Tag Archives: Jason Richards

Maptek cuts data capture time with new dual-window laser scanner

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.”

Maptek brings fragmentation analysis option to PointStudio 2020

A powerful fragmentation analysis tool is a highlight of Maptek’s new PointStudio 2020 geospatial modelling and reporting software.

Better understanding of fragmentation can account for downstream cost efficiencies, with implications for many aspects of an operation, according to Group Product Manager Mine Measurement, Jason Richards.

“Sub-optimal fragmentation is immediately associated with inefficient excavation and haulage,” Richards said. “Undue damage to crusher parts is another impact. Excessive energy usage, crusher downtime due to wear and tear outside of planned maintenance and delivering out-of-specification product are directly linked to operational performance.”

PointStudio Fragmentation Analysis, released to customers this week, allows key performance indicators to be achieved consistently, Maptek says.

Individual rocks can be modelled from scanning of muck piles and draw points to provide accurate fragmentation S-curves from blasting or caving operations.

The new tool allows blast engineers and surveyors to quickly assess the condition of blasted rock, ideally before the material heads to the crushing process, while oversize rocks can be isolated for more effective haulage and processing, the company says.

“A simple scan-analyse-report workflow provides a table where rocks outside of spec can be identified and dealt with before the material gets anywhere near the plant,” Richards said. “A unique feature allows editing rocks or fines in the 3D view and characterising any that are not correctly defined.”

Visual and tabular reporting is immediately understandable so rock can be fed with optimal dimensions for crushing, according to the company.

Fragmentation analysis on 3D data is considerably more powerful and intuitive than methods that rely on analysing imagery. For operations with Maptek BlastLogic, the digital output can be used to compare actual with predictive fragmentation for continuous improvement of drill and blast processes.

While Fragmentation Analysis is a paid add-on in PointStudio 2020, many other new and enhanced features will be delivered to existing customers for free in the update, Maptek says.

One of the new options allows field surveyors using R3 laser scanners to complete scan registration immediately after scanning has finished.

“We’ve made it possible for fully registered scans to be imported from the scanner controller tablet into PointStudio,” Richards said. “Subsequent scans can then be registered with a single click as they are acquired.”

Surveyors can immediately start interrogation, analysis and modelling in PointStudio. An additional benefit derives from field access to aligned scans, allowing timely checks for survey coverage before moving to the next position.

Mine operations commit significant effort to the capture and measurement of as-built data for working faces and stockpiles, Maptek says.

“They can’t afford to let data inaccuracy and inefficient processing prevent them from getting full value from their survey data,” Richards added. “Bad data can lead to poor productivity and risks bad decisions based on incomplete information.”