Maptek has released a new dual-window scanner that, it says, halves data capture time as part of its latest mid-year mine management updates.

The Maptek XR3-D mkII laser scanner with dual-window arrangement is a step up from conventional terrestrial laser scanning technology, the company said.

Conventional terrestrial laser scanners capture data from one window, spinning to achieve a 360° field of view; the XR3-D captures data from both sides simultaneously, with the scanner head only needing to spin 180°.

Jason Richards, Global Product Strategy Manager for Maptek, said: “Survey crews can incidentally scan surrounding terrain in both directions while they’re on their way to capture highwall and stockpile data. There’s no need to return to the pit later, as the haul roads, gradients and infrastructure have already been acquired seamlessly.”

The July 2021 hardware release from Maptek is the confluence of research into cutting-edge sensing technologies and customer feedback, enhancing user experience through improved range, speed, image clarity and quality, the company said.

Hardware models in the new R3 mkII series include the extra long-range XR3 (standard and cold climate configurations), the SR3 for short-range underground applications and the new XR3-D.

In another move to streamline survey practice, Maptek has released its in-field scanner controller, the FieldHHC, as a product in its own right.

Richards explained: “From day one, Maptek has built standard survey workflows into our laser scanners to deliver the most productive in-field survey experience. FieldHHC improves on this, with an intuitive GUI and impressive new features ensuring that data is turned into knowledge in the fastest way.”

Dynamic 3D views of scans in progress optimise time spent on data capture in active mining environments and minimise the need to wait for in-office processing, according to the company.

The on-tablet in-field assistant provides thumbnail views and detailed information on every scan, alongside instant 3D visualisation, colouring and measurement tools. Full geolocation support with bluetooth connection to GPS devices for RTK corrections makes for efficient field time, while smart lighting settings for indoor, outdoor and underground conditions improve the value-in-use, Maptek says.

“A new design conformance tool on the controller helps surveyors instantly recognise whether pit walls are conforming to design,” the company said. “Issues can be resolved while in the field, and dynamic reporting and cross-section output means everyone stays up to date.”

Maptek says its sensing systems are renowned for safety and ease of use for daily survey, with software tools providing integrated decision support.

Software updates that improve and support the automation of survey tasks round out the mid-year mine measurement release. Maptek PointStudio includes enhancements to inter-ramp conformance reporting, a new Rock Quality Designation feature, additional Python integration and further display options.

Maptek Sentry, now on the Maptek Workbench with a ribbon menu, is said to deliver enhanced interoperability for monitoring, analysing and reporting on surface movements.

Richards said the new scanner release targets an important goal of “reducing the time between collecting data and deriving value from it. Solutions need to embrace automation to avoid “drowning in data”, he added.

“This is key to ensuring accurate spatial data drives resource, recovery and conformance modelling and the results quickly flow through to guide planning and production teams. In-built, customisable workflows ensure users can interact dynamically with the field-captured data without becoming overwhelmed with volume and detail.”

He concluded: “We remain committed to the terrestrial laser scanning approach because our customers tell us how important it is and how much they need it in their technology mix.”