Central Alliance Purchases First of its Kind Mobile Mapping System

Pre-construction specialist Central Alliance has further established its reputation for innovation by becoming the first surveying company in the UK to purchase a new, ground-breaking LiDAR mapping system the first of its kind on the market.

The new system, named ROBIN, has been produced by world leading geospatial technology supplier, 3D Laser Mapping, and provides three alternative mounting options rolled into one solution. The system allows users to map a variety of areas via walking, driving or flying.

Richard Pidcock, technical director at Central Alliance, explains the reasoning behind buying ROBIN:

ROBIN will give us the ability to improve our service offering in a variety of ways – from faster deployment in an emergency situation, to enhancing our existing airborne capabilities such as UAV surveys, photogrammetry and aerial imaging, with the addition of LiDAR collection. ROBIN’s versatility and forward compatibility was crucial in the decision making process.

A key focus for Central Alliance is to help transform the construction industry through innovation, unlocking the business value of available technology and using it to improve outcomes and save money at every stage of the pre-construction process. We are always looking for new and proven technology that will benefit our customers and their projects – ROBIN fits the bill perfectly in this respect.

We are right at the start of a new era of high quality, mass data capture in the pre-construction industry. Central Alliance aim to be a leader in this new era. The acquisition of ROBIN will enable us to perform point cloud collection for production of BIM compliant 3D models more quickly and on a greater scale than previously possible.

Rachel Massey, group business director added:
As we work in a variety of sectors, we needed to consider how this purchase would support the needs of our clients. ROBIN means that we will be able to collect more data in a shorter period of time, with less people, even in remote or difficult to access locations. ROBIN also enables Central Alliance and their clients to meet health and safety obligations by doing everything reasonably practicable to minimise exposure and therefore risks associated with staff on site.

Weve also received first class training and support from 3D Laser Mapping and believe that customers will be extremely pleased with the comprehensive data we can provide using the ROBIN.

ROBIN provides a multi-purpose all round system, integrating a 360 field of view laser scanner, 12 MP camera, two GNSS antennas, inertial navigation system, touch screen control unit and three mounting systems. The ROBIN package also includes complete capture and a post-processing software.

Graham Hunter, executive chairman at 3D Laser Mapping, said:
Over the last couple of years, Central Alliance has built up a reputation as the go-to ’emergency response’ team for pre-construction services, and is seen as one of the most progressive companies within its sector.

Were all extremely proud of ROBIN and we firmly believe it can help shape the future of mobile mapping. Were all looking forward to seeing the results which Central Alliance achieve.

For more details on 3D Laser Mapping and ROBIN visit http://www.3dlasermapping.com/robin and for more information on Central Alliance, visit http://www.central-alliance.co.uk

About 3D Laser Mapping
3D Laser Mapping is a world leading geospatial technology supplier and innovator. Underpinned by two decades of experience, the company provides 3D technology across the UK, South Africa, USA and Australia via its network of branch offices and international distributors. Working alongside some of the worlds biggest mining companies, governments, universities, blue-chip firms and operators of highways, power lines and railways, 3D Laser Mapping helps its customers to capture and understand their world in 3D. However, mapping and monitoring is just the start. The real benefits come from the information that 3D Laser Mapping helps its customers to uncover. These findings are used to improve the way customers make important decisions, allowing choices to be based on reliable, high quality measurements. As well as providing cutting edge technology, technical support, training and consultancy services, 3D Laser Mappings in-house research and development hub leads the way in product innovation. As a centre of excellence, the dedicated research and development team work alongside clients to customise systems, as well as masterminding the next geospatial game changers. Ultimately, 3D Laser Mappings technology helps businesses and organisations to monitor what has gone before and what is happening now, to drive a safe, informed and profitable future.