Africa Surveyors May-June issue 2023 digital

INNOVATION
Cemex launch dedicated BIM software plug-in
CEMEX have launched a dedicated plug-in
for the Building Information Modelling
(BIM) REVIT software used for designing
and managing construction projects. The tool
will allow architects and engineers to identify
the best Cemex products and solutions
for their work, highlighting those that are
particularly innovative and more sustainable.
The BIM software offered by Cemex has been
expertly designed for architects, engineers,
contractors or construction professionals
working on the development of residential,
commercial, industrial or infrastructure
projects. It allows users to search concrete
by properties, compare concrete products
by essential characteristics and target an
embodied-carbon value.
Users can also view detailed information on
materials such as physical and mechanical
performance with relevant data, among
other technical characteristics. Products that
could be recommended include those that
CEMEX| Image: CEMEX
are part of the Vertua range of Cemex’s more
sustainable solutions.
This software is said to be the first of its kind
in the UK construction industry and will also
be launched into other Cemex businesses
across the globe over the coming months.
National technical manager Mike Higgins
commented: ‘We know how valuable BIM
tools are to those designing construction
projects, as they save time and money by
providing immediate access to information
and recommendations on the best-suited
products while encouraging a collaborative
process.
RIEGL and Schiebel cooperate to enhance
UAV-Lidar bathymetric mapping
RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems and
Schiebel have successfully completed the
integration of a high-end laser scanning
system, the RIEGL VQ-840-G topobathymetric
Lidar sensor, on the Schiebel Camcopter
S-100 uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
Operating a high-end laser scanning system
remotely on an uncrewed aerial vehicle
(UAV or 'drone') requires a tailored solution
that goes beyond what is currently available
off-the-shelf. To maintain the broad operating
range of the UAS, it is imperative to keep the
weight of the sensor payload low. Additionally,
the effective execution of the survey mission
requires full remote control of the payload
instruments and real-time feedback to the
operator via a data link.
Surveying shallow waters
The compact topobathymetric laser scanner
was designed for use in a variety of maritime
and hydrographic environments. The Lidar
The RIEGL VQ-840-G topobathymetric Lidar sensor mounted on the Schiebel Camcopter S-100
UAS. (Image courtesy: RIEGL)
sensor payload system is controlled remotely
via a data link, which is crucial for integration
into the S-100 system. The scanner is
controlled using the onboard software
RiACQUIRE-Embedded via the available
data link, while data acquisition and laser
safety are also monitored. Once the survey is
completed, the raw data seamlessly integrates
into the RIEGL data processing workflow.
The RIEGL VQ-840-G, combined with the
outstanding technical specifications and
performance of the Camcopter S-100 UAS,
enables an efficient and secure way to
survey shallow waters, where monitoring
from boats becomes a challenge. The
applications of airborne Lidar bathymetry
(ALB) include mapping coastlines and river
banks, monitoring natural habitats and
water reservoirs, and hydraulic engineering
applications (e.g. canals, dams, bridges). Data
both below and above the water surface
can be covered in a single data acquisition
mission.
10 May-June issue l 2023 www.africasurveyorsonline.com