Lowcock Builders is a 4th generation family-owned construction business based in Bowen, Queensland. Specialising in commercial builds, director Jack Lowcock explains how deploying surveying and machine control technology has helped to streamline workflows and increase accuracy on recent projects. The company invested in Topcon’s LN-150 robotic total station to enable fast, accurate set out of designs without the need to offset from PDF plans or create profiles. “Before the Topcon total station we had a manual instrument that you needed two people to operate,” Jack said. “The LN-150 is much more user friendly as a fully robotic, one-person setup.” With Topcon’s FC-6000 field controller running MAGNET Field software, the Topcon LN-150 solution uses optical positioning technology to set-out
Act now to secure upgrades for your 3G devices and avoid service disruption. Australia’s 3G networks are being retired to enable faster rollout of 4G and 5G services. 3G was rolled out in 2003 (20 years ago!). At the time it was considered to support ground-breaking data and network speeds. 1.1 to 20Mbps download and upload speeds from 300kbps to 3Mbps. In contrast, the more modern 4G network offers download speeds of 10Mbps up to a speed cap of 100Mbps. Upload speeds are typically between 1 to 40Mb. The communication method 3G towers use consumes a lot more available radio spectrum per tower than the more modern 4G and 5G towers. The overuse of the available radio spectrum
Automation and positioning technology specialist, Aptella (formerly Position Partners), introduces Fixposition, a Swiss startup renowned for its groundbreaking Vision-RTK 2 This advanced positioning solution increases accuracy through the integration of Real Time Kinematic (RTK)-corrected Global Navigation Satellite Signal (GNSS), computer vision and inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology. The IGNSS 2024 Conference in Sydney provided an ideal platform for presenting Fixposition’s cutting-edge sensor fusion technology to the Australian market. Attended by academics, government officials, and industry leaders, IGNSS facilitated meaningful discussions on fortifying Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems for enhanced robustness, reliability, and security. “We are honoured to represent Fixposition and offer customers an exciting combined PNT solution at such incredible value. We expect it to be a
Gone are the days that plumbers need to rely on stringlines and manual set-out methods. Digital construction technology enables users to work in their design plans without the need to offset and scale off PDFs. According to Lorne Janssen, Project Manager at Axis, “Our Topcon systems give us more control over delivering projects accurately, with a digital record of as-builts.” Axis has embraced digital set-out technology in recent years, deploying a fleet of Topcon GT robotic total stations in the business. Recent Queensland projects include Brisbane’s Queens Wharf and the Gatton Correctional Centre, where Topcon technology was used throughout to ensure the jobs were completed accurately to design. Axis completed all initial civil and ground service work on
Design…Engineer…Construct! (DEC) Challenge! This year, the focus is on Rail and we’re calling on industry leaders to join us in shaping the future of sustainable travel. The Challenge From the first steam-powered locomotives to today’s high-speed trains, railways have always been at the forefront of innovation and are a marvel of engineering – connecting continents, powering economies and transforming societies throughout history. Today’s design, engineering and construction professionals are creating more sustainable ways of travelling worldwide – pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly design and technology to reduce the carbon footprint of travel and preserve natural resources and biodiversity. Caring for our planet has never been more important, so we’re challenging secondary school teams (age 11-16) to design a NET ZERO rail
With Aptella’s expanding global footprint and the growth of our operations into Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, New Zealand, it is timely to reflect on the global construction laser market, from both a recent historic viewpoint and future trends that may influence the market. According to US based company, Global Market Insights, the construction laser market was valued and over $2.5 billion USD in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at compound annual growth rate over 4% between 2023 and 2032. The industry includes all types of laser levels and ancillary measuring devices including GPS receivers, machine control and leveling equipment for civil contractors and all types of levels for construction trades. The highest percentage of leveling equipment
Position Partners to rebrand as Aptella Intelligent positioning and automation solutions provider announces new name and brand launching early 2024, in response to employee and customer input. Formed in 2008, Position Partners was created when five successful Australian state-based businesses joined forces after listening to customers that wanted to work with a unified, national company. 15 years on, the firm has taken similar steps and will rebrand the organisation to Aptella, reflecting the breadth of automation and positioning solutions and services the company offers. With locations throughout Australia, Southeast Asia and New Zealand, the business supports the civil construction, building, mining and geospatial industries with world-leading technology solutions. As emerging systems develop in automation, robotics, and augmented positioning
In the ever-evolving urban planning and surveying landscape, staying ahead of the technology curve is essential. Western Australian company Harley Dykstra, a land development consultancy firm of Surveyors, Town Planners, and Project Managers has taken a leap forward by incorporating the NavVis VLX mobile mapping and reality capture scanner into their existing workflow. With offices in Perth, Forrestdale, Bunbury, Albany, and Denmark they cover a large portion of the Southwest of Western Australia which naturally means their work is diverse and requires a broad spectrum of skill sets and technologies to offer clients the best solution. “Harley Dykstra has always endeavoured to be a leader in embracing new technologies and we have been creative in applying them,” said
