In the beautiful Staffordshire countryside lies 16.9km of preserved, standard gauge heritage railway better known as the Churnet Valley Railway. Noted for its nostalgic steam train rides and themed days out, it’s also now the destination for many KOREC customers keen to see the latest Trimble GEDO technology demonstrated on a track.

Following the restrictions imposed by lockdown on our usual demonstration area, we were delighted to have permission to base ourselves so centrally at the railway’s Kingsley and Froghall station where, over the course of the year, we have held many demonstrations for customers as well as training days for the KOREC rail team.

Of course, one good turn deserves another so we’re in the process of surveying the entire track to provide Churnet Valley Railway with a full survey, including 3D geometry, that will be particularly useful for any future maintenance work.

Whilst previously the Churnet Valley team undertook ad hoc surveys using traditional methods, KOREC’s Matt Barwell and Trimble’s Matt Moss decided that with the pick of the Trimble portfolio, by far the most time efficient method would be to use Trimble’s GEDO IMS + GNSS system which enables track survey and subsequent track design based on absolute coordinates with valid alignment elements. The R-series GNSS receiver was operated in conjunction with the GEDO IMU allowing them to shoot in control via the GEDO Profiler, which was used to measure distance and height offsets between the track and any reference point/object adjacent to the track.

The two Matts were extremely appreciative of the system’s time efficiencies having already surveyed around 8km of track (4km in each direction) in just 5 hours.

KOREC then processed this data and turned it into a DXF CAD ready drawing should Churnet Valley need it for any future maintenance.

We are delighted that our most recent visit to this scenic site resulted in a GEDO sale to Volker Rail for use on the Transpennine Route Upgrade East. More details soon!

www.korecgroup.com/rail

KOREC’s Liverpool office has reopened for business and that includes in-person training.

We’re delighted to announce that as things return to normal, our KOREC Liverpool office is back up and running. One of the advantages that this brings is that we are again in a position to offer socially distanced in-person training. KOREC training packages can be bespoke, at a location of your choice or remote, but to get things started in Liverpool we’ve set up the following scheduled courses:

Intro to Topo Survey: June 8^th – 10^th

Intro to TBC: June 15^th – 17^th

The course calendar can be viewed here: https://www.korecgroup.com/training/

Taking these courses will be Richard Selby, KOREC’s Training and Technical Support Manager and Ian Hall, our Technical Support Office Team Leader, both hugely experienced in delivering high quality learning.

Of course we appreciate that things aren’t entirely back to normal so these courses will be run with a maximum number of 4 participants and in a large ventilated training room. In the rest of the office a one-way system is in place and social distancing maintained.

However, for those that prefer a more flexible approach, our successful KOREC GEOSCHOOL, on-line learning platform continues to offer a range of paid for and free of charge high quality training courses. These courses have all been designed to allow you to choose, where, when and at what pace you’d like to complete your training as well as providing lots of opportunity for questions and feedback from our qualified trainers.

Courses include our highly popular ‘Measured Building’ course a useful guide on measured building survey drawing from point cloud data using Trimble RealWorks and CAD software which will enable you to produce architect specified deliverables from point cloud data.  If you have a scanner, or are planning to invest in one, or have an interest in Trimble RealWorks then this course is a must.

Expect around 6 hours of video tuition that combined with your assignments and assessments gives a course of around 2 days for you to dip into as you please. You can view the course details here or view the introductory video below.

“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

Thanks to all the industry publications that continue to showcase KOREC supplied technology in our articles, columns and case studies. Here’s a round-up of where we’ve been in the last couple of months:

GeoConnexion UK (May/June)

The only way is up! Mark Poveda’s column is a must read for anyone who’s interested in the latest technology, opinion and developments in our industry. In his most recent piece, he takes a closer look at why the drone business is burgeoning and consequently, with so many choices on the market and new developments, why it’s never been a better time to invest.

Read his column here.

In the same, issue there’s also a great piece by Jodie Hartnell featuring the Trimble X7 which asks ‘Are laser scanners evolving into cobots?’

Civil Engineering Surveyor (April)

You may have noticed that we’ve just launched KOREC Mapping, in a move to consolidate and expand the KOREC offering of field to office data collection and handling solutions available across the UK and Ireland. It therefore seemed the perfect time for our KOREC Mapping Business Area Manager, Richard Gauchwin, to highlight a very important aspect of the digital data capture industry, namely ‘How technology can make a safer place for workers in the field.’

Read the full piece here.

Civil Engineering Surveyor (May)

For the May issue of CES, we revisited our popular case study format with a look at automated tunnel monitoring through a remote set up. Entitled ‘Whilst you were sleeping’ all the information for this piece was supplied by Mark Anderson, Director of Academy Geomatics. It’s proved a popular story with Trimble featuring it on their website and it will also appear in GIS Resources in June as part of their infrastructure/geomatics feature.

Read the full piece here.

Virtual reality, 3D Laser scanning, robotics, AI, reality data capture, data analytics….today’s careers in the geospatial industry offer numerous possibilities and are a perfect fit for the tech savvy, early adopters of Generation Z who have grown up immersed in technology.

Fuelled by technological developments, the collection and processing of spatial data is now a far cry from the days of just muddy boots and making maps and reflecting these advances is the Technological University Dublin which has recently adapted its BSC in Geospatial Surveying. Changes include a modular approach, updated content and opportunities to combine working with a relevant company whilst completing a degree.

Hands-on with technology

A vital part of any course is for students to be fully aware of developments within the industry. KOREC Ireland’s Mark Poveda, Niall Hand and Fran Mullally (geomatics graduates of the university), along with KOREC colleague Kevin Kinahan, were therefore delighted to have the opportunity to present some new ideas to the University’s 1^st and 2^nd year students. This was achieved through an on-line presentation and then a day of socially distanced hands-on experience with some of the world’s most advanced Trimble survey technology.

Bringing with them a selection of Trimble instruments including Trimble’s SiteVision Augmented Reality system, the X7 3D Laser Scanner and an R12i GNSS, Mark, Fran and Kevin also had KOREC sponsored hoodies for all the students involved, which was extremely fortunate given the rainy conditions!

Great weather for a new KOREC sponsored hoody!

Whilst the students enjoyed the hands-on session, KOREC’s Mark Poveda hopes that the on-line presentation provided a useful source of information on how far reaching and exciting the geospatial industry has become. Particularly well received was the ‘Spot the dog’ Trimble robot video which can be viewed here.

Spot the Dog

“The demonstration day was a great way to finish off my college experience in the BSc of Geographic Science. The Korec team talked us through the operating system of the latest Trimble survey equipment and offered us the opportunity to try out the instruments ourselves. The weather behaved in typical Irish fashion and rain showers were frequent. I was especially impressed with the quality of deliverables produced by the Trimble X7 Laser Scanner and accompanying touch screen under these conditions. The seamless workflow of this machine really highlighted the modern advances in technology enabling us, as surveyors of the future, to carry out surveys to the highest standard regardless of what the Irish climate throws at us. Advances such as these in technology makes me excited for my future career as a surveyor and I can only wait in eager anticipation of what else Trimble will release onto the market in the coming years. “ 

Rose Pearson, final year student, TU Dublin

Augmented reality with Trimble SiteVision

“…..the technology demonstrated was very sleek, it was extremely easy to use and makes quick work of any of the tasks given to them. The scanning technology particularly was great, especially being able to view scans right after taking them.”

“The day spent with members of KOREC was extremely insightful and enjoyable. The demonstrations they showed us offered an exciting look into the advancements of this industry and their equipment as well as the broadness of its opportunities.”

1^st/2^nd year students (TU Dublin)

Our thanks to Dr Audrey Martin, Senior Lecturer, Chair BSc Geographic Science (TU Dublin) and of course to the students who attended and were kind enough to provide some great feedback.

It was only a few weeks ago that we caught up with Sky Revolutions Company Director, Ben Gorham when Sky Revolutions became the first KOREC customer to invest in the newly launched senseFly eBee GEO. This time we’re back with Ben talking about a particularly successful week the company’s had with the Trimble X7.

Whilst picking up the new eBee from the KOREC Huntingdon office, members of the Sky Revolutions team took the time to take a closer look at a Trimble X7 3D Laser Scanner that was on site that day and immediately saw how it could contribute across the business and in particular, to an upcoming measured building survey project.

With over 20 years’ experience in construction surveying, Sky Revolutions undertakes a wide range of work and until recently carried out its measured building surveys using the traditional method of a Trimble S7 Robotic Total Station. However, already familiar with 3D laser scanning technology, they were keen to see what the X7 could deliver on the planned job of 25 measured building surveys on structures ranging in size from as small as a shed sized sports pavilion to as large as an office block with everything in between.

When we caught up with Ben, the Sky Revolutions team had successfully completed eighteen of the scans in just four days and expected to be finished in five. Ben explained, “Our aim is to deliver projects promptly and to supply our clients with data of the highest quality. The X7 has been exemplary in helping us achieve those aims. The scan speed alone has really assisted on this project as did the smart auto-calibration. We’ve had laser scanners before but the X7 is a step ahead. The argument for not buying one doesn’t really exist!”

https://skyrevolutions.co.uk/

Sky Revolutions surveyor Dave Gaffney puts the Trimble X7 through its paces

Definitely not when it comes to examining why the Trimble X7 3D Laser Scanner lends itself to the pressures of crime and collision scene investigation!

We round up the top ten reasons why the X7 delivers on key requirements.

Over the years, KOREC has enjoyed a long and informative relationship with the UK’s police forces supplying a range of survey instruments from integrated GNSS and Total Station Systems to more recently, 3D Laser Scanning technology including the groundbreaking Trimble SX10 Laser Scanning Total Station.

Crime scene and collision evidence gathering is a discipline that brings its own set of challenges. The pressure to work quickly and capture every detail of a scene, often with no chance to revisit the site later, means that the emergency services need to have 100% confidence in the reliability of their data. They need to be able to gather that information quickly and it needs to be accurate, all encompassing and sufficiently robust to stand up in a court of law. Consequently, we’ve seen a shift towards 3D Laser Scanning as the best methodology for capturing a scene as quickly and completely as possible. Additionally, this can often be done from the side of a site reducing the chances of contaminating evidence.

The latest Trimble X7 3D Laser Scanner lends itself to the unique set of challenges faced by the police in a number of ways:

• Ease of use – the learning curve for the X7 is the shortest of any scanner we’ve ever seen with our training department estimating that even a non-surveyor can be efficient in data collection within hours. This gives it a far wider range of use. Thanks to its intuitive Perspective software running on a tablet, crime and collision scene investigators can reliably collect scan data even if they have not used the instrument for several weeks.
• Fit in with your existing workflow – export formats supported include Trimble and non-Trimble software through the instrument’s new Trimble Perspective software. For example, the open .E57 format for easy importing of data straight into Leica’s Cyclone software.
• Verification of information on site – the X7’s automatic on-site registration means that officers can check that all the information they need has been collected. Often there is no chance to revisit a scene, so this feature is vital for ensuring a full and detailed survey has been completed before leaving the site.
• Survey completed and sent from the site – with registration carried out on site, the finished scan data can be sent from the field for immediate analysis. This ensures a smooth flow of information in an environment where shift work and office processing time can delay the final deliverable by days.
• Fast set up and use – the X7 can be up and running in minutes thanks to the quick release mechanism and automated survey grade self-levelling – just put the scanner down and it’s ready to go.
• Night-time benefits with easy moving and set up around the site – an IMU has been included in the X7 which calculates the new station orientation and will import new data with this orientation already applied. The registration process which follows is then much faster due to the scan already having the correct orientation- just pick it up, hold it as you wish, walk where you want and put it down. This also makes it great for night-time working because unlike other manufacturer’s scanners it is not subject to the dark/low-light condition caveats that optically based solutions are.
• ROI – auto calibration brings reliability, cost-savings and no downtime – not only is the X7 priced competitively, but users are calculating that the auto-calibration feature alone can save in excess of £3k – £4k a year because unlike other manufacturer’s scanners, the X7 does not need to be sent abroad for this process. Instead it’s done automatically, every time it’s used, with the option of a printable certificate.
• The calibration of some instruments can take up to 2-3 months requiring the hire of a replacement instrument. The X7 eliminates the need for this.
• Rain never stops play – Trimble instruments have a proven record in the rain and with its IP55 rating, the X7 is no exception.
• Highly portable –  the X7 weighs just 5.8kg and can be carried easily in a backpack.
• Excellent data quality – fast data collection plus the option of a high sensitivity mode for scanning dark vehicles etc.
• Images and annotations – Trimble Perspective software on a tablet drives the X7 and allows users to annotate, add images, tags, notes etc.

Scan data from the Trimble X7

For further information on the Trimble X7:

info@korecgroup.com

Call UK Sales: 0345 603 1214

Call Ireland Sales: 01 456 4702

For anything else, view our contact page.

KOREC is delighted to announce that following extensive behind the scenes work demonstrating our ongoing commitment to support the Esri user community, we have been recognised officially as an Esri Silver Tier Business Partner.

This new status will further strengthen the KOREC/Esri relationship allowing KOREC to offer Esri’s ArcGIS software as part of its mapping portfolio to new and existing KOREC customers.

Silver Tier status will also provide Esri UK’s customers with access to KOREC’s in-house software development team and its specialist knowledge on the integration of Trimble GNSS into Esri mobile data capture software.

Potential development for Esri clients will include everything from small tweaks to bespoke workflows based on the ArcGIS system, bringing all the power of their existing software but with customisation options for specific data capture workflows.

The Trimble Catalyst solution with a TDC600

The KOREC mapping team will also be available to assist Esri users with the integration of GNSS into their workflows with up to centimetre positional accuracy. Esri users will now have access to the most cost-effective method possible for cm accuracy by means of Trimble’s subscription based, low cost Catalyst solution.

To discuss all development requirements please contact KOREC Business Area Manager – Mapping & GIS, Richard Gauchwin on 07786 118436 or at richard.gauchwin@korecgroup.com

Or visit www.korecgroup.com/mapping

There are seven days in a week, seven colours of the rainbow, seven seas, seven continents and now Survey Solutions has seven Trimble X7’s!

Following Survey Solutions’ recent acquisition of three further survey companies, Survey Systems, Locate Surveys and Kempston Surveys,  it is now the UK’s largest engineering survey company and one that prides itself on offering ‘more than a survey’.  Survey Solutions sees investment in the latest technology as an integral part of that process and has an extensive survey fleet that reflects this forward thinking approach. Most recently this has included expanding and updating its range of 3D Laser Scanners.

With nine offices – from Scotland to Somerset – company CEO James Cooper was particularly keen to ensure that his regional teams had access to a 3D Laser Scanner that would meet their demands for high quality data, ease of use and excellent productivity in the field.  In upgrading the fleet’s older laser scanners, he was also keen to replace them with an instrument that all the surveyors and engineers would engage with. Their choice was the Trimble X7.

Seven scanners later, we caught up with Survey Solutions South East Director, Dave Bredin, who kindly shared his views on why the X7 has been such a popular addition to their survey fleet.

Top of Dave’s list was onsite registration. With seven X7’s in constant use, the increased efficiency on site and time saved in the office is considerable and a vital part in helping their clients meet important project deadlines. Dave estimates that on every job, office time is reduced by at least one third with the registered point cloud going straight in to drawing up.

The onsite registration also ensures that the Survey Solutions surveyors have total confidence in the data they have captured with the ability to check there and then that there are no gaps or missed areas. This reduces rework as well as time spent travelling back to a site if additional information is required. Tellingly, Dave says that it would be counter-productive to highlight a specific example of this function earning its keep because ‘… it’s every time on every job’!

Second on the list as a requirement for any laser scanner to be used nationwide was ease of use. With a large number of surveyors having access to the instruments it was vital that they could pick up the workflow quickly, with minimal training and have total confidence in their ability to collect high quality data from the off.

Dave reports that aside from the sensible pricing of the X7, there are many features that make it a perfect fit for the Survey Solutions’ fleet. These include it being easily carried in a backpack (many jobs in his SE area are undertaken in central London), the auto-calibration and self-levelling functions that ensure greater productivity on site and the Trimble RealWorks processing and analysis software that handles and combines data from different sensors. However, the real proof of an instrument’s contribution to a fleet is how it’s perceived by those who use it every day. Dave concludes, “The mark of a good piece of kit is the feedback from the surveyors who actually use it and every one of our surveyors loves it! Clearly the advancements in the Trimble X7 represent the next step in laser scanning technology and the X7’s easy to use and productive workflow is highly beneficial to both ourselves and our clients. It certainly ticks all the boxes for Survey Solutions.”

It’s always interesting for us here at KOREC to see what sort of reception a new product gets and we have to say the Trimble TSC5 Android data logger has certainly had its fair share of coverage on social media since its March launch. We’ve had everything from the Trimble ‘data logger evolution’ picture to some really useful feedback and opinion from all over the world.

Rather than reproduce a Trimble press release, we’ve decided to keep things fresh with a few bullet points and hot off the press feedback from those who’ve aleady been lucky enought to get their hands on a TSC5…and they don’t all agree!

The six stand out features of the TSC5 commented on by our KOREC customers:

• A bright, anti-glare, 5-inch touchscreen for finger, stylus, or glove (Paul Williams appreciates that the sceen is bright but not blinding)
  
• Backlit alphanumeric keypad (Ted Harland loves the keyboard and a light coming on for the caps lock)
  
• Long lasting battery (Ted says he got a 9 hour day out of his TSC5 battery and still had 50% in the tank!)
  
• Rugged and reliable, and built to military specs and IP65 rating (You may have seen a video of the TSC5 fully immersed in a river – we don’t recommend you ever try this at home, but the TSC5 in the film emerged in full working order!)
  
• Android system that runs the latest Trimble Access field software and many apps including those for data storage (Jack Brittain likes the fact he no longer needs a USB)
  
• Light and thin form factor (Paul likes the one handed use and Ted the handy side strap)

Straight from the site – early customer feedback

“At Tri-Tech we embrace the latest technology and innovation and today I’ve been out stretching the legs of of one of our new Trimble TSC5 controllers paired with a Trimble R12i. A real step up in performance in so many ways from the much loved workhorse that is the TSC3. The TSC5 is lightweight, fast and seems very durable so far, so hopefully it will stand the test of time like the TSC3 has. It’s light but powerful and the hand strap on the side is a useful thing as is the protective ridge around the screen. They keyboard is great and I love that the light comes on with the caps lock. The fact that it’s Android is also useful because that means we have access to all the data storage apps as well such as Google Drive and Dropbox and dfx and dwg viewers. You’d need a USB C if you’re not using the data storage apps.  The battery life is also impressive. I was out yesterday, used it for around 9 hours and still had 50% left in the tank!

I’m still getting used to the screen because normally I use this version of Android on a larger one so would definitely recommend the stylus, at least initially.

I liked the TSC7 and I like the TSC3 but the TSC5 is a a great bit of kit and makes good business sense as and when we upgrade. All the team are looking forward to using it. Thank you to the KOREC Group and Amanda Bradshaw for getting the kit to us so promptly – great service as always.”

Ted Harland, Director, Tri-Tech

Ted has been trialling the TSC5 with his Trimble R12i

“I used the TSC5 the other day paired with Trimble’s R12i GNSS and noted some good improvements from the previous TSC3. The new Android system is exactly what was needed, this completely eliminates our use of USB’s as we can now directly download and then upload our data directly to our Google Drive system so all our information is accessible at any time. Another good improvement is the keyboard, I like how it is set out and with the LED’s that light up when you press the caps lock for example. Although it would be nice if the screen could fill the whole area, I’m not sure if that is physically possible. Overall I think it is a great logger and is a superb upgrade from the TSC3.”

Jack Brittain, Engineering Surveyor, Tri-Tech

Jack Brittain does the unboxing!

“Finally got my hands on the new Trimble TSC5 today and….I love it!

The TSC7 is nice but I found it a bit too big for running around with. The TSC5 is thinner, lighter, very quicker and it’s easy to see what’s going on with a screen that doesn’t blind you. It also has a narrower neck so you can reach everything you need with a single hand. The TSC5 is a great addition to the range.”

Paul Williams, Director at Survey Dimensions Ltd

Paul Williams rates the form factor of the new TSC5