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capturing vast quantities of data while on
the move.
One of the key advantages of Mobile
Laser Scanners (MLS), including multi-
platform mapping systems such as ROBIN,
is that they can generate full digital surface
models in a single set up. In environments
that are deemed unsafe or remote, they can
be mounted to automated vehicles such as
trucks, trolleys or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles) to gather data.
It also speeds up operations significantly
as data is collected around 80 per cent
faster than it would be if a terrestrial
scanner or total station were used. From
this, operators can make decisions about
how machinery and vehicles should be
safely deployed to site, as well as take note
ABOVE:
Point cloud
showing contours of
an open cast mine.
LEFT:
Point cloud of an
extractives facility.
of any changes to the landscape which
could potentially cause harm to workers or
force an expensive suspension
of operations.
This technology is now being harnessed
at large-scale and complex projects
including Mogalakwena in South Africa, the
world’s largest open-pit platinum mine.
The operator, AngloAmerican, invested in
the SiteMonitorSV, which provides real-time
reconciliations for stockpiles and volumes,
to enable better forward planning.
SiteMonitor has helped contribute to an
increase in productivity at Mogalakwena
by 33% over two years and helped to lower
the lost-time injury-frequency rate from
0,68 in 2013 to 0,12 per 200 000 hours
worked in 2014.
The rig drilling some 350 metre
into the sea behind a wave break.
39
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
APRIL
2017