Nottingham, UK, 27 September 2011 – A South African company is pioneering the latest laser scanning technology with plans to mount high speed scanners on a variety of mobile platforms including a gyrocopter, 4×4’s and even a golf cart. Supplied by 3D Laser Mapping, the Riegl VZ-400 will be used by Land and Marine Surveys, a survey company based in Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for traditional terrestrial scanning, mobile data capture and the production of design-quality graphics.
“Our R&D on mobile scanning goes back to 2008, where we had previously tried other devices on our survey vessel, the back of our utility van as well as on a gyrocopter,” commented Clint Marx of Land and Marine Surveys (LMS). “They worked adequately but with lots of noise (interference). When we tried the VZ-400, we saw spectacular results and very little to no noise. The range is another huge advantage, as is the integrated camera.”
The VZ-400 utilises unique echo digitisation and online waveform analysis to achieve superior performance and accuracies of measurement, even under adverse weather conditions. Achieving accuracies of 5mm at ranges of up to 600 metres the VZ-400 can measure up to 122,000 points per second with a 100 x 360-degree field of view. The evaluation of multiple targets combined with a reliable, robust and lightweight construction makes the VZ-400 ideally suited to civil engineering, city modelling and architectural projects, for example.
LMS will be using the VZ-400 for both static and mobile survey work, scanning from the land, sea and air. The device will be mounted on a variety of platforms, including their own 4×4 survey vehicle, golf cart, trolley, gyrocopter, helicopter and survey boat. “You name it, we will mount it!” added Marx. LMS has also started working with a digital media company supplying high resolution images and 3D data for use in promotions, movies, advertising, animation, graphics and other media projects.
“The VZ-400 gives us the flexibility we require and that cannot, in our opinion, be found elsewhere,” concluded Marx, “and the levels of service and support we have received from 3D Laser Mapping have been exceptional. Our local representative has extensive knowledge and is dedicated to his work. I know I can call him at any time for advice.”
About 3D Laser Mapping
3D Laser Mapping is a global developer of laser scanning solutions for sectors such as mapping, mining and manufacturing. 3D Laser Mapping specialises in integrating laser scanning hardware with their own software and peripherals to create solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Through a worldwide network of distributors 3D Laser Mapping is able to provide frontline support and service for a growing international client base. 3D Laser Mapping is also the Riegl Premier Distributor for the UK, Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa and the leading distributor of TerraScan software. For further information see www.3dlasermapping.com
About Land and Marine Surveys
Land and Marine Surveys, although a relatively new company, builds on 19 years of experience. A small hi-tech survey company with experience and resources to suit a wide variety of client needs, including land and marine surveys. With global reach every corner of the earth is accessible and when a specialised service with specialised equipment is required strategic alliances are in place. L&M Surveys is one of the few companies in the world that can supply an in-house High Definition 3D solution from the land, sea or air – mapping what is above and below the water line. For further information see www.lmsurveys.co.za