Three words that impress mine surveyors are tough, reliable and accurate. This is exactly how leading developer Maptek describes its latest I-Site laser scanning technology which will be launched at MINExpo in Las Vegas.
‘The I-Site 8810 with I-Site Studio 4.0 software is a combination that can’t be beaten for easy fieldwork’, said Athy Kalatzis, Global Manager of Maptek I-Site Laser Scanning. ‘It has the toughness and reliability that miners need, and the workflow and accuracy that surveyors demand.’
The I-Site 8810 retains the long range and panoramic imaging capability of the I-Site 8800, adds some of the must-have features of the I-Site 8400 laser scanner and provides some unique upgrades of its own. A wireless link means the scanner controller no longer needs to be tethered. A new interface and layout make for greater flexibility and faster set up. Battery time extends continuous operation to 6 hours.
Onboard controls mean that the I-Site 8810 can be operated in the field with no other peripherals attached. Optional onboard USB or tablet PC scan storage makes data easier to handle. A fully integrated compass enables even easier vehicle scanning and registration. A new calibration for the vehicle mount removes the impact of the vehicle on the compass, allowing uninterrupted capture of reliable data.
Operation is so much simpler with the one controller for both the scanner and GPS through an integrated GPS interface. The latest technology Panasonic Toughbook is the most rugged tablet in the world, with an extended temperature range and solid state hard disk. The I-Site 8810 is really a scanner for the extremes. Operation at subzero temperatures has been significantly extended, and the storage temperature has been extended to minus 40 degrees.
‘The Maptek I-Site 8000 series scanners are the only terrestrial laser scanners rated to IP65 for environmental protection’, added Kalatzis. ‘Testing and developing to this standard proves Maptek to be the true leader in delivering mine tough products which deliver on performance without sacrificing accuracy.’
Maptek’s new intelligent pulse algorithm automatically analyses the multiple waveform returns, giving the I-Site 8810 scanner an accuracy of 8mm out to 200 metres. This makes it suitable for more detailed survey applications.
The I-Site 8810 is teamed with I-Site Studio 4.0 software for faster processing. Dynamic scan manipulation, and improved photo image registration are just a couple of features. Customised toolbars, point attributes and LAS import are all new to I-Site Studio 4.0.
