Garry MacPhail, Business Manager – Geospatial, Aptella discusses the evolution of technology and its benefits for the surveying profession. After completing surveying college, Garry MacPhail, Business Manager – Geospatial, Aptella, discovered that his true passion was technology and how it could assist the surveying profession in automating a task or improving workflows. This passion led him into a career selling innovative equipment into the marketplace. “My biggest passion is automating a task and making a difference to the surveyor’s workflow. This has been the most important thing for me throughout my career,” said Mr MacPhail. “It’s that continuous improvement and refining Aptella’ products to give better productivity and help surveyors do their tasks better.” Evolution of technology Over
Contractors must deploy 3D grade control systems for excavators and soil compactors according to specifications from the Singapore Land and Transport Authority (LTA). The specifications call for systems that can be controlled by GPS or total stations for accurate site levelling. Topcon 3D grade control for earthworks Topcon machine control solutions deliver precise 3D positioning and automatically guide the operator to grade. Using a combination of sensors fitted to the machine, GPS or total station technology and a real-time display monitor in the cabin, the technology gives operators live height, depth and slope information relative to the 3D design of the project. Topcon grade control systems are available in Asia in countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and
Experienced Malaysia team to offer Topcon grade control with local sales, training and support to contractors and engineers, backed by the wider Aptella group. Topcon GPS grade control construction technology available in Malaysia Intelligent positioning solutions provider Aptella announces the expansion of its South East Asia operations, with the addition of local expertise in Malaysia. The company will offer Topcon machine control, GPS and total station solutions for civil infrastructure and building projects, with a range of complimentary systems from other leading suppliers. “Our Malaysia team has extensive experience with Topcon grade control and 3D GPS positioning technology, with the ability to support sitewide solutions for the construction industry,” said Martin Nix, Aptella CEO. “With additional support via
Billy Biletic, Director, Biletic’s Excavations had been researching the iDig 2D machine control system from Aptella for a few weeks when he came across a Facebook post by Aptella for an iDig 2D machine control system giveaway competition and won the competition with his photo entry. “When I came across it on Facebook, I started looking into videos and information on other people’s experiences with the system and what the technology can and can’t do,” said Mr Biletic. “I was impressed by the features of the iDig system.” Mr Biletic has the iDig 2D machine control system from Aptella installed on his 8t and 5t Caterpillar excavators and has found the iDig and machinery work seamlessly together. “I
Contractors dig to height with iDig 2D excavator grade control Two New Zealand contractors share their experience with the latest iDig 2D excavator grade control technology. Ireland Earthmovers, based in Matamata in New Zealand’s North Island, specialises in a wide range of earthmoving work including small civil jobs, site clearance, building, drainage and agricultural projects. Owners Ricky and Jenn Ireland (pictured above) have one 6.5-tonne and two 13-tonne Hitachi excavators and the company recently invested in an iDig 2D excavator grade control system that they saw recommended online. Between a laser and a full-scale 3D grade control system “I was interested in a cost-effective machine guidance option that was more advanced than a laser receiver on the dipper,
Tokara remote access to construction equipment enables contractors to solve machinery issues, update design files and more, whilst maintaining social distancing. Aptella’ Tokara Link gives workers access to machines whether they are in different states or down the road. Maintaining distancing on the job site Social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic mean sites and contractors need to adjust the way they work to keep everyone on site safe. In some cases, this means switching to electronic systems to avoid unnecessary contact. In an effort to provide technical support to any site across Australia efficiently Aptella created Tokara Link, an Australian-designed remote access telematics solution. The solution is specifically created to improve efficiency and productivity for earthworks and
PHL Surveyors has been using MAGNET software since the late 80s and first purchased Topcon robotic total stations, about seven years ago from Aptella. About two years ago, PHL Surveyors decided to fully integrate its system by purchasing the Topcon GNSS equipment. PHL Surveyors is involved in many facets of surveying, including, rural boundary definition, rural and urban sub-division as well as large scale irrigation design work, planning and engineering works. Alan Longhurst is one of three directors at PHL Surveyors and operates the Bungendore branch. “My role as a surveyor and planner is to take the projects in and distribute them to the staff. I do limited field work but I make sure that my staff is
Contractors large and small report time and manpower savings while eliminating rework with this innovative 2D excavator grade control solution. By giving operators real time information about depth, distance and slope, direct to the cab without the need for a grade checker, iDig is a simple but powerful tool that pays for itself – fast! It works with any make or model of construction or grade laser, using a number of small, portable sensors fitted to the machine that measure its position relative to the desired grade. These feed real time information back to the operator via a small touchscreen display in the cab and a handy lightbar to guide him to the right level. Wairarapa contractor can
