‘Ubiquitous sensors rip a deluge of data from the world around us,’ said spatial business industry leader Richard Simpson in his keynote address to the Maptek users conference in Brisbane today.
‘This digital content makes the intangible more tangible and vastly improves our knowledge of our world. Through this ‘reality mirror’ 3D spatial visualisation becomes a lens to reveal greater evidential qualities that can drive our decision making with higher levels of confidence,’ Simpson added.
Confident decision making relies on maximising the use of data collected throughout the mining value chain. This is the underlying theme of the 3-day technical conference for Maptek customers.
Investing in new technology and embracing innovation play a key role in helping miners to cope with the rapidly changing operating environment.
‘Sophisticated capture systems are recording information to build “virtual” mines that contain billions of data points. Mining companies need accurate data. They also need tools that drill down through the data to focus on information that can be analysed to make each shift productive,’ said Peter Johnson, General Manager, Maptek Australia.
‘This is where Maptek comes in. For more than 30 years Maptek has been working with industry to develop technology that helps miners resolve their unique issues – to get the right information, in the right way at the right time to make the right decisions.’
‘Ever since we’ve been able to collect, model and analyse data in a 3D environment – starting with Vulcan in the 1980s and now with I-Site, BlastLogic, PerfectDig and Eureka – the challenge has been to use that data effectively. Massive databases require more than RAM, they need clever technology that allows the user’s intuition to be given full rein.’
Current industry conditions make it more important than ever for Maptek to focus on delivering exceptional value. With mining in our DNA, Maptek is well placed to continue to improve productivity by pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.
About Richard Simpson
Cutting edge spatial technologies and 3D visualisation are common threads running through Richard Simpson’s more than 25 year career in telecommunications, water, energy, technology, architecture and politics. Richard has led some of the largest international digital urban infrastructure projects undertaken in cities such as Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bangkok. He serves on the executive committee of the International Society of Digital Earth (ISDE), which involves leading space agencies and research centres in a big-science initiative for mathematical modelling of the earth’s systems akin to what the Human Genome project is to DNA. Richard chairs the ISDE’s working committee on Digital Cities and co-edited a book on the subject in 2012. He led a 3D visualisation initiative with South East Water in Melbourne that won the International Water Association’s coveted award for innovation in 2012. Earlier this year, Richard was appointed the CEO of SIBA Queensland. SIBA (Spatial Industries Business Association) is the peak body for the spatial industries and represents private sector members from across the spectrum of professional services, tool vendors, and enabling infrastructure providers.
About Maptek
Founded over 30 years ago, Maptek™ is a leading provider of innovative software, hardware and services for the global mining industry. Maptek products are in use at more than 1700 sites in more than 70 countries. Products cover the whole mining cycle from exploration to reclamation. Vulcan™ is one of the world’s longest standing 3D mine planning and modelling packages. I-Site™ is an integrated hardware and software system for 3D laser scanning, surveying and imaging. PerfectDig is an augmented reality system used to evaluate and support design conformance. BlastLogic™ is intelligent 3D drillhole validation and load design software, and Eureka™ provides an interactive 3D environment for visualising and interpreting geophysical and seismic data.