With more than 650 survey and spatial science students, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has the largest surveying degree program in Australia. To offer students practical training in modern surveying techniques and ensure they are ready for the world of work, having access to the latest equipment is imperative.
Recently, USQ upgraded its entire fleet of total stations, GNSS, and field tablets, along with new 3D laser scanners, CAD office software and field software, all supplied and supported by solution provider Aptella.
“Industry expects students to have been exposed to the equipment that they themselves use,” said Dr Glenn Campbell, Surveying and Spatial Science Program Director. “This arrangement give us confidence that we can continue to meet that expectation.”
Aptella has designed a flexible model for the university to help minimise capital outlay and ensure students are always utilising current equipment. The new instruments include 12 Topcon GT robotic total stations, 12 Topcon HiPer VR GNSS, 24 Topcon FC-6000 field tablets, all powered by MAGNET Office and Field software, along with two Z+F 5016 laser scanners and a range of survey accessories.
All systems are connected to Tokara, Aptella’ remote access platform that enables support technicians to view and control the user’s device to provide training and technical assistance.
“We are so pleased that Aptella has been able to work with us to develop alternatives to the large capital outlays we have faced in the past,” Dr Campbell added.
Pictured left to right: Matt Thomas, Geospatial Sales Manager QLD at Aptella; Dr Glenn Campbell, Surveying and Spatial Science Program Director at USQ; Chris McAlister, Professional Fellow (Surveying) at USQ; Greg Frankish, Australasian Regional Manager at Topcon Positioning Systems
Chris McAlister, Professional Fellow (Surveying) at USQ, explained the benefits of keeping up to date with the latest technology: “Working with Aptella to put together this equipment package has meant we’ve been able to balance the needs we have for teaching – ease of use, intuitive and robust design; alongside the industry need for students to be skilled in current technology and its application the minute they start work.”
“Now that we’ve got this fleet of current equipment that’s all the same, remotely supported by Aptella’ Tokara service, our teaching can focus on the concepts more, rather than spending time trying to get equipment to do what we need,” she added.
Ms McAlister said that the partnership with Aptella has allowed for more flexibility for the University to meet the needs of its students with specific technology needs. “The relationship we now have because of this program means that if we want to explore something new – a student wanting to do research with a drone and a cutting edge sensor, or analysing new GNSS signals – exploring that opportunity is just a phone call away, and that’s a great outcome for our students all over the country,” she said.
Martin Nix, CEO of Aptella, said engaging with the next generation of surveyors is an honour for the company. “It has been a pleasure to work with the USQ team on a solution that gives them maximum flexibility and the ability to keep their systems current, not just at the start of the partnership, but over the longer term,” he said. “We are excited to work with the next generation of surveyors, learning how best to support them with their evolving equipment needs.”
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