Tag Archives: laser scanning

RIEGL and DMT collaborate on tailored mining monitoring solutions

Mine surveying, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , ,

In a joint development between RIEGL and DMT, the RIEGL VZ-400i and VZ-2000i 3D terrestrial laser scanners are now being integrated into the DMT SAFEGUARD monitoring platform to, RIEGL says, offer innovative and tailored monitoring solutions for the mining and infrastructure industries.

The open architecture of the RIEGL VZ-400i and the RIEGL VZ-2000i 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanner allows customisation of the scanner for complex data acquisition and processing tasks by means of Python scripts and Python-based apps. RIEGL’s Online-Waveform-Processing technology ensures high quality data, while 24/7 fully remote operation is proven, it says. Laser scan data is processed by integrated apps in real time on the scanner, with final results visualised via a web viewer tool.

With DMT SAFEGUARD a precise integration of RIEGL’s VZ-i Series scanners into a web-based platform is available, according to RIEGL. The individual customisation options allow additional sensors to be integrated directly on site, or external data sources integrated as well. GIS functionalities allow the integration of maps in order to display the most important data, with real-time documentation options, document management, an automated real-time assistance system and sophisticated reporting completing the service.

The new system provides real-time, exhaustive geospatial information and all decision-relevant parameters such as deformation values are available on demand from anywhere on the globe, RIEGL concluded.

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

Mine surveying, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , ,

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.”

Hawk Measurement Systems releases OptioLaser L100 and L200 level transmitters

Bulk handling, Mine surveying, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

Hawk Measurement Systems has released new laser level transmitters that, the company says, are ideal for level, distance and position measurement of solid and liquid surfaces.

The OptioLaser L100 (pictured) and L200 Laser Level Transmitters use a laser that is uniquely different due to the very narrow beam that can measure long and short distances at virtually any angle, Hawk says. On top of this, the OptioLaser L100/L200 is made completely of stainless steel and is extremely rugged, built for the harshest of environments.

Leon Botha, OptioLaser Product Manager, explained that the accurate and durable design of the laser sensors was necessary due to the wide range of applications and industries Hawk caters to.

“The OptioLaser sensors can measure anything from a flat metal plate on the side of any overhead crane, to the top of material stored in a silo,” Botha said. “They are ideal for long- and short-range applications where the unit needs to see through a narrow opening or tube.”

Botha added: “These sensors are being used with great success in many areas such as blocked chute detection, material handling, positioning, plastic pellet silos, conveyor belt edge control, ore pass levels and bin levels, to name a few.”

The OptioLaser L100/L200 Laser Level Transmitters are fully programmable and include simple to use software, Hawk says. The lasers can be configured for either distance or level measurement and will be useful in applications such as mining.

RIEGL’s LiDAR scanning advances to be displayed at INTERGEO 2020

IoT, Mine surveying, Mining events, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , ,

RIEGL is using the upcoming INTERGEO 2020 DIGITAL event to showcase a line of new product innovations focused on the field of LiDAR surveying technology.

The company plans to present details of the RIEGL VUX-120 LiDAR sensor for UAV-based laser scanning (pictured). This sensor, which weighs only 2 kg and measures 225 x 120 x 125 mm, features up to 1.8 MHz PRR (Pulse Repetition Rate) and delivers up to 400 scan lines and effective 1.5 million measurements per second on the ground, according to the company.

With its special multi-target capability of up to 15 targets per pulse, the VUX-120 penetrates even dense vegetation, which results in a measurement performance of several million measurements per second. Interfaces for the integration of a high-quality IMU/GNSS system and several cameras are available, with the scanner presenting itself as “the ultimate solution for use on fixed-wing UAVs in corridor mapping”, RIEGL says.

The RIEGL VUX-120 uses an innovative scanning pattern for the optimal detection of even vertical targets, such as steep mountain slopes. In this so-called NFB (Nadir/Forward/Backward) scanning, the 100° wide field of view is scanned in alternating planes (strictly vertical down, +10° forward oblique, -10° backward oblique).

Additionally, the wide field of view enables users to fly parallel to the asset (ie side-looking scanning) as opposed to directly over the target, RIEGL says, significantly increasing safety in certain applications.

Also in the spotlight at RIEGL’s virtual exhibition booth at INTERGEO 2020 DIGITAL, from October 13-15, 2020, will be the miniVUX-3UAV, an extension of the already proven miniVUX series.

This compact and lightweight sensor now has a 300 kHz PRR measuring program in addition to the already existing 100 kHz and 200 kHz measuring programs. This allows up to 300,000 measurements/s at a field of view of 120° and, thus, a denser point cloud, which enables survey drones to reliably detect even the smallest objects. Like its sister models, miniVUX-1UAV and -2UAV, the miniVUX-3UAV can be combined with various IMU/GNSS systems and camera options to optimally match the requirements of the special application. It is also ready to be used with the proven RIEGL Integration Kit 600 – a hardware extension for easy integration with multi-rotor drones.

RIEGL will also be offering innovations in the field of airborne laser scanning.

The VPX-1 Helicopter Pod, a laser scanning system optimised for use on manned helicopters, is now available to offer the “ideal performance parameters for applications such as the precise surveying of power line routes or the mapping of urban areas”. The new optimised pod is equipped with a RIEGL VUX-240 laser scanner and up to three high-resolution digital cameras as well as an IMU/GNSS unit allows quick system installation and removal using standard hard points and typical camera mounts of helicopters. The effective PRR of 1.5 million measurements/s and the optimally adjusted alignment of the cameras (forward/nadir/backward) enables the provision of highly accurate measurement and image data.

With the new VQ-1560II-S, RIEGL presents another version of the successful dual channel waveform-processing airborne laser scanning systems for acquisition of extremely dense, highly accurate point clouds.

With increased laser power, operational altitudes of up to 1,600 m above ground level (AGL) at a pulse repetition rate of 4 MHz, or up to 4,000 m AGL at 540 kHz PRR, are possible, which results in a significant increase in efficiency when scanning large areas. By fine-tuning the PRR in 12 kHz steps, the acquisition parameters can be set exactly according to the most diverse project requirements, RIEGL says.

“The unique scan pattern of intersecting scan planes and the various possibilities of parameterisation make the device probably the most versatile airborne laser scanner available on the market today,” RIEGL said.

RIEGL will be presenting these, as well as innovations and further developments in the fields of terrestrial laser scanning and mobile laser scanning, it said.