation.

Each flight can be reviewed to create reports using Flyability’s data processing software, Inspector. The radiation data is shown on a 3D map of the asset indicating the drone’s trajectory, radiation levels along the flight path, cumulated dose over a selected portion of the flight, and specific dose rate measured at points of interest.

Full article- https://dronelife.com/2023/05/17/radiation-surveying-elios-3-indoor-inspection-drone-partners-with-mirion-technologies-on-new-payload/

Mud is quintessential to the outdoors, and the outdoors mean fresh air and exercise, two of the best things for people. Research has shown that coming into contact with a certain amount of bacteria is good for us, as it helps build up immunity, as opposed to living in a virtually sterile environment, which makes our bodies very vulnerable. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get dirty!

International Mud Day began in 2009 at a World Forum event, when Gillian McAuliffe from Australia and Bishnu Bhatta from Nepal got together to talk about ways to encourage feelings of community and appreciation for the world around us. The collaboration that followed has inspired educators, children,and families across the globe, to celebrate International Mud Day together each year on June 29.

At 360 we always encounter plenty of mud, maybe you will today too!

How about a little game of spot the surveyor?!!

https://www.360surveysni.com/

International Women in Engineering Day is an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women engineers throughout the world.

Although even today, some may see engineering as being a male-dominated sector, International Women in Engineering Day reminds us that actually, it’s far from it. In fact, this is a sector in which women are making some huge waves. So today is all about the ladies taking part in some incredible achievements against all odds, and showing just what they can do.
History of International Women in Engineering Day
International Women in Engineering Day was launched for the first time in the UK on 23 June 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary. Since that launch in 2014, the day has grown enormously over the subsequent years to the point where it received UNESCO patronage in 2016. In 2017, International Women in Engineering Day became international for the first time due to the interest and enthusiasm developed by the international audience and participants in the previous years.
As an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women engineers throughout the world. The whole point of International Women in Engineering Day is to encourage the growth of women within the engineering sector.

All governmental, educational, institutional and corporate engineering organizations are encouraged to organize events to support the day. Encouraging great opportunities for women in engineering is an important part of this observance, especially since there has been a shortage of access to those with engineering skills in recent years.

It’s hard to beat the open air!

https://www.360surveysni.com/

Smaller, Safer, and Easy To Use: EasyOne Drone LiDAR.
Company that Launched The World’s First Quadcopter Drone Announces The New Standard For Drone LiDAR

From the floor of Xponential, drone surveying pioneer Microdrones announced an entirely new drone platform built around the demands of geospatial professionals. Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, CEO of Microdrones explains “We’re excited to announce this new drone platform that prioritizes three key areas: transportability, a simple control interface and ease of use.”

Xponential participants crowded the Microdrones booth for a closer look. “This is EasyOne,” said Frank Darmayan, company CTO, as he pointed to the display. “It fits in a case that’s about two and a half feet long and a foot and a half wide and deep. The mdCockpit mission planning screen is fully integrated into the RC. All sensitive onboard electronics are designed, manufactured and assembled in Germany. It’s just as powerful and capable as our legacy systems but it’s even easier to use.”

EasyOne is an optimized and fully integrated drone system that will provide the lifting power to carry Microdrones LiDAR and photogrammetry surveying equipment. It improves upon the company’s legacy drones in three key areas:

❗️EasyOne is Easier to Transport.

EasyOne features a significantly smaller operational form factor with the same payload capacity of the md4-1000 platform. In addition to a smaller operational form factor, the EasyOne packs down even smaller, fitting the drone, remote, charger, two batteries and the payload into a protective storage case that’s small and light enough to bring anywhere.

❗️EasyOne has an Improved RC Controller and mdCockpit Interface.

EasyOne will feature an entirely new controller design that provides an enhanced user interface and safety features.

Combined device and integrated remote control- the RC and tablet are one integrated control unit.
FPV available directly on the remote.

Read more - https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/05/09/2664352/0/en/Smaller-Safer-and-Easy-To-Use-EasyOne-Drone-LiDAR.html

We just thought these views were too good not to share!

How Drones Have Changed the Face of Land Surveying.

Great advances in processing software and miniaturization of cameras and sensors in general happened simultaneously with the emergence of uncrewed technology as a viable alternative to expensive crewed aircraft and cumbersome analog stereo plotters.

But one thing is reading and writing about it—and another is to live through the process. We found a land surveyor in Uruguay who saw his profession turned upside down when he used his first mapping drone and the possibilities of launching a photogrammetry company suddenly became a reality.

Adrian Bellomo (Instagram ) is a Montevideo-based, licensed land surveyor who, in 2019, used his first DJI multi-copter to make a map from the air and never looked back.

“It was a very rudimentary Mavic 2 Zoom with a 12MP camera and without RTK and the results were not very precise, but it was fast, and it opened our eyes to the possibilities,” Bellomo reflected. “For years, we’ve been conducting volumetric calculations using conventional surveying instruments and techniques, and this fast, aerial way of calculating periodical ore extraction numbers gave us the possibility of staying away from the busy pit, where conditions tend to be extremely dangerous.”

The original photogrammetry software that was used to calculate flight lines was not designed for the steep sides of a quarry, so Bellomo and his team had to add extra lateral lines to make sure the calculations were correct.
“It was during this manual exercise to alter the lines recommended by the software that we discovered the new possibilities of doing the job from the air, as opposed to be physically present at the pit.” said Bellomo. “Then came an improved fixed-wing aircraft with RTK and the game changed dramatically, again! We were using ground control points to strengthen the geometry of the model and our volumetric numbers were more precise with every flight.”

Full article - https://www.commercialuavnews.com/surveying/how-drones-have-changed-the-face-of-land-surveying

Professional Drone Mapping Software: How to Determine What's Best for Your Project.

Drones are versatile, efficient tools that provide a unique perspective on our world. Equipped with mapping software, they are a go-to tool for professionals in a wide range of industries, including Agriculture, Construction, Mining, and Surveying. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which drone mapping software is best for your specific project. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing professional drone mapping software.

Accuracy and Precision
One of the most important considerations when selecting drone mapping software is accuracy and precision. In many industries, such as construction or surveying, even minor errors can significantly impact the outcome. Look for software with high accuracy and precision ratings, ideally with less than one-inch error margins. Additionally, ensure the software is compatible with GPS or other location-based technologies to provide precise measurements.

Ease of Use
While accuracy is essential, so is the ease of use. No matter how accurate a software package may be, if it's too complex or difficult to use, it's likely to cause more headaches than benefits. When evaluating drone mapping software, look for packages with intuitive user interfaces and easy-to-understand workflows. Consider the level of training required for your team to operate the software effectively.

Compatibility and Integration
In addition to accuracy and ease of use, it's important to consider compatibility and integration with other software tools you may be using. For example, you may already have a preferred GIS (Geographic Information System) or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software package that you need to integrate with your drone mapping software. Make sure the software you choose can work seamlessly with your existing tools.

It is also important to take the drone you're using into consideration.

Full article - https://www.commercialuavnews.com/surveying/professional-drone-mapping-software-how-to-determine-what-s-best-for-your-project

Sisk has started trials of a robot site printer than can draw out floor plans in a fraction of the time it takes surveyors.
Developed by Hewlett Packard in Barcelona, the mobile robot is claimed to increase accuracy and get layout jobs on concrete decks done 10 times more quickly.

Sisk has begun trialling the HP SitePrint robot on two major high-rise residential blocks it is building for developer Quintain at Wembley Park in north London.

The robot operates from information relayed from a central “brain” station set up in each room and needs just one operator.

The two buildings, at plots NE02 and NE03, covering 9,593 sq m in total, will deliver 769 homes, with nearly three-quarters of the homes to be build to rent alongside over 100 affordable homes of mixed tenure.

Shervin Deh Bozorgi, Head of Digital Project Delivery, said: “This exciting technology allows us to automate the printing process of layouts, gridlines or any other internal setting outs using a Robot connected to a Total Station.

“Initial results have been impressive.”

Article - https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/04/19/sisk-trials-robot-printer-to-set-site-floor-plans/

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Uncovering the competitive advantages of aerial surveying.

How airborne geospatial data has become a powerful tool for understanding the world.

What are the primary technical differences between crewed and uncrewed aerial vehicles and satellites when it comes to capturing images of Earth? Where do they overlap, and where do they diverge? By comparing and contrasting the various aerial surveying platforms, this article helps readers to gain a better understanding of the distinctive advantages and limitations of each tool, and how they can be utilized in various situations.

Geospatial technology has transformed our understanding of the world over the last few decades. Aerial surveying, which has been in existence for a century, has progressed in tandem with aviation to become a crucial tool for capturing high-quality data. In addition to the conventional methods of aerial surveying, such as photography, Lidar, thermal, hyperspectral and radar, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs or ‘drones’) and satellites have become ubiquitous tools for capturing images of the Earth’s surface.

In the 1920s, Heinrich Wild invented the first photogrammetric aerial camera, the C2. Over the next 80 years, the industry progressed from analogical to digital cameras, giving photogrammetrists the ability to create detailed maps faster than ever before. With the objective to streamline the process and handle a larger amount of data, allowing users to receive more detailed and accurate datasets faster, the aerial surveying industry was an early adopter of digitalization. As a consequence, the first digital cameras and Lidar sensors appeared around the year 2000.

Subsequently, advances in cloud computing have meant that more accurate data than ever can be obtained quickly. The digitalization of processing, in combination with an increase in demand by the digitalizing of societies, has accelerated adoption of the aerial survey as a business model in the private sector.

See more - https://www.gim-international.com/content/article/uncovering-the-competitive-advantages-of-aerial-surveying

The Role of Drones in Site Surveying and Mapping for Civil Engineering Project.

Technology has played a pivotal role in many industries for several decades now. As technology improves and evolves, so does the way it can impact that particular industry, opening new doors of possibilities, streamlining processes and allowing businesses to run smoother. One industry that has greatly benefitted from technology is civil engineering. The role that drones are now able to play in site surveying and mapping is quite impressive.

Here's a breakdown of some of the ways drones have transformed the way civil engineers go about their job.

Speed Up and Streamline the Process -
The most obvious way that drones are changing the landscape where surveying and mapping are considered is that they can streamline and speed up the process. Think about how long it takes to send a team on foot to survey and map that same area. If you're dealing with a large project and a lot of land, this can take quite a while and require not just one but a team of people. That same information can be gathered by drone without the need for a team, and yet it still collects all the same data and more.

Drones provide an overhead view so you can use it for environmental data and topography information which is then used for site maps. While surveyors provide essential information, there's also the fact that drones can provide more. Things such as 3D laser scanning and aerial drone surveys take a much deeper look at the land.

Some Land Isn't Easy to Survey by Foot -
Although surveyors typically go by foot to create the maps, some land isn't exactly easy to traverse. It can be tough to navigate areas that aren't reachable by foot, and pockets may be left unexplored. A drone is a logical solution, as navigation isn't an issue. They can display 360-degree view panoramas that engineers can access in real time. A team of people cannot compete with technology.

Read more - https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/273728413/the-role-of-drones-in-site-surveying-and-mapping-for-civil-engineering-projects

How can integrated workflows give surveyors, construction workers, architects and miners a leg up?

As competition in the land surveying, construction, architecture, and mining industries grows, companies must find ways to differentiate themselves to survive and thrive. The challenges that companies face in these industries include spending too much time in the field, increased costs, accuracy issues, the ability to share results, while needing to factor in support, time to market, adding value, and customer satisfaction.

To overcome these challenges, companies can utilize appropriate technologies such as the 3Dsurvey software. 3Dsurvey offers state-of-the-art features in a tightly integrated all-in-one solution to provide benefits to the most challenging areas.

Photogrammetry has become a proven concept in the fields of land surveying, construction, architecture and mining. 3Dsurvey allows users to turn any consumer drone photos, any camera photos or even photos from mobile phone cameras, into valuable outputs. The software can be used for photogrammetry and provides outputs that include orthophotos, digital elevation models, point clouds, volume calculations, contour lines and more.

3Dsurvey has several unique and integrated features that can offer industries a competitive advantage. Because the software is carefully designed and includes state-of-the art features, 3Dsurvey can provide a tightly integrated all-in-one solution with the best possible workflow designed for professionals on the field. With their responsive professional support, 3Dsurvey is an ideal tool for achieving success in these industries.

X-ray-
Measuring building corners using traditional approaches is a time-consuming and tedious process, and extracting building corners from point clouds proved tedious as well. Because of this, we designed our X-ray algorithm.

Read more - https://www.geoweeknews.com/sponsored/how-can-integrated-workflows-give-surveyors-construction-workers-architects-and-miners-get-a-leg-up-on-the-competition