Tag: technology

Hexagon acquires Volume Graphics for smart factories

Hexagon AB, which offers sensor, software and autonomous solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire Volume Graphics, a specialist in industrial computed tomography (CT) software.

Volume Graphics brings more than 20 years of experience in non-destructive inspection and testing software development. The company’s high-end analysis and visualization CT software enables manufacturers to produce three-dimensional external and internal representations of scanned objects.

Using CT, they’re able to “see” inside the complicated structures of components, otherwise inaccessible with traditional inspection methods. This allows hidden or hard to reach internal features to be measured and inspected for dimensional deviations and flaws without destroying the parts and compromising the integrity of the data in the process.

“Volume Graphics offers an invaluable toolset for leveraging CT data across many use cases — from flaw detection and failure analysis to reverse engineering applications,” said Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén. “We look forward to merging our capabilities so that customers can ensure the highest product quality throughout product development and production. Additionally, industrial CT scanning is fast becoming a critical asset to manufacturers as more and more industries embrace additive manufacturing. The addition of CT software capabilities strengthens our portfolio in this growth area.”

Today, a broad range of global customers from the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries use Volume Graphics software for quality assurance.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, Volume Graphics employs around 160 people worldwide. Subsidiaries in Japan, Singapore, China and the U.S., supplemented by an extensive reseller network, deliver its software to customers in more than 50 countries.

Volume Graphics will operate as part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division. Completion of the transaction (closing) is subject to regulatory approvals. 2018 sales amounted to 25 MEUR.

November 25, 2019
Pointfuse launches simple BIM solution for facilities management

Photo: Pointfuse

Pointfuse has developed smart software that automates the identification and classification of objects for facilities management applications using data from mobile mapping systems like the new Leica BLK2GO.

Pointfuse software converts the millions of individual measurements captured by laser scanning and photogrammetry into useable 3D mesh models. The unique ability to classify objects within Pointfuse, both automatically and manually, has already had a huge impact on how as-built data is used within design and construction. It can now realize real time records for space utilization and optimization projects, reducing costs and speeding workflows within facilities management.

The Leica BLK2GO. (Photo: Leica Geosystems)

Pointfuse Simple BIM (sBIM) leverages the core functionality of Pointfuse — the segmented mesh model; automatically converting classified mesh models into “family” groups, such as walls, floors, doors, windows, etc. for use with popular downstream BIM and FM software. Pointfuse sBIM data can then be exported as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) parametrized objects and 2D floors plans and space management reports easily derived. Pointfuse sBIM also automatically calculates quantities, areas and dimensions in an easy to read PDF report.

“This ability to convert classified objects into family place holders has a huge impact on how as-built data is used within a Scan2BIM workflow with the potential for a real return on investment for facilities and space management applications,” said Mark Senior, regional sales director at Pointfuse. “The combination of ease and speed of data capture, as offered by modern hand-held indoor mapping systems like the newly launched Leica BLK2GO, with the automation of Pointfuse processing will release the potential of laser scanning across this sector.”

Pointfuse sBIM was developed in response to a large scale client opportunity that saw the scanning of millions of square feet of facilities with the final deployment of data in Archibus facilities management software using Autodesk Revit as a bridge. Early testing identified that 3D was as quick to create as traditional 2D workflows and exported data is in the region of hundreds of Kbs compared to the Gb volumes of the original point cloud. Taking the process one step further Pointfuse provides an accurate record of the as-built scene by allowing users to create Hybrid meshes combining Pointfuse models with the sBIM IFC container.

Pointfuse will be showcasing the sBIM functionality at the Autodesk University (AU) Expo which takes place Nov. 19-21 at the Sand Expo Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada.

November 21, 2019
Pointfuse launches simple BIM solution for facilities management

Photo: Pointfuse

Pointfuse has developed smart software that automates the identification and classification of objects for facilities management applications using data from mobile mapping systems like the new Leica BLK2GO.

Pointfuse software converts the millions of individual measurements captured by laser scanning and photogrammetry into useable 3D mesh models. The unique ability to classify objects within Pointfuse, both automatically and manually, has already had a huge impact on how as-built data is used within design and construction. It can now realize real time records for space utilization and optimization projects, reducing costs and speeding workflows within facilities management.

The Leica BLK2GO. (Photo: Leica Geosystems)

Pointfuse Simple BIM (sBIM) leverages the core functionality of Pointfuse — the segmented mesh model; automatically converting classified mesh models into “family” groups, such as walls, floors, doors, windows, etc. for use with popular downstream BIM and FM software. Pointfuse sBIM data can then be exported as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) parametrized objects and 2D floors plans and space management reports easily derived. Pointfuse sBIM also automatically calculates quantities, areas and dimensions in an easy to read PDF report.

“This ability to convert classified objects into family place holders has a huge impact on how as-built data is used within a Scan2BIM workflow with the potential for a real return on investment for facilities and space management applications,” said Mark Senior, regional sales director at Pointfuse. “The combination of ease and speed of data capture, as offered by modern hand-held indoor mapping systems like the newly launched Leica BLK2GO, with the automation of Pointfuse processing will release the potential of laser scanning across this sector.”

Pointfuse sBIM was developed in response to a large scale client opportunity that saw the scanning of millions of square feet of facilities with the final deployment of data in Archibus facilities management software using Autodesk Revit as a bridge. Early testing identified that 3D was as quick to create as traditional 2D workflows and exported data is in the region of hundreds of Kbs compared to the Gb volumes of the original point cloud. Taking the process one step further Pointfuse provides an accurate record of the as-built scene by allowing users to create Hybrid meshes combining Pointfuse models with the sBIM IFC container.

Pointfuse will be showcasing the sBIM functionality at the Autodesk University (AU) Expo which takes place Nov. 19-21 at the Sand Expo Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada.

November 21, 2019
Touch GIS app for iPhone and iPad now available
Photo: Touch GIS

Touch GIS has released the Touch GIS app for iPhone and iPad. Users can explore the app’s features with a free 14-day trial.

Touch GIS offers professional-grade field data collection and visualization. It takes advantage of devices already used by many people, making field data collection easy and convenient, the company said.

Features include:
- an intuitive interface
- offline capabilities
- map caching
- robust file support
- customizable attribute forms
- preloaded feature class templates
Users can collect point, line and polygon features, as well as create custom feature classes.

File types supported include Shapefile, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, GPX and CSV (Export).

Custom Forms:
– Description
– Date & Time
– Photo
– List Of Values
– Checkbox
– Address
– Number
– Website
– Phone Number

Preloaded Feature Classes:
– Forestry
– Geology
– Real Estate
– Stream Surveys
– Water Infrastructure
– Wetlands
– Create Your Own!

Download the app to start a free trial.
November 12, 2019
Epson offers SureColor T3170x compact printer
Photo: Epson

Epson has launched the Epson SureColor T3170x 24-inch wide-format wireless printer. Engineered to enhance workflow, the new model in the SureColor T-Series product line offers cartridge-free printing in a clean, space-saving design.

The new, easy-to-fill, refillable ink tanks eliminate time spent purchasing and changing ink cartridges. Ideal for low-cost POP and education posters, as well as blueprints and line drawings up to 24 inches, the SureColor T3170x produces accurate, A1/D-size prints in 34 seconds.

“This SureColor T3170x joins the popular T-Series line that delivers powerful printing solutions for many industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, creative professionals and graphic design,” said Matt Kochanowski, product manager, professional imaging, Epson America. “The new refillable ink tank design provides greater flexibility and productivity for workgroups — taking away the worry of changing ink cartridges and lowering running costs — while also delivering the advanced features and space-saving design our customers expect.”

The SureColor T3170x leverages an Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Precision Droplet Control to produce output with crisp lines and outstanding clarity. Whether printing from a roll or the Auto Sheet Feeder, the 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen makes tasks simple and intuitive, and integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, allows users to easily print from virtually anywhere in the office using a tablet or smartphone.

Additional product features include:
- Cartridge-free printing – High-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop for easy, mess-free filling
- Ultra-fast print speeds – A1/D-size prints in as fast as 34 seconds
- Low running costs – Ink included in the box can print a substantial number of posters or technical drawings
- Easy to operate – Large, intuitive 4.3-inch color LCD screen simplifies print tasks
- Compact, clean design – Ultra-small footprint,4 and sleek, minimal design enhances workspaces; easily fits on a desktop or on its own with optional stand, sold separately
- Print from virtually anywhere in the office – Easily print from tablets, smartphones and more with integrated wireless plus router-free Wi-Fi Direct printing
- Outstanding image quality – PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with Precision Droplet Control for outstanding clarity, plus commercial-grade reliability with Nozzle Verification Technology
- Versatile media handling – Accommodates rolls up to 24-inch wide and sheets up to 11”x17” through the auto sheet feeder
- Precise, sharp details – Print posters, blueprints, line drawings, and more up to 2400 dpi
- Easy setup – Get up and running out of the box in as quickly as 30 minutes
Availability

The SureColor T3170x 24-inch wireless printer will be available through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers in December 2019. The SureColor T3170x offers a standard Epson PreferredSM Limited Warranty, a one-year program that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday. The Epson SureColor T3170x is designed to work exclusively with Epson ink. For additional information, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.
November 5, 2019
New Soar platform gives public real-time views of world events

Chicago freeze. (Photo: Soar)

Satellite imagery company Soar is now allowing public access to its satellites that provide near-real time imagery all across Earth at 10-meter resolution per pixel.

Both the public and the media will now be able to see high-definition aerial views of anywhere on Earth to observe events as they happen. This includes but is not limited to environmental disasters such as wildfires, tsunamis, hurricanes and drought.

Governments will also be able to monitor activities such as the protests in Hong Kong, or illegal mining or deforestation.

Developed by geospatial experts, the map sources satellite images from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel, NASA’s Landsat feeds and the SuperView and Gaofen satellites.

As well as satellite content, the super-map will integrate imagery sourced from drone owners (drone pilots) around the world, who can earn passive income as the value of their imagery becomes realized. They can thus become a one-stop-shop for the collection, distribution, and monetization of mapping imagery from different sensors.

“The problem Soar is solving is that almost 80 percent of all mapping imagery is currently accessed through just one channel, which is, for the most part, reserved mostly for niche commercial use,” said Soar founder and CEO Amir Farhand. “In many cases, the general public only has access to resources that are not updated as frequently. Soar addresses these limitations by generating dynamic, ever-changing data on our platform.”

“Imagery taken by a drone user can be uploaded to social media, and may attract a few likes, or will sit idle on a hard drive,” Farhand said. “The same image uploaded to Soar contributes content to the seeding of the super-map, providing value to a global community, as well as generating income for the drone pilot.”

Soar’s Head of Growth, Tim Glover added, “Imagine if we could re-use that imagery in a way that was totally authentic, collaborative and most importantly, accessible to all. Soar allows anyone to view the Earth from above, meaning it’s easy to observe things like environmental changes, including drought, melting ice caps, industrial growth, natural disasters like volcano eruptions, just to name a few uses. The aim of Soar is to enable anyone to explore and discover our ever-changing world.”

With almost 10 petabytes of data already acquired, Soar is planning additional imagery as part of their growth strategy. Soar has already received several partnership requests from multinational organizations with excess satellite, aerial and drone content from across the globe.

In the near future, the platform will also feature additional data streams from higher resolution satellites, aerial imagery providers and both commercial and recreational drone operators globally.

The use of Soar is suitable for a wide range of industries and applications including agriculture, environmental, logistics, mining and insurance. However, since its beta launch in late 2018, the largest area of growth has been news and social media as users share imagery of landscape events from around the world.

Soar was founded in 2017 by Amir Farhand, an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of geospatial expertise. The Soar leadership team is headed by Chairman Guy Perkins, former co-founder of aerial imaging companies NearMap and Spookfish. Other key managers come from a wide range of industry sectors with varying backgrounds, including the Australian Special Forces, United States Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Rio Tinto, NBCUniversal and Amblin Entertainment.

To view Soar’s platform, visit soar.earth

October 25, 2019
EOS platform offers worldwide satellite imagery
EOS has partnered with four high-resolution imagery providers — Airbus Defense and Space, SI Imaging Services, SpaceWill and 21AT — so users can purchase the latest images directly from LandViewer, the official high-resolution data reseller, or view the images of an area of interest in high resolution on the map.

LandViewer collects the latest up-to-date satellite imagery from commercial satellite providers and incorporates it into an easy-to-use platform. The collection is constantly being improved with new sensors.

LandViewer offers two data sources of commercial imagery:
- High-resolution imagery (for analytics), to find and purchase high-resolution images for further in-depth analysis. In this case, the price is based on the size of the area of intersection between the selected image and your area of interest (AOI).
Image from Landviewer for analytics. (Image: EOS)
- High-resolution imagery (view only) to view high-resolution images for your area of interest (AOI). In this case, the price is based on the number of tiles within your AOI. The view only option is designed as a stand-alone data source for the everyday business user.
Image from Landviewer (view only). (Image: EOS)

The EOS platform uses commercial imagery from LandViewer with a resolution between 0.3 meter and 1.5 meters, enabling a close look at assets of interest, anywhere in the world.
September 12, 2019
Pointfuse laser scanning software transforms digital construction workflows

A design mesh. (Photo: Pointfuse)

Pointfuse has released the latest version of its advanced point cloud processing software that converts the millions of individual measurements captured by laser scanning and photogrammetry.

Featuring new streamlined classification to ensure maximum efficiency and multicore processing for unlimited conversion power, the new version of Pointfuse is set to transform workflows within digital construction, facilities management and virtual design applications.

“Pointfuse is designed to make the use of point cloud data more accessible by removing many of the traditional barriers to use,” said Mark Senior, regional sales director at Pointfuse. “Obstacles such as processing time and computer power, incompatibility within existing workflows and outputs files that are large and complex; these have all been obliterated with the latest Pointfuse release.”

Pointfuse now includes a new streamlined workflow which makes object classification easy, using templates and shortcuts to ensure maximum efficiency. This ability to classify objects within Pointfuse has had a huge impact on how as-built data is utilized within digital design workflows; being able to quickly compare specific as-built objects with the design enables more accurate clash detection, reducing the number of false clashes being flagged.

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes — an open format data model that is intended to describe architectural, building and construction industry data) templates can also be created and edited for specific applications. With applications including architectural, MEP and HVAC, selected objects can be classified and mapped to ensure compatibility with onward workflows.

Pointfuse also includes a new conversion engine which uses multicore processing to manage and enable unlimited point cloud conversion to provide real scalability. In addition, Pointfuse’s mesh models are intelligently optimized, reducing the working data size by a factor of up to 100, making them easy to share with online 3D collaboration platforms, such as BIM 360, 3D Repo, Revitzo and Trimble Connect.

“Using Pointfuse we can create intelligent 3D mesh models in a fraction of the time,” commented Ben Callan, BIM coordinator in global construction services company ISG’s UK Fit Out business. “This accelerated modelling and reduced risk of error contributes to a direct reduction in costs when compared against traditional methods of modelling and point cloud data analysis. The easy to use, easy to consume outputs are also paving the way for new applications of the data including existing versus design clash avoidance and checks of temporary works against required construction activities.”

September 12, 2019
Bentley Systems to cover smart city technology at Intergeo 2019

At Intergeo 2019, Bentley Systems will be focusing on digital construction, digital cities, reality modeling and civil design. (Photo: iStock.com/alexsl)

Bentley Systems will be focusing on smart cities, specifically digital twins for digitally advanced smart cities and other technology solutions, at Intergeo 2019, which will take place Sept. 17-19 in Stuttgart, Germany.

During the show, the company will offer demonstrations and discuss digital construction, digital cities, reality modeling and civil design. In the realm of digital construction, Bentley Systems will cover the use of a mixed reality solution for 4D construction featuring Bentley’s SYNCHRO (4D construction software) with Microsoft HoloLens.

The company also will demonstrate how its OpenCities Planner software enables visualization of 2D, 3D and GIS data in a 3D world. Bentley colleagues will discuss how OpenCities Planner’s capabilities combined with Bentley’s reality modeling offerings make city-scale digital twins broadly accessible, the company said.

In addition, the company will key in on reality modeling, including the process of capturing the physical reality of an infrastructure asset, creating a representation of it and maintaining it through continuous surveys. Bentley experts also will demonstrate the use of ContextCapture, which enables users to generate spatially-classified and engineering-ready reality models at any desired level of accuracy and scale, including entire cities.

Finally, the company will discuss how civil design can be made better though its open applications, including OpenRoads, OpenSite and OpenRail.

During the show, Robert Mankowski, vice president of Bentley Systems’ Digital Cities Business Unit, will present a keynote on Sept. 18 titled, “The Digitally Advanced City: Trusted Information Whenever and Wherever Needed.” Håkan Engman, business development director of reality modeling at Bentley Systems, also will present a spot talk on Sept. 19 titled, “Digital Transformation for Increased Efficiency and Sustainability.”

Bentley Systems will be in Hall 3 at booth A3.010 at Intergeo.

August 28, 2019
Satellite space sensor to measure coastal and ocean ecosystems

Hyperspectral imagery of U.S. East Coast. (Image: NOAA)

Raytheon will build the Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) sensor under a contract from the University of New Hampshire. GLIMR, NASA’s selected Earth Venture Instrument-5 investigation, will be NASA’s first hyperspectral imager in geostationary (GEO) orbit.

Hyperspectral imaging collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum including visible light, infrared and ultraviolet frequencies to create a highly detailed view of physical and biological conditions in coastal waters.

The instrument will provide high-sensitivity, high-spatial and high-temporal resolution measurements of coastal and ocean ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico, parts of the southeastern U.S. coastline and the Amazon River plume.

Decision-makers will use the GLIMR data to respond rapidly to natural and manmade coastal water disasters, such as harmful algae blooms and oil spills. It will also help improve the coastal ecosystem’s sustainability and resource management.

“GLIMR will collect the sharpest and most colorful view of physical and biological conditions in coastal waters ever seen from GEO,” said Jeff Puschell, GLIMR instrument scientist and principal engineering fellow at Raytheon Space Systems. “A hyperspectral imager is essential technology to capture new insight about our changing coastal ecosystems.”

The University of New Hampshire is NASA’s lead organization for the GLIMR contract. The instrument will launch aboard its host spacecraft in the 2026-2027 timeframe. Its data will be available to scientists, researchers and educators around the world.

August 26, 2019
Topcon to demo BIM, construction technology at Intergeo 2019

Topcon Positioning Group will be showcasing its vertical construction, construction management, and structural health and inspection technology at Intergeo 2019. (Photo: Topcon)

Topcon Positioning Group will be demonstrating its technology offerings across vertical construction, construction management, and structural health and inspection at Intergeo 2019.

Topcon will present its new building information modeling (BIM) technology at the show, which includes the Topcon vertical construction workflow. The Topcon vertical construction work flow includes the Laser Scanning Robotic Total Station GTL-1000, MAGNET Collage and ClearEdge3D Verity software.

According to the company, the full workflow is designed to offer a powerful instrument for single-operator layout and scan on a single set up. It will also be releasing new innovative digital layout solutions alongside the GTL-1000 to enhance the VC portfolio and widen the options available to customers for this critical task.

Topcon will also be showcasing its inspection, assessment and monitoring solutions, which are designed to keep infrastructure assets in operation by providing reporting tools for site engineers and monitoring structural health.

Topcon added that it will be demonstrating its GTL-1000 and accompanying software MAGNET and ClearEdge3D Verity at the show. Its booth will also feature interactive displays that will provide virtual looks at job sites.

“Productivity is a huge talking point in our industry, so this year at Intergeo we’re proving that Topcon is always one step ahead, working in partnership with the construction and infrastructure sectors to provide solutions and products to address the big issues,” said Ian Stilgoe, vice president of Geopositioning Europe at Topcon Positioning Group. “Whether it’s quicker, simpler verification, or smart inspection and monitoring of aging assets, the need for digital innovation is greater than ever.”

Topcon’s demonstrations will be taking place at its booth, F3.013, in hall 3.

August 20, 2019
NavTechGPS offers GNSS and INS courses in New Orleans

NavtechGPS is offering the following multi-day training sessions on GNSS/GPS technology in New Orleans this December. Both courses will take place at the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel.

Photo: InterContinental New Orleans Hotel

Dec. 9-12 (4 days)
Course 346: GPS/GNSS Operations for Engineers and Technical Professionals
Instructor: Dr. Chris Hegarty, MITRE

Take this 4-day course to gain a comprehensive understanding of GPS/GNSS system concepts, design and operation, including information on GPS signal processing by the receiver; techniques by which GPS obtains position, velocity and time and a brief introduction to differential GPS (DGPS) and Kalman filtering.

Dec. 9-13 (5 days)
Course 557: Inertial Systems, Kalman Filtering and GPS/INS Integration
Instructors: Dr. Alan Pue, Johns Hopkins, APL; Mr. Michael Vaujin, Aerospace, Navigation & Defense Consultant.

Expanded to a full five full days based on attendee requests, this course on GPS-aided navigation will thoroughly immerse you in the fundamental concepts and practical implementations of the various types of Kalman filters that optimally fuse GPS receiver measurements with a strapdown inertial navigation solution. The course includes the fundamentals of inertial navigation, inertial instrument technologies, technology surveys and trends, integration architectures, practical Kalman filter design techniques, case studies, and illustrative demonstrations using MATLAB.

Five fulls days allow for a fuller and detailed development of the design of an aided navigation system, combined with a detailed discussion of the use of lower quality IMUs, and advanced filtering techniques.

For more information, visit the NavtechGPS website.

August 14, 2019