Tag Archives: Trimble

Trimble and Worldsensing unveil new solution for long-term 3D ground and structural monitoring movement

Environmental, IoT, Mining safety, Mining services, , , ,

TrimbleⓇ and Worldsensing have announced the introduction of a solution for long term 3D ground and structural movement monitoring that will combine Trimble 4D Control™ (T4D) monitoring software with the new Trimble GNSS Meter, powered by Worldsensing.

Designed for industries such as mining, this solution helps minimise the risks associated with land and structure instability by enabling faster and more cost-effective deployment for a greater range of project types. The announcement was made on the eve of INTERGEO in Stuttgart, Germany and MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas.

The new monitoring solution will connect a GNSS Meter, powered by Worldsensing, with Trimble T4D monitoring software to automatically transform data into actionable insights, the companies say. The GNSS Meter is a sensor featuring real-time kinematic (RTK) technology and the ability to process data directly on the device, providing precise and automated measurement of 3D surface movements once placed on site. The sensors then transmit movement data to T4D for real-time analysis and if exceeding established thresholds, to automatically alarm stakeholders.

Direct advantages of this new solution that the two companies pointed out include:

  • Ease of use: A user-friendly set-up and intuitive interface make rapid deployment of tens, hundreds or even thousands of sensors possible with minimal training needed. This reduces the time and cost associated with traditional GNSS-based movement monitoring systems while ensuring long-term sensor reliability;
  • Cost effective: This solution leverages wireless IoT technology to minimise infrastructure costs, eliminating the need for extensive cabling and reducing maintenance expenses. It also reduces the number of components and accessories needed when compared to traditional systems; and
  • Survey-grade precision: The GNSS Meter’s RTK technology and edge processing achieves reliable, millimetric precision enabling deployment across a range of project types and environments.

Andrea Bartoli, Chief Technology Officer at Worldsensing, said: “Our collaboration with Trimble enables us to provide the geospatial market with an innovative solution that leverages IoT connectivity for precise, autonomous ground movement monitoring in land surveying, offering significant cost savings over traditional methods.”

Riley Smith, Strategic Marketing Director, Monitoring, Mining and Tunnelling at Trimble, added: “This is a fit-for-purpose solution that simplifies deployment and reduces costs. It will be easier than ever for our customers in the mining, construction and infrastructure industries to meet a greater range of project requirements needing widespread sensor deployment across challenging environments.”

Trimble Reality Capture to optimise scanning, mapping and UAV survey data

IoT, Mining services, Mining software, ,

Trimble has announced its new Trimble® Reality Capture platform service to, it says, enable more effective collaboration and the secure sharing of massive reality capture datasets captured with 3D laser scanning, mobile mapping and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.

The service is available as an extension to Trimble Connect®, a cloud-based common data environment and collaboration platform that has supported more than 30 million users to date. This service is the most recent addition to the Trimble connected workflow ecosystem, connecting the physical and digital worlds and unlocking the transformative power of reality capture data.

Built to drive deeper collaboration among owners, contractors, surveyors and more, the Trimble Reality Capture platform service offers a secure and intuitive web-based solution for point clouds and 360° imagery. Professionals across industries such as mining can now collaborate on complex reality capture projects faster and easier, while maintaining data integrity by retaining original accuracy.

This new service securely democratises access to reality capture data, including massive datasets captured by mobile mapping by terrestrial laser scanners like the Trimble MX series and Trimble X9, as well as data from third-party hardware. Leveraging the extensibility of Trimble Connect that integrates data across Trimble connected software solutions, including Trimble ProjectSight construction management software, SketchUp® 3D modelling tool and Tekla® structural BIM software, as well as third-party system integrators, this new service makes reality capture data accessible to various users. This enables project stakeholders to make more informed decisions and increase operational efficiency by further connecting the site to the office, for end-to-end management throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Trimble integrated Microsoft Azure Data Lake Storage and Azure Synapse Analytics to reduce the time ingesting, storing and processing massive datasets. The service is designed to optimise and synthesise data of all sizes for highly efficient management and use of reality capture data throughout connected workflows.

“This new service applies cloud technology in a new way for large data packages, allowing users to significantly scale performance and maximise data value,” Boris Skopljak, Vice President, Geospatial at Trimble, says. “Anyone can now benefit from accessing complicated reality capture data through a simple web interface, making it easier than ever to leverage geospatial information to drive better outcomes at every step of the design-build-operate lifecycle. With this launch, we are a step closer to realising living digital twins and artificial intelligence applications at scale.”

Wangui McKelvey, General Manager, Azure Data Analytics at Microsoft, said: “Utilising the power and multilayered, built-in security controls of Microsoft Azure in combination with Trimble’s reality capture capabilities transforms scanning workflows to reduce point cloud analysis time from hours to minutes. Enabling datasets of virtually any size to be easily shared and analyzed across teams means better, safer and more efficient output both on the job site and in the office.”

Trimble and Exyn pool technologies to create autonomous site surveying solution

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

Trimble and Exyn Technologies have announced a strategic collaboration to explore the use of autonomous construction surveying technology through integrating Boston Dynamic’s SpotⓇ robot, the ExynPak™ powered by ExynAI™ and the Trimble® X7
total station.

This solution will, the companies say, enable fully autonomous missions inside complex and dynamic construction environments, which can result in consistent and precise reality capture for production and quality control workflows. It also has potential for mining.

“The integration of autonomous surveying technology into a construction workflow has groundbreaking potential,” Aviad Almagor, Vice President of Technology Innovation, Trimble, said. “It can improve operational efficiency and transparency throughout the build lifecycle while also transforming worker safety for potentially hazardous data collection.”

Autonomous robots powered by ExynAI, can sense and avoid obstacles, dynamically adapting to the ever-changing complexity of construction environments, according to Exyn. To ensure the utmost safety and efficiency, the ExynPak mounts and integrates with a robot, supporting level 4 of autonomous exploration missions without requiring the robot to “learn” about its environment beforehand. A surveyor defines a 3D volume for a mission and the integrated robotic solution handles the complexities of self-navigation without needing a map, GPS or wireless infrastructure, the companies explained.

The integration of the Trimble X7 provides high-speed, high-accuracy 3D laser scanning to capture the state of the environment, according to Trimble. The captured data can be uploaded to the Trimble Connect® collaboration platform and shared with project stakeholders for further analysis, including a comparison to Building Information Models and previous scans to monitor quality and progress. The end result is a map of unprecedented detail and accuracy collected with minimal human intervention and risk.

Nader Elm, CEO of Exyn Technologies, said: “Industry has been waiting for reliable and robust autonomous technology to transform difficult and dangerous activities. Exyn’s technology is helping to enable a new front in human-robot collaboration. By working with pre-eminent leaders such as Trimble, we aim to create adaptable, state-of-the-art systems to tackle the complexities across construction and industrial environments.”

Trimble scanning solution helps steer Havieron copper-gold project progress

Base metals, Explosives and blasting, Mine surveying, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A unique underground mine tunnel scope, a tight schedule and demanding conformance specifications made the Havieron copper-gold exploration decline project in Western Australia as complex as it is necessary, according to Trimble distributor HL Geospatial.

To build the 2.5 km box cut decline tunnel, surveyors and operators were challenged to establish a technology-enabled workflow that would keep this project on track and within specification, the company said.

The Havieron copper-gold deposit is in the Paterson region of Western Australia. Through a joint venture, Greatland Gold and Newcrest Mining are looking to develop the deposit. The regulatory approvals for Havieron’s construction were provided at the end of 2020. Soon after, the joint venture was ready to begin construction. The large cylindrical deposit sits under about 450 m of sedimentary cover and the mineralisation extends over deep intervals to at least 600 m below the base of sedimentary cover, according to the jv.

The first phase of the underground mine development is the construction of a box cut, an approximately 2.5 km decline and associated surface infrastructure at the site to support an exploratory drill platform.

Mine Survey Plus, a mine surveying specialist, was contracted to provide continuous survey data and model-to-design comparisons to various stakeholders. The company has worked in more than 90-plus mines spanning nine different countries since its inception in mid-2017.

When asked about Havieron, Mine Survey Plus’s Senior Mine Surveyor, Justin Hearn, explained: “This is not a traditional hard-rock mine. It’s a soft-rock mine, which lends to a unique profile. Digging the decline tunnel is much like working a civil earthworks project as compared to a traditional drill-and-blast scenario in a hard-rock mine.”

To build the decline for the drill platform, crews must dig through the deposited materials, which has its challenges for both operators and surveyors. For operators, the challenge is to see as-built conditions as work is completed to ensure design conformance while digging through the soft materials. For surveyors, the challenge is to measure as-built conditions with speed and accuracy.

Scanning for opportunities

The Havieron decline profile is arched along the entire length to the footings, instead of the more conventional mining decline profile of square shape with a semi-arch rounded back for ground support. That custom profile requires a different setup – and for Mine Survey Plus some different technological capabilities, HL Geospatial says.

With help from HL Geospatial, a part of UPG Solutions, Mine Survey Plus had evaluated the Trimble® SX12 scanning total station.

MSP surveyor Ian Thomson uses the Trimble SX12 scanning total station to establish survey control at the Havieron project

Brett Grocock, Owner of Mine Survey Plus, said: “I trust and often call on HL Geospatial. Our success is at the forefront of their minds, and that’s reassuring – and the SX12 is just one example.”

Beneficial in underground applications, the SX12 scanning total station includes a small green laser spot (3-mm diameter electronic distance measurement (EDM) laser spot at 50 m), provides precise and clear set-out of tunnel construction points, and robotic technology to withstand the harshest conditions such as dust and moisture, according to Trimble.

In the case of the Havieron decline, Grocock noted: “We wanted the ability to check headings in real time. With this technology, we are able to do a complete setup and scan that is automatically georeferenced to the location.”

Real-time collaboration

To begin the Havieron decline construction, geotechnical engineers provided Mine Survey Plus surveyors a design profile for both excavation and the final shotcrete surface.

Hearn then used the Trimble Business Center Tunneling module to design the alignment. The resulting model is uploaded to the Trimble TSC7 controller with Trimble Access™ field software. Using the Trimble Access Tunnels module provides purpose-built tools for tunnel survey operations, according to the company.

Combined with the SX12 scanning total station, surveyors can automate the as-built data collection process and provide instant feedback to the excavator operators – typically one of the most time-consuming tasks in tunnel construction.

“We check the excavated profile using the Tunnel Auto Scan Function, and then scan existing conditions with the SX12 scanning total station at various cuts along the face,” Hearn said. “The scan data is then compared against the design profiles to verify conformance – all while in the field. We don’t need to take data into the office for verification; we can do it live.”

Access to data in the field has been hugely appreciated by the machine operators who are used to seeing a straight-line conformance check, according to HL Geospatial. The 3D scan provides an added layer of visual communication and immediate feedback on any course correction that may be needed.

“In the early stages, we were all – surveyors and operators – getting used to the different methodology and profile style,” Hearn noted. “With the conformance comparisons on the controller, the operators can visually see where they might need to do a little more work. Many times, they are standing next to me checking their work. They love that we’re able to give them near real-time feedback in the field. It’s a whole new concept in this realm. We’ve seen greater turnaround and increased precision in a very short time because of the in-the-field visuals.”

The engineering team is also taking advantage of the scan data. Hearn added: “They’re looking at our data showing the different strata as a way to confirm the initial geological model and verify the design. Essentially, they’re using our scans to create a better model of the area.”

Entering the Havieron mine

Mine Survey Plus is also using Trimble Access’ Continuous Topo feature to conduct a regular pickup. The Job XML file is imported into Trimble Business Center for a visual comparison against the tunnel alignment, while the string data is imported into Deswik, a CAD program for mining applications.

Heran said: “With the latest release of Trimble Access, I am looking to utilise the Half Dome Scan with LAS exporter and Scan to Surface functionality, with the eventual goal of using the scan data alone to generate the 3D models in Deswik.”

Meanwhile, Hearn and Grocock continue to support the Havieron decline construction, which is currently on track for completion in 2023.

As of July 2022, Greatland Gold reported the decline construction has advanced 489 m, with 111.5 m since the last report a month prior. The progress reflects the highest daily advancement rate during a single reporting period since commencement of the exploration decline.

Shaun Day, Managing Director of Greatland Gold, said: “The observed acceleration of the decline advancement is particularly pleasing. The improved advancement productivity is consistent with the expected improvement of ground conditions with depth.”

Trimble deploys customised Applanix POS LV system for truck automation project

Automation, IoT, Mining software, , , , ,

Trimble has deployed its first map-based localisation system for land-based autonomous vehicle applications, with the planned retrofit of container and haulage trucks.

IHI Corporation, a heavy industry manufacturer based in Japan, will retrofit its existing container and haulage trucks with a customised Applanix POS LV® system as part of its broader autonomy capabilities for the transport of goods around industrial facilities. This project also provides potential for automation mining-related vehicles.

Map-based localisation provides precise positioning and orientation estimation, augmenting GNSS/inertial data, which is critical for safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operations. The ability to provide IHI Corp a full workflow and real-time data ensures seamless integration into IHI’s truck design, Trimble says.

“The custom-built, locally supported system leverages Trimble’s innovative engineering capabilities and technology to provide reliable performance across a variety of challenging environments,” Trimble says. “Using this system, IHI Corporation can provide robust positioning for their autonomous fleet without additional site infrastructure, lowering capital expenditure and improving scalability.”

Tailoring POS LV to work within IHI’s unique specifications and existing autonomous platform, the map-based localisation system couples an inertial navigation system (INS) with simultaneous localisation and mapping-based (SLAM) capabilities, and works with several types of sensors, including LiDAR for IHI. POS LV provides an accurate base map using post-processed data and localises vehicle positioning in real time, enabling the reliable and safe autonomous operation of industrial vehicles, Trimble says.

IHI continually enhances its work environments, while also compensating for varying labour scenarios and personnel shortages, Trimble says. This makes the need to automate transportation critical to operations.

“By partnering with Trimble, IHI can develop a retrofit system that addresses two major challenges – affordability and consistent reliability – within the autonomous operation of large-scale industrial equipment,” it says. “Customers such as IHI rely on Trimble to create autonomous solutions that enable them to meet their strategic goals no matter where they are on their journey to autonomy.”

Propeller Aero to integrate with new DJI drone, sensor for rapid and precise site mapping

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

Propeller Aero, the drone data visualisation and analytics platform, and DJI, a leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, have expanded their partnership to include compatibility of Propeller’s site surveying and 3D mapping software with DJI’s Matrice 300 RTK drone (M300) and Zenmuse P1 sensor (P1).

Propeller’s data processing platform is, the company says, uniquely designed for site surveying and 3D mapping for the construction, earthworks and mining industries. When combined with DJI’s advanced M300 drone, which features a refined propulsion system and longer flight time, the solution can rapidly and precisely map hundreds of acres accurately within 30 mm, making it ideal for surveying medium-to-large scale work sites such as highways, industrial complexes and mines.

The Zenmuse P1 is DJI’s newest flagship sensor, designed specifically for photogrammetry missions. Integrating a full-frame sensor on a three-axis, stabilised gimbal, it substantially increases efficiency and accuracy for surveying and mapping applications, according to Propeller.

“Drone survey data and 3D site maps provide teams across the worksite a single source of truth to better plan, track, inspect and work more safely and efficiently,” the company says. “Additionally, by facilitating quicker data collection, expanding coverage, and offering more real-time progress data, site managers can reduce labour costs and optimise available machinery.”

Jack Nachazel, Customer Success Engineer at Propeller Aero, said: “Work sites have never been as safe, efficient and data-empowered as they are today, thanks to the advances in technology use on-site.

“Our customers are building everything from airports to highways, using a drone that can best capture the unique characteristics of their site. Through our expanded partnership with DJI, they will now be able to streamline their data collection and processing with the powerful M300 drone, which many of our customers are already using.”

To use the solution, surveyors place Propeller AeroPoints™ (smart ground control points) around the worksite, fly the M300 drone above to collect survey data and upload that data to Propeller’s cloud-based platform where it is processed within 24 hours.

The full solution will be available through Propeller’s channel partnership with Trimble®, a leader in positioning technologies, and through its SITECH® distribution network as Trimble Stratus, powered by Propeller, a 3D cloud-based visualisation platform developed by Propeller which integrates with Trimble Connected Site® solutions.

Nevada Gold Mines (owned 61.5% by Barrick, 38.5% by Newmont) is one mining company to have used Trimble Stratus, powered by Propeller, to help measure stockpiles at its mine sites across Nevada.

Trimble expands surveying, 3D modelling capabilities with SX12 Scanning Total Station

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

Trimble has introduced the Trimble® SX12 Scanning Total Station, the next iteration of its 3D scanning total station that, it says, provides fast and efficient data capture for surveying, engineering and geospatial professionals.

New features, including a high-power laser pointer and high-resolution camera system, expand capabilities in surveying and complex 3D modelling, and enable new workflows in tunnelling and underground mining, according to the company.

The Trimble SX12 merges high-speed 3D laser scanning, Trimble VISION™ imaging technology and high-accuracy total station measurements into familiar field and office workflows for surveyors, the company says. A new green, focusable Class 1M laser pointer is safe for viewing with the naked eye, offers high-power visibility and makes it easy to see even at a distance. Meanwhile, an improved camera system provides enhanced pointing and site documentation capabilities.

Gregory Lepere, Marketing Director of Optical and Imaging for Trimble Geospatial, said: “The new SX12 adds more features and applications to an already widely adopted, field-proven scanning total station. The addition of a premium laser pointer completes the picture for surveyors wanting an instrument that can operate as an everyday high-end total station with the added value of scanning and imagery.”

The Trimble SX12 allows users to operate with common survey workflows, including new versions of Trimble’s field and office software.

“With Trimble Access™ 2021 Field Software, users can harness the full potential of the Trimble SX12, whether performing accurate measurements or comparing 3D scanning as-built data in the field,” it said.

“With the laser pointer, it also enables new applications for laser-guided drilling and excavation guidance, rock bolt and blast hole set out, and as-built verification for underground tunnel and mine construction.”

By integrating rich data from the Trimble SX12 into intuitive office workflows, Trimble Business Center version 5.40 enables users to quickly create complete customer deliverables. With its enhanced point cloud management, eCogAI™ automated information extraction, and interoperability to leading CAD and GIS packages, the solution empowers users to exceed even the toughest client demands, it said.

“The combination also enables the capture of rich tunnel point clouds for as-built comparison, automated tunnel extraction routines and detailed 3D mesh inspection resulting in intuitive reporting deliverables for construction verification,” the company added.

Boris Skopljak, Marketing Director of Monitoring and Tunnelling for Trimble Geospatial, explained: “Tunnelling projects are highly dependent on accurate positioning to precisely control equipment and track progress in difficult underground construction environments. The combination of the SX12 and new software workflows simplifies the capture of site conditions, enabling tunnelling and mining surveyors to make accurate and informed decisions without the complexity and additional cost of multiple systems.”

Trimble improves project visualisation with new laser scanner and AR technology

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

Trimble has introduced a new laser scanning system that, it says, enables professionals of all scanning levels to quickly and easily capture precise 3D data to produce “high-quality deliverables”, alongside an outdoor augmented reality (AR) solution to improve planning, collaboration and reporting.

The Trimble X7 3D laser scanner (pictured) is an integrated solution with specialised field software, featuring simple and streamlined workflows. It is able to provide automatic registration of point cloud data in the field with Trimble Registration Assist, while Smart Trimble X-Drive technology eliminates the need for annual calibration. The scanner also comes equipped with survey-grade self-levelling to ensure consistent data quality.

The X7 comes with a Microsoft Windows-based Trimble T10 tablet for control and project visibility, along with a backpack and lightweight tripod for portability, it said.

Gregory Lepere, Marketing Director, Optical and Imaging for Trimble Geospatial, said the ability of the Trimble X7 to deliver high-speed 3D laser scanning with intuitive workflows and unique technologies has led to the automation of critical steps to improve efficiency and productivity.

“The X7 is a useful, everyday tool because it doesn’t require scanning expertise to operate. It opens the door for more construction, surveying, industrial and forensics professionals to confidently capture and deliver scan data and realise a faster return on investment.”

For surveyors and geospatial professionals, the X7 provides fast and balanced performance in both indoor and outdoor environments and can be used in numerous surveys, including those routinely carried out in mining.

The Trimble X7 solution is integrated with the new Trimble Perspective software, which the company says is specifically designed for in-field control and complete registration.

“The combination enables scans and images to be captured, fully registered together, refined, controlled and exported to a variety of established data format for Trimble and non-Trimble software suites,” the company said.

The Trimble X7 is expected to be available in the March quarter of 2020 through Trimble’s authorised distribution networks, the company said.

In addition to this new scanner, the company also announced the release of its Trimble SiteVision™ system, an outdoor augmented reality (AR) solution to enable users to visualise 2D and 3D data on “virtually any project site” with cellular or internet connectivity for easier and more efficient planning, collaboration and reporting.

The Trimble SiteVision Integrated Positioning System integrates the Trimble Catalyst DA1 Antenna, Electronic Distance Measurement rangefinder and power management into this handheld AR device that connects to a user-supplied Android mobile phone, according to the company.

Trimble said: “Using Trimble Connect™ cloud-based hosting, SiteVision can access models from all stages of the lifecycle of infrastructure and buildings – from initial concepts of roads or buildings through the operations and maintenance phase of the assets – to increase collaboration, enhance work accuracy and ultimately improve operations and utilisation.”