Opportunities Ahead for Geomatics

A new year and a chance to meet and greet at GEO Business in May. Meanwhile, we have work to do in explaining to clients what Geomatics can offer them, like our key role in BIM. At the turn of year we often reflect on the previous year’s events, be they good or bad. My family had a wonderful wedding, when my eldest daughter got married. It was wonderful to see everyone in one place and enjoying the time together with one another. This reminds me to think forward to GeoBusiness14 and the opportunity for all involved in this industry... (read more)

2018-02-14 12:14:09

New Chair for Geomatics PGB

At the RICS Geomatics Christmas Lecture on 8th December last year a new chair of the Geomatics Professional Group Board succeeded Chris Preston, who had held the position for the last three years. Gordon Johnston brings an interesting raft of skills and experience, particularly in hydrographic survey. GW is delighted to introduce Gordon to members. Gordon Johnston has spent a working lifetime surveying and managing surveys and spatial data. After graduating from the University of Glasgow he embarked overseas to North Africa for a spell supporting land development projects and after a few years found himself joining what was then... (read more)

2017-04-28 03:46:46

Time and Predicting the Future of Geomatics

One of the challenges in writing a column for Geomatics World, with a publication date that is a couple of months into the future, is to ensure it is relevant and current for you now as you read this. It can be frustrating as well as fun and possibly even thought-provoking to consider the future but also prone to spectacular mistakes. In the 1940’s, an IBM executive predicted that there might be a market for about five computers, and even as late as 1977 the founder of Digital Equipment Company (DEC) could see no reason for people to have computers... (read more)

2018-09-07 12:15:25

Ogilive Geomatics Acquires Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors

Ogilvie Geomatics has expanded its land and building surveying operations with the acquisition of Manchester based Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors Limited. The business will operate alongside Ogilvie Geomatics’ other subsidiary companies of Loy Surveys and Longdin and Browning. The combined operation will have an annual turnover of circa £7.5million and employ over 100 staff in offices in Renfrew, Livingston, Manchester, Swansea and Milton Keynes. The acquisition is part of a planned strategy for growth in the surveying business and will enhance Ogilvie Geomatics’ well-established reputation for quality and customer service. The incorporation of Malcolm Hughes allows Ogilvie Geomatics to provide... (read more)

2017-02-17 03:53:56

Fluvial Times Highlight what Geomatics can Offer

With a focus on hydrographic topics and the at times apocalyptic wetter side of life, there is still space for tunnelling, calibrating laser scanners, cheaper GNSS solutions and BIM. We don’t often cover consumer events but Adam Spring’s report in this issue (page 12) from the Las Vegas International Consumer Electronics show reveals what we’ve been missing. UAVs, digital imagery, location technology, robotics, and 3D printing are all technologies with relevance to our industry. In their beginning these technologies were the province of the military, then business and finally the consumer. But the innovation drive may have shifted to the... (read more)

2018-02-12 02:43:26

Where do Geomatics Graduates Find Employment

Tom Bramald and Karen Allenby explore where Newcastle University’s geomatics graduates are finding employment and discuss what makes them employable. Although attracting school leavers to study geomatics at Newcastle University remains a challenge, recent years have seen the opposite problem at the graduate end of the degree cycle – quite simply, we haven’t been able to turn out enough graduates for employers. The overall picture has been very buoyant, although there are signs that the geomatics employment prospects for graduates are changing. Furthermore, for those that don’t pursue a career in our sector, there is also plenty of reason to... (read more)

2017-07-19 05:51:46

What Does the Word Geomatics Mean?

Surveyors are identified with the acquisition and measurement of data. But what about its management and curation? We have the opportunities today to influence and engage with our futures. So more of us need to do it, argues Gordon Johnston, Chair of RICS’s Geomatics Professional Group. The UK’s latest £200m Antarctic scientific research ship, soon to be commissioned, has received many suggestions for names in a public poll. The winning submission will likely not be used as according to the UK government “it fails to reflect the science and endeavour” that the research vessel is meant to be engaged on.... (read more)

2017-04-28 03:58:49

Climate Change? It’s all about Geomatics!

A close study of the consequences of climate change reveals opportunities for Geomatics, argues Chris Preston, chair of RICS Geomatics Professional Group. One of the fantastic things about our profession is the vast array of varying areas our work can take us. The FIG has recently published an article entitled “Climate change and the role of surveyors.” I have to say that I started to read this and thought, is this really relevant to us? But I was surprised to find that it grabbed my attention. We all cannot have failed to notice the numbers of natural disasters in the... (read more)

2017-10-11 03:36:54

Geomatics Can Lead to Opportunities Beyond the Built Environment

A close look at where geomatics skills could take you are examined through the experiences of two surveyors. The latest developments in technology too are covered. But beware the dumb disrupters! How often during your career have you taken time out for reflection and thought: I like surveying but I’m stuck in field survey and it’s not very well paid? What else could I do with my qualifications and skillset? In this issue we provide some alternative ideas to where you could apply your skills and professionalism learnt in geomatics. Professor Ian Dowman has been looking at the insurance industry,... (read more)

2017-10-10 03:24:47

Huron Geomatics Acquires Optech Maverick Mobile Mapping System

Teledyne Optech has revealed that Huron Geomatics Inc (HGI), who provides DSM/DTM modelling, mapping, and asset inventory collection services, has acquired an Optech Maverick mobile mapping system that will support the expansion of the company’s operations. The Maverick sets a high bar for size, portability and versatility in mobile asset mapping. Weighing less than 9kg, the Maverick integrates a lidar, a 360° camera, and an INS into an extremely small form factor that is easy to install, while maintaining the data quality that users expect. It’s also light and can be mounted on a variety of platforms including a backpack... (read more)

2017-07-17 10:46:43