We catch up with Jeremy Murfitt, Owner of Everything is Somewhere, long time Esri user and an early adopter of Trimble Catalyst.

For many, Trimble Catalyst, our on-demand, low-cost subscription based GNSS,  may be a relatively new concept, but the release of the DA2 receiver at the end of 2021 actually marked over three years of the technology. Back in 2019, one of Catalyst’s earliest adopters in the UK was Jeremy Murfitt Owner/Director of Everything is Somewhere Ltd (EiS). Jeremy has been doing a great job sharing details of his projects on Twitter, so much so, that we decided to follow up on one of his recent tweets to find out exactly why “Trimble Catalyst made the job easy”.

Based in Leicestershire, EiS is a consultancy practice specialising in a range of professional services on property and town & country planning matters.

The nature of these projects means that Jeremy offers a range of services including UAV surveys and field data collection both supplemented by his extensive GIS experience for understanding and analysing location and spatial data in various sectors.

For the field data capture and GIS work, Jeremy uses Esri software (KOREC is an Esri Silver partner) including Esri Field Maps on a Trimble TDC600 logger with Trimble Catalyst (cm accuracy subscription),  Esri ArcGIS Pro and Esri ArcGIS Online.

A perfect combination – Trimble Catalyst, TDC600 and Esri Field Maps

Although already aware of KOREC and Trimble, Jeremy’s first view of Catalyst was at the Geo Business show in 2018 when he was searching for a more efficient and cost-effective method to capture cm positions rather than go through the obvious routes of the purchase or hire of a survey grade GNSS. As someone who required high accuracy positions as a part of his existing workflow rather than as his day in, day out work, Catalyst was an attractive proposition to Jeremy with its low capital outlay (around £300 for the DA1 receiver as opposed to around £8,000+ for a survey grade GNSS system), its ease of use and its fast set up.

Jeremy found it extremely easy to set up with his Field Maps software on the TDC600 logger and reports that it’s also incredibly fast to initialise in the field.

Can we swap?

Jeremy is using Catalyst for a number of applications including basic setting-out of new landscapes, and the recording of points for tree positions and utilities etc. However, his primary use is as a tool for establishing ground control points for the many drone surveys he undertakes. He reports that the 2cm accuracy he needs for flight heights of around 50-60m takes just a couple of minutes to achieve and that using Catalyst and Esri Field Maps he can establish the 5-10 GCPs, with two or three control points for each GCP, in just one hour if he’s walking at a good pace!

Whilst Jeremy particularly rates the system’s reliability and the fact that it hasn’t failed once since he purchased it, he says that its light weight and portability are particularly useful and that he can put the entire kit into his drone backback, something he particularly values when he can be walking around a mile to a site.

Meeting a land surveyor on one particular site who was fully equipped with a heavy tablet and full GNSS system, the surveyor was amazed to find that Jeremy’s system could achieve exactly the same results as his own. His response, “Can we swap?”

Setting out trees and hedgerows with Esri and Trimble Catalyst

On a recent job, Jeremy used his Catalyst, TDC600 and Esri software to assist with the setting out of around 150 trees and 500m of hedges as part of a new development in Leicestershire. Jeremy’s usual workflow has been to use point and line data provided by the landscape architect in CAD format which is easy to map and upload to ArcGIS Online and then use with Trimble Catalyst. However, the downside of this method is a loss of context and the detail that is shown on the large (A1/0) pdf drawings. Instead, Jeremy uses the original PDF’s, georeferences them and then uploads these to the Trimble TDC600 to use with Catalyst which he find particularly beneficial when in the field. A straightforward workflow that works well for this application, it took around 30 minutes to set up but saved a lot of time in the field:

• Convert pdf’s to tiffs/jpegs
• Import into Esri ArcGIS Pro and georeferenced
• In ArcGIS Pro “share” the images as a Webmap. You need to go to configuration and properties and check that the tiling scheme goes right down to level 23.
• Review the data in ArcGIS Online
• On your mobile device connect with Trimble Catalyst to get the required GPS accuracy
• Open the WebMap in Field Maps to set out the features.

Jeremy concludes, “I’ve been using Trimble Catalyst for over two years now and it makes capturing x/y/z data so easy plus it’s been 100% reliable. In short, it just works.”

Our thanks to Jeremy Murfitt, Owner/Director of Everything is Somewhere Ltd, for supplying the information for this article.

You can read a Trimble Catalyst business case here.

Download the PDF of this case study here

Visit our webinar section here for the full details on the new Catalyst system.

How does the new Trimble Catalyst DA2 receiver measure up against the DA1?

What better way to find out than by putting afforable cm accuracy in the form of the DA2 into the hands of experienced Catalyst user and advocate of the DA1 system, Andrew Stephenson Principal Designer on the Morrison Water Services Northern area Engineering Team.

Andrew was an early adopter of Trimble Catalyst and used the DA1 extensively saving £20k on a recent 1-2cm asset collection project which was nominated for a Water Industry 2021 award for its innovative approach to high accuracy data capture and management.

The set up

Andrew and Morrison Water Services Surveyor, Asa Blake, used the DA2 in conjunction with a 1cm accuracy Catalyst subscription and their existing KOREC Capture field software running on a rugged Trimble TDC600 Android device (although the DA2 is also now compatible with iOS devices). Drawing on previous experience of how the DA1 worked under different conditions, Andrew was keen to carry out some comparative tests with the new DA2 in the same situations to test its performance and ultimately, it’s productivity improvements.

Three challenging test sites

Andrew and Asa opted to test the DA2 in three demanding scenarios which any GNSS would find challenging, firstly, Leeds City centre, secondly under tree canopy and finally in a remote location with no mobile phone coverage.

Here’s Andrew’s report:

Leeds city centre – built up environment

“In Leeds City centre we were able to achieve 1cm positions. Even next to the John Lewis building where previously we’d been unable to receive a signal at all, the DA2, always delivered an accurate position.”

The technology behind the performance: Trimble ProPoint

Until the launch of the DA2, Trimble ProPoint was only available in top of the range Trimble GNSS receivers. ProPoint delivers better results in harsh GNSS conditions, for example, near tree canopy and in built-up areas.

Under tree canopy

“We tested this scenario under the trees in Cookridge, Leeds – centimetre positions were easily achievable. ”

The technology behind the performance: Trimble ProPoint (see above).

Expect cm positions under tree canopy within 40 seconds!

Remote location with no phone signal

“This is a common problem for us so we knew exactly where to test out the DA2’s capabilities for this one. Scar House is situated in the Nidd Valley in North Yorkshire and it’s almost impossible to get a mobile phone signal there. The DA2 again delivered 2cm positions thanks to its ability to receive corrections via satellite rather than via an internet connection. This is a game changer for us.”

The technology behind the performance: Trimble RTX.

The DA2 means that you are no longer reliant on receiving your cm corrections over an internet connection. Thanks to Trimble’s RTX technology you can now get your corrections via satellite (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, IRNSS, MSS, SBAS) which is great for areas with limited mobile phone coverage and internet connectivity.

Conclusion

Andrew’s verdict:  “Most of our projects have a specification for 10cm accuracies and in fairness to the DA1 we were often able to work within this spec, but not always. The afforable cm accuracy of the DA2 brings peace of mind and the knowledge that we can always overachieve on precision and in particular,in the three conditions above that previously challenged us.

We’ve also noted some additional benefits with the DA2 – the improved speed is excellent! By the time we’d logged on we were down to 1cm which is a remarkable improvement on the DA1.  The DA2 is also Bluetooth enabled which saves battery drain for the phone because there is no need to bother with leads (or water!) into the connection of the phone.

The DA2 delivers outstanding results where we would have never thought possible with the Catalyst technology. We tested this at Scar House Reservoir, which is as remote as it gets in Yorkshire, but the DA2 delivered accuracy of 2cm using RTX which is remarkable!”

You can read about our Trimble Catalyst business case here.

A related case study on knotweed mapping with Catalyst is here and asset data collection here.

Visit our webinar section here for the full details on the new Catalyst system.

If surveying isn’t your main day to day activity but you still have a need for cm positions in your workflow, then the business case for Trimble’s Catalyst is a strong one.

Trimble Catalyst is a revolutionary, GNSS concept delivering positioning as a service to mobile devices. It turns your existing Android or iOS device into a precision mapping, navigation and measurement tool that you can use with any location enabled app or service including KOREC Capture and Esri FieldMaps.

The cost of the Catalyst hardware has been kept low at just £300 per receiver and subscriptions come in a range of choices depending on the number of licenses required and hours used.

However, Trimble Catalyst is not a solution for those who cite survey grade accuracy as the primary part of their working day. Instead, Catalyst has been developed for users who require cm positions as back up to the bulk of their work, for example, the scientist who needs to know precisely where a sample was collected, the utilities engineer who needs to position a valve or the knotweed removal specialist who must know exactly where the plant is located.

In short, the best way to assess whether Trimble Catalyst will provide the best value proposition for your cm positions is to base it on the number of points you typically over the period of a year.

Case study: DTM Technologies

Typical of the type of user who can benefit from the enormous savings Catalyst delivers is Owner/Director of DTM Technologies, Alan Roberts.

Established in 2014, North Wales based DTM Technologies offers a range of specialist 3D Structural and 3D Modelling Services capturing data predominantly through 3D Laser Scanning and drones. The company uses the very latest in data capture technology (Including the Trimble TX8 Laser Scanner) and provides the high resolution and accurate survey, mapping and environmental information that’s often used to form the basis of any construction (BIM), environmental or engineering project.

With the majority of Alan’s work requiring either a point cloud or aerial imagery, he has an important but fairly minimal need for cm positions. Six years ago, his approach was to purchase a survey grade GNSS system and a license for the corresponding annual correction service. However, he is quick to cite that he is not an engineer or a degree trained surveyor and during the years with this system, he found it expensive to use. As well as the up-front costs for the initial purchase of the hardware, he was also paying an annual correction service charge of around £1,200 p.a. – both large outlays. He therefore sought a solution that would better fit his requirements, spread the cost and offer better value overall.

Alan accordingly purchased a Trimble Catalyst receiver from KOREC and selected the subscription service best suited to his workflow from the options of 60 cm, 30 cm, 10 cm or 1 cm, in this case 1cm. The Catalyst antenna was compatible with his existing mobile phone, easy to set up and required no specialist positioning or GNSS knowledge for use.

The Business case in numbers

Alan states that in a standard working month he may carry out around four surveys that require cm positions and that he can capture the four or five points he requires plus a few check points in one hour of subscription time. He is therefore spending just £10 per site for cm positions, around four times a month. Based on those figures, with the subscription cost spread over a 12 month period, his annual running costs are £480.

Upfront hardware savings ≈ £9600

Annual running cost savings ≈ £760 p.a.

As an experienced user of Trimble Catalyst, even Alan still believes that that system is almost too good to be true. “With Trimble Catalyst, achieving cm accuracy in the field is no longer a niche occupied only by land surveyors, often with the price tag to match. Previously, I was pretty well priced out of the market for this level of accuracy but Catalyst really does bring high cm positions to a mass audience. I’m now in a good position to pass my savings on to my clients which definitely helps in a competitive marketplace.”

Next steps – the new Catalyst DA2

Alan was an early adopter of the Trimble Catalyst system and is already assessing the recently released DA2 receiver.

With much of his work in Snowdonia, mobile phone reception is often compromised and even taking three different SIM cards doesn’t always guarantee a successful connection. The DA2 comes with RTX corrections which means he will no longer be reliant on receiving his cm corrections over an internet connection. Thanks to Trimble’s RTX technology he will be able to get his corrections via satellite.

In addition, the DA2’s ProPoint technology will enable him to pick up his positions in challenging GPS conditions such as near tree canopy.

You can read about our DA2 test here.

A related case study on knotweed mapping with Catalyst is here and asset data collection here.

Visit our webinar section here for the full details on the new Catalyst system.

Who needs low cost, on-demand, cm precision data collection?

“A cm accurate GNSS solution at the right price point.” Christopher Cooke of 3LM on Trimble Catalyst

V.T.O.L Media – establishing ground control points for aerial surveys

3LM – a holistic approach to agriculture and the land

TP Knotweed – rapid response identification and removal of knotweed

A14 Integrated Delivery Team – fast one-off positions and augmented reality in the field

The £1.5bn A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme was one of Highways England’s largest recent projects and the 34km site provided the contractors involved with a perfect testing ground on which to share new ideas and balance tried and tested technologies alongside new ways of working.

For Skanska’s Mark Lawton, Chief Engineering Surveyor, A14 Integrated Deliver Team, Trimble Catalyst provided two useful areas of investigation for potential use on future projects:

1. Contractors on the A14 scheme often required accurate positioning in ‘one off’ situations. For example, those carrying out borehole testing or soil sampling needed accurate positions either to map a new point or navigate back to a previously recorded one. However, it would not be cost-effective to send a fully trained engineer with survey grade GNSS to carry out these tasks. An obvious alternative was Trimble Catalyst, in this case using its on-demand subscription model with KOREC Capture data collection software running on the contractor’s smartphone. KOREC Capture could offer the contractors fully customisable lists, drop down boxes, mandatory fields etc which again would bring consistency of data, to the attribute information collected as well as cm positioning.

2. Mark also successfully trialled Trimble SiteVision, a system that fuses cutting-edge augmented reality technology with Trimble Catalyst centimetre-precision GPS. The end result is a system that allows you to take your models, drawings and data off the screen and onto your site. Key application areas included utility records, design information, future information and 3D models. In particular, Mark mentioned that on the A14, following the capture of hundreds of km of cable, they needed to know exactly where that cable was for a Permit to Dig. Having the information available visually through SiteVision was hugely helpful in determining where they could excavate.

Additionally, he says that SiteVision provides an easy to understand visual explanation to third parties, such as householders, as to why they are digging in a certain place.

What’s Next?

Take a look at the Trimble Catalyst product page

Watch the official Trimble Catalyst video on our YouTube channel

Get in touch

Make sure you follow KOREC Mapping for all the latest news, info and events

“KOREC is firmly behind all the success I’ve achieved in the last 20 years at the Northern Ireland Forest Service. The right hardware, smart data capture software development and a great working relationship enabled us to revolutionise our data collection and management capabilities.”

At the end of 2020, former Information Systems Manager with the Northern Ireland Forest Service, Jim McEwan, joined the KOREC Mapping team as Customer Success Manager. In short, he liked the product so much, he joined the company!

Over the years, Jim has clocked up extensive experience in the forestry sector spending many of them working closely with KOREC and in particular, with our KOREC Mapping Lead, Paul Brodin. Jim tells us that an old dog can certainly bring some new tricks and here at KOREC we’re delighted to have him and his extensive experience as a high calibre resource for KOREC customers.

Experience counts

As Information Systems Manager with the Northern Ireland Forest Service (an Agency of the Department of Agriculture) Jim certainly has a wealth of experience to draw on, managing and implementing many projects from the development of his own real time data reporting systems using Trimble hardware and KOREC mapping software to introducing the first senseFly drones in the UK. Working in a sector as challenging as forestry, Jim has a clear idea of what really worked for him, as a customer, from the KOREC portfolio:

• Trimble data collectors – rugged and with a strong history of achieving a good signal even under tree canopies. Having the right hardware, that works first time, every time, in challenging forestry conditions was the initial step in building web-based reporting systems that put real time data, captured with KOREC software, directly into the hands of the forest manager.
• KOREC Capture software (that became Canopy) – the seamless integration of data from the field to the database and then to the GIS, allowed me to develop my own customised applications and for the first time, managers didn’t have to spend days pouring over data collected on paper forms.
• A good working relationship with KOREC that enabled me to talk directly to developers and turn my ideas into workable solutions that revolutionised the way we collected and managed our data.

…but it’s all about the end result

During his time at the Northern Ireland Forest Service, Jim developed a suite of bespoke forestry management systems, with the KOREC Capture portal at the centre. He looked at areas such as forest inventory, asset inspection, tree safety and a wide range of other forestry management issues and produced apps that gave users the data they needed with all calculations performed and maps added as required.

But it’s all about the end result and Jim was rightly pleased with what was achieved. “The results were amazing. In one example, pre-harvesting assessment plots, the data from forest plots was collected on paper and brought into the local office at the end of the week.  Previously, the forester would spend two days a week inputting this data into excel to produce the stocking, volume and timber availability reports required. Now, the data is collected in the forest using Trimble’s Geo 7X ruggedised handheld and KOREC Canopy software. Once the data is sent back, the forester has the full pre-sales breakdown available immediately on a phone, tablet or laptop. The Forest Service has gone from 6 data loggers in 2009 to 120 today revolutionising surveying and data collection across the Agency.”

Jim’s success took him further afield within the Department. He worked with the Plant Health Inspection Branch and the Veterinary Service to produce real time reporting systems for Horticulture Marketing and Plant Health Inspections and developed the reporting system for a five-year project to monitor TB in badgers.

Talking Canopy

Now, Jim brings this experience to the latest KOREC Canopy software. “In terms of British Standard Tree Inspections and Tree Safety Management, we now have the solutions to allow you to collect, record and manage data quickly and easily. Combine that, with a full suite of reporting facilities and KOREC Canopy becomes the leading solution to the collection, management and reporting of tree data.”

Make no mistake, Jim understands the job from both sides of the fence!

If you’d like to learn more about KOREC Canopy from someone who knows the industry and the software inside out, please contact Jim at: jim.mcewan@korecgroup.com or call him on 07435 986865.

Jim McEwan at the Trimble Dimensions event in Las Vegas where he presented with KOREC’s Paul Brodin

What better time than Christmas to thank KOREC’s unsung heroes, especially those who make up our in-field, regional technical support team – and that’s exactly what our KOREC customers have done!

Our technical support field team are answering their phone out of hours, sorting out site problems in all weathers and can turn your bad day into a good one with their knowledge and commitment.

So we wanted to highlight their knowledge, commitment & dedication to excellent customer care, by sharing some of your comments;

Leigh with the mighty X7 at our recent ‘Bouncing Back’ events in Leeds – and a slightly younger Leigh in his South African survey days

Leigh Rowell – Geospatial Technical Support, North East

“We have known Leigh for over a year now and are very happy with the exceptional services he provides. He is always available and ready to come to us if we are having technical issues with our equipment. We have had quite a few over this time and Leigh will go out of his way to make sure we are running like clockwork again as soon as possible. His knowledge and expertise are first class, and his friendly approach is always welcoming.

John Gibson, Gibson Surveying and Mapping Ltd

“Leigh has been instrumental in assisting us in the field on numerous occasions. We have been in some sticky situations and had the ability to rely on Leigh to guide us through. You have a star of an employee. He isn’t afraid to tell us that he doesn’t know the answer, but give him the time and he will find the answer no matter what time of day we call. The ability to find the answers and be open and honest are what sets Leigh apart from the rest.”

Sean Smith, ZS Surveys

“In every aspect of our Trimble kit and how we use it, Leigh has always helped us out whenever we have needed help or advice. In early 2020 we purchased a SX10, and during our learning process Leigh has been invaluable in his help and guidance on making the most of not only the SX10 but also in the decision to purchase Trimble Business Center. When ever we have had a question Leigh has always delivered, even if he has not always been able to give us the answer we hoped for, his honest and approachable manner is first class. When ever he has not been able to give an exact answer immediately, he has never failed to come back to us, in fact has never failed to return an email or phone call. And from one “Tech guy” to another, he is exactly the kind of “Tech guy” you wish to deal with; as he always puts our needs first and indeed from your perspective could not be a better ambassador for Korec. There is no way for me to rate Leigh’s performance other than 5*.”

Chris Best, Gridmark Survey

If you’d like to say thanks or highlight some great service from one of our technical support team, why not drop us an email and let us know?

This year, we’re on a mission to connect our customers to leaders in the Geospatial field! 

We want to take YOU on our KOREC customer experience days, which kicked off at the beginning of April when we took 10 lucky customers to the Geospatial World Forum in Amsterdam – attending the conference and exhibition, and of course savouring all that Amsterdam has to offer.

In June, the lucky winners of our Easter ‘golden ticket’ competition joined us for a 3-day trip to Stockholm to visit the Trimble facility that manufactures the game-changing SX10 scanner & total station, as well as the S series of total stations.

In July, we’re going to be very busy! First we are heading to Biberach in southern Germany for a hands-on mobile mapping introduction with the local Trimble experts, followed by a good old German beer festival. The week after we’ll be popping over the border to Switzerland to visit senseFly, home of the eBeeX fixed wing UAV.

Looking towards the latter half of the year, we head back to Germany for Intergeo in October with our final stop in Colorado for a Trimble Business Center masterclass in November.

We’ll be promoting these trips across the year, with plenty of chances for you to win a place to come with us. You can sign up to be selected for our customer experiences or  another way to stay updated with all our latest news, offers and events is to follow us on our social channels – LinkedIn, Twitter , Instagram and Facebook.

Lucky winners of our ‘golden ticket’ competition in Stockholm, June 2019

Some thoughts from previous KOREC winners:

“A very enjoyable trip and also informative with an amicable bunch of fellow professionals and Trimble/KOREC representatives. I don’t think anyone who essentially sits at the pointed end of survey equipment and users, fully appreciates the amount of work involved in making the equipment and also development, so in this case alone was very informative to myself. It also brought a realisation of how innovative the SX10 actually is and how it currently sits apart from other equipment and manufacturers.”

Michael Golding, Technical Director (Geomatics), Consulting & Rail

“The factory tour was amazing, I’ve never seen so many instruments in one place…not even in the Met lost property office! It was such a good crowd of people to spend a few days together with, the programme of events worked well and won’t be something that I will forget.”

Paul Williams, Director, SUMO Services

“The experience was not only interesting and informative on a technical level but also the trip provided enrichment/focus on a personal and professional level which will undoubtedly feed into our products and service to clients. It was a great trip, a credit to both KOREC and Trimble and a pleasure to join you.”

Anthony Fleet, Head of Survey Services, Clugston Survey Services

Why winning a KOREC ‘golden ticket’ to the Trimble SX10/S-Series production centre in Sweden is so much more than ‘just 48 hours in Stockholm!’

“By knowing more about where your instruments come from, who designed them, and the science behind their design, you become a stakeholder in the development cycle—and a peer in a community of users.” Gavin Schrock, journalist invited to the Trimble factory in Sweden

KOREC is delighted to once again be running a range of ‘golden ticket’ competitions for six lucky winners to visit the Stockholm facility where Trimble develops and produces its most ground-breaking technology, including the SX10 Scanning Total Station and the S-Series Total Stations.

The reason we love hosting this event is not just because it’s great fun – who wouldn’t enjoy the food, sights and sounds of Stockholm – but because the value of this trip has been so heavily recognised by previous KOREC visitors and Trimble alike.

Trimble knows that informed and engaged users of its technology better understand the potential of their instruments, push them further, share their knowledge and provide vital feedback. Make no mistake, this is a trip that inspires and provokes thought!

4 reasons why you should get your hand on a golden ticket!

1. KOREC will look after you every step of the way sorting out flights, hotels, tours and of course the factory visit.
2. It’s a great time of year to visit Stockholm – the trip runs over the 13^thand 14^th We do a tour of Stockholm on the afternoon of the 13th followed by dinner with Trimble and then the factory tour is on the morning of the 14th followed by lunch at the plant.
3. The Trimble factory has a great ethos – a lunchtime beer is perfectly acceptable for staff, the working day is less than 8 hours and staff tend to come….and stay!
4. You’ll be with KOREC staff and five other like-minded professionals to bounce ideas around with.

The bad news is that two tickets have already been snapped up! But that leaves four remaining for lucky winners over the coming months and of course we’ll keep you posted via social media as to how they can be won. Follow us on Twitter @KORECGroup

Some thoughts from previous KOREC golden ticket winners:

“A very enjoyable trip and also informative with an amicable bunch of fellow professionals and Trimble/KOREC representatives. I don’t think anyone who essentially sits at the pointed end of survey equipment and users, fully appreciates the amount of work involved in making the equipment and also development, so in this case alone was very informative to myself. It also brought a realisation of how innovative the SX10 actually is and how it currently sits apart from other equipment and manufacturers.”

Michael Golding, Technical Director (Geomatics), Consulting & Rail

“The factory tour was amazing, I’ve never seen so many instruments in one place…not even in the Met lost property office! It was such a good crowd of people to spend a few days together with, the programme of events worked well and won’t be something that I will forget.”

Paul Williams, Director, SUMO Services

“The experience was not only interesting and informative on a technical level but also the trip provided enrichment/focus on a personal and professional level which will undoubtedly feed into our products and service to clients. It was a great trip, a credit to both KOREC and Trimble and a pleasure to join you.”

Anthony Fleet, Head of Survey Services, Clugston Survey Services