Connected Construction

Greater GPS accuracy suggests closer tolerances for surveying and machine control functions What happens in the future for GPS surveying and machine control could depend on satellite choice and signals. Right now there are around 30 satellites in orbit, largely built by the US, but by 2012 that could rise to 120 as Europe, China, India and Russia fully enter the market. A chequered history has faced the European's Galileo system. At long last, the finance appears to be in place and the European Commission a

Riegl says that its innovative laser scanners allow accurate 3D mapping from the air or on-road. The system uses high-speed laser pulses to capture millimetre accurate measurements at ranges of up to 500m. The scanners offer online full-waveform analysis, digital processing and high data capture rates, according to the firm. With scanning rates up to 100 scans/second and pulse repetition rates up to 200 Hz the range is said to offer multiple, unlimited target capability. A range of additional options includ

New software from Mayrise Systems is designed to allow local authorities to improve street works. Contractors use permits to restrict works to fixed dates and conditions and the latest version of the Mayrise Street Works software allows better scheduling of operations. The package can be used to manage notices, updates and the tracking of works status with automated alerts on over-running work. It also offers integrated MapNow mapping to provide a quick visual works locator, geographic sites analysis and fo

Leica Geosystems is broadening its site monitoring technology with the introduction of the GeoMoS package. This can be linked to the firm's existing GNSS Spider software to offer an array of TPS and GNSS monitoring tools. Combined, these tools provide a web-based service for visualisation and analysis of monitoring. Authorised users can access a monitoring project using a web browser, pocket PC or mobile phone. Using the GeoMoS Web service, graphs and views can be customised and be tailored to the needs of

Aerial survey specialist Bluesky is funding research into the development and use of a new system to map the UK’s cities and towns at night. Bluesky has teamed up with the University of Leicester to look at solutions using new high sensitivity camera sensor technology. Mounted on survey aircraft, the new system can record the location of street lights, illuminated road signs and other night-time sources of light. This can deliver an accurate resource for asset inventories, light pollution assessment and ene

New software and GIS innovations will help boost construction efficiency - Mike Woof reports Major software suppliers continue to develop their technology and offer new products to the market. Major developments from leading firms will help improve operations for contractors in many segments of the construction industry, from initial design and planning through to maintenance. Version 8 of the well-known ARCADY program for assessment of roundabout capacity is just released by UK transport research and soft

The latest construction software developments can speed the construction process overall, Adrian Greeman reports Construction software is by its very nature a very fast moving technology, with new systems coming to the market almost continuously. There are some key developments however, such as major new product launches and market trends. One of the most important developments in the road design sector is the launch of the Bentley Systems V8i versions of its software, including its road design applications

Advanced imaging capability has been added to the Leica ScanStation C10 laser scanner. The new option consists of a direct digital camera mount on the ScanStation C10 scanner and tight, automated integration of external camera images into the scanner’s on-board controller and data storage system. Cyclone v7.4 supports the new option.

Measurement Devices Ltd (MDL) claims its innovative new miniature laser technology could revolutionise mobile phone development. Weighing only 43grams and measuring just 36x39x20mms, the MDL micro laser module (MLM) is said to give mobiles eye-safe laser measurement capability. Powered by a standard USB connector the tiny MLM, believed by MDL to be the smallest in the world, is said to require less than 70mA to make hundreds of measurements a second of objects within a 120m radius. The technology is now bei

US-based BedRock Software has announced the release of a new version of its AggFlow software package that adds the capability to simulate the operation of mobile crushing and screening plant. The company has initially worked with Powerscreen's line of crushing and screening equipment but other manufacturers' data will be added. "As we build our track-mounted data library this will be an important and revolutionary development for the industry," said BedRock president Bryan Lewis. The AggFlow system for fix