Could you briefly describe the Dephos Group?

DEPHOS Group Ltd was founded in 2000 and has consistently been at the forefront of photogrammetric mapping and 3D data acquisition. Specializing in photogrammetry, laser scanning, and geodesy, the DEPHOS Group is a geomatics company that offers comprehensive services, including software solutions for the collection, processing, classification, and quality control of 3D data in CAD and GIS systems, such as the Limon software and the OrbiView application. Custom-developed software applications and proprietary applications are crucial to the company’s expansion, particularly in its internationalization strategy beyond Europe.

The team that supports Dephos is multidisciplinary and includes, in addition to highly specialized technicians, a diverse group of PhDs in fields such as Programming, Robotics, Forestry, Geodesy, and Cartography.

It also regularly participates in EU-funded development projects, contributing in its area of expertise to the design of integrated solutions for fields far beyond mapping.

Which proprietary products is the Dephos Group focusing on for internationalization?

Dephos is committed to this initiative of participating in MundoGeo Connect to promote and showcase two successful products that have proven themselves in Europe.

A product designed for quality control, visualization, and analysis of LiDAR data, called LiMON. It is software developed from the ground up by the Dephos Group to address the market need for an affordable and intuitive solution geared primarily toward LiDAR data buyers.

Unlike other solutions, focused primarily on processing and automatic classification, LiMON stands out for its intuitive approach specialized in quality assessment and is widely used by private companies, as well as local and national governments.

The second product we are heavily promoting is OrbiView. OrbiView is a visual asset management platform designed to support the operational phase of buildings. It transforms laser scans and 360° images into a visually and metrically accurate digital representation of the facilities, reflecting the actual conditions of the building as constructed. Unlike traditional BIM solutions, OrbiView focuses on usability, operational efficiency, and cost control, making reliable information about the building accessible to facility managers, technical teams, and decision-makers, even without specialized BIM knowledge.

Given Dephos’ extensive experience in Europe, it believes that, in addition to the software mentioned, there is one project in particular whose promotion should be a priority in the South American market in general and in Brazil in particular?

In addition to the 100% in-house solutions mentioned above, Dephos has participated in numerous projects to which its experience and theoretical foundation have made a significant contribution.

A good example—and one we believe is particularly relevant in Brazil, but also throughout the Americas—is the project recently implemented in Romania, titled: “Integrated IT System to Enhance Forest Supervision, Control, and Monitoring Capabilities.”

This project rooted in projects carried out in Poland, serves as a powerful tool to support forest management across its diverse biological and technical components, with the goal of maximizing landowners’ income while considering all their objectives and responsibilities.

It is a tool developed by a multidisciplinary team that integrates different phases—complementary, interrelated, yet independent.

How did the opportunity to develop this project arise?

The Romanian Ministry of the Environment, which oversees a range of responsibilities including direct oversight of forest management, drafted a statement of work outlining its requirements, objectives, and implementation plan following consultations with various stakeholders.

The objective was to develop a program for the classification, processing, and automatic analysis of data obtained using LiDAR sensors to automatically generate, at a minimum, the following indicators:

  • digital elevation model (DEM);
  • digital surface model (DSM);
  • tree height;
  • regenerated areas;
  • areas without forest vegetation (cleared);
  • consistency

By correlating with data from the National Forest Inventory (direct measurements in sample plots regarding individual tree location, species, basal diameter, and height), relevant indicators can be estimated, such as:

  • basal area per hectare (for different tree species);
  • production stock size (total volume per tree);
  •  automatically compare the indices obtained in the latest flight campaign with existing data from previous campaigns.

The area subject to targeted monitoring corresponds to the entirety of Romania, approximately 230,000 km².

Subsequently, a public tender was launched in which, among other requirements, a proof of concept was mandated to ensure that potential bidders for the development of this solution—which was required to be 100% automated—demonstrated a clear understanding of what was being requested.

Based on that document, we prepared a proposal that was selected as the winning bid.

You mentioned that a project of this nature involves different interrelated phases. Could you explain further?

The different phases essentially consist of three distinct but complementary stages:

•    Data collection or identification stage, tailored to the specific objectives; in the case of Romania, data collection is the responsibility of the military mapping agency. This involves LiDAR flights with a minimum of 35–40 points per m² collected simultaneously with RGB and NIR photos, along with the corresponding trajectory adjustment and georeferencing;

•    The data cleaning, classification, visualization, analysis (global, individual, and historical), and output data production stage (rasters, quantity and quality reports, comparative analyses);

•    Implementation or customization phase of the Geographic Information System, which will ensure connectivity for users.

The three phases were dependent on Dephos?

No, that is an interesting aspect of how the project was implemented and could be implemented in the future.

For the data, minimum quantity and quality parameters are established, since the correct identification and analysis of each tree’s location require that the multitemporal data be consistent in terms of accuracy. Otherwise, the system would identify elements in different locations, since data from different years would not match. Based on these parameters, existing data is gathered, or LiDAR flights are conducted either jointly or independently by local entities familiar with the territory and procedures.

The processing of data that has already been georeferenced using the data collection sensor software—but is still completely unclassified—is carried out entirely automatically, taking into account analysis areas at the national or state level (large areas). The system automatically detects the arrival of new data on the server and automatically initiates classification and analysis, and comparison if previous data exists for the same area. The results of this sequential process are visible and independent, allowing each step to be monitored in real time. This is the stage where we utilize our resources and expertise to the fullest.

Finally, there is the user interface within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, where all results will be available in universal formats. This GIS may be the one already in use at the institution or may be implemented from scratch. This is typically a phase to be developed by a local team, where the language and all cultural aspects aligned with the client will be a significant advantage.

It is a typical solution that integrates international knowledge and experience with strong local expertise and capabilities.

Dephos already had prior experience in this area?

Yes, it all began in Poland with the development of a library called SAND, which consists of a collection of predefined codes, functions, and resources that can be reused in different software projects.

From this stage, a system was developed for Poland and another for Romania, with different specificities and objectives but within the same subject area.

What are the characteristics of the technical team required to implement a project of this complexity?

A multidisciplinary team with a very high level of specialization is required, complemented by experienced technicians in the most diverse areas of geomatics.

What are the practical results for clients?

Fully automated systems that process unclassified Lidar data, identify all trees at different heights (multi-layer situations), and truly characterize and quantify the forest.

All resulting data is exported in universal formats compatible with the systems already in place at the client’s site.  

Is a project of this nature replicable?

Absolutely. Every case is unique, and each manager has specific needs and priorities; while the core functionality remains the same, the final solution will always be custom-designed, unique, and free of licensing costs.

How do you view the possibility of implementing this type of solution in South America?

With great optimism; the South American region has countless stakeholders involved in forestry, both in terms of conservation and economic exploitation. A tool like ours ensures management based on real and comprehensive data (rather than relying on extrapolated samples), guaranteeing greater efficiency and sustainable economic returns.

Is this a closed-loop solution, or does it require collaboration with local companies?

As I mentioned earlier, this solution necessarily involves collaboration with local partners who possess a high level of technological expertise and an interest in working in this field.

Will we  be seeing you at MundoGeo Connect?

Yes, I will be attending the event and am eagerly looking forward to its start. It is an important opportunity to exchange experiences, establish partnerships, and close business deals, especially now that Europe and Mercosul have finally signed the long-awaited economic agreement, which will take effect on May 1. I believe this agreement will foster cooperation between companies and institutions on both continents, for the mutual benefit of all.

For more information: www.dephos.com

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