Showing posts with label construction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label construction. Show all posts

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Uncovering the Past: Stonehenge

It’s been interesting to watch recent reports regarding Stonehenge and, in particular, the discovery of 17 more significant sites that are linked to the ancient plot.

Over recent years, scientists from Birmingham University have been using technology to map the area and it is from this that the new shrines and burial mounds have been discovered.

Stonehenge is believed to be over 5,000 years old. While Landmark’s comprehensive collection of historical mapping does not reach back quite that far, our interest has been piqued by the use of LiDAR and laser scanning techniques to produce detailed terrain models, in addition to the way GIS has been used to overlay archaeological finds to analyse the site. All of which are very similar to the processes used today by our customers in the surveying, planning, environmental and construction industries.

Simply substitute burial mounds, solstice markers and druid procession routes with planning applications, contaminated land and environmental consultants, and hey presto!

From watching the developments at Stonehenge, it’s clear that today we are fortunate to have access to highly advanced mapping data and technologies that enable us to learn far more about our past than ever before.  And, from our customer’s point of view, having access to information regarding a piece of land’s former use can ultimately help shape the way the very same piece of land is used in the future.

Piers Edgell, Senior Account Manager and Matt Wills, Senior GIS Analyst, Landmark Information Group

Appendix:


Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Landmark welcomes PAS 128 specification to standardise underground utility detection, verification and location

The new Specification for Underground Utility Detection, Verification and Location has been introduced to provide consistent and clear best practice in detecting underground utilities. 

The specification, which the British Standards Institution has termed PAS 128:2014, aims to set clear provisions for those operating in this space and will ultimately lead to more effective planning and safer execution of ground/civil works, street excavations and utility-based activities.

With no agreed or published UK standards related to the detection, verification or location of underground services, PAS 128 aims to provide clarity in the service provided and methods employed, as well as consistency in the approach to data capture

As part of PAS 128, four levels of survey types have been defined: (survey type D) desktop utility records search, whereby utilities are identified through the analysis of paper and digital records or reports, such as those available from Landmark; (survey type C) site reconnaissance, where existing records are validated by the visual inspection of physical evidence observed during a site visit; (survey type B) detection, where utilities are detected using geophysical techniques; and (survey type A) verification, where underground services are located via a manhole, inspection chamber or through excavation.

Piers Edgell, Senior Account Manager at Landmark Information Group said: “With no formal standardisation in place for the detection, verification or location of underground utilities, we fully welcome PAS 128 and encourage our customers that operate in the construction, engineering and built environment sector to contact the BSI to obtain a copy of the standard. The desktop utility search reports from Landmark form the basis of the detection process outlined in PAS 128, and we would be happy to talk through how the data can help you achieve a PAS compliant survey. By doing so, it will help avoid possible project delays, injuries or service disruption by having access to the very latest utility data at the outset.”

To access a copy of the BSI PAS 128:2014 report, click here.

Otherwise, for more information about the Utilities Report available from Landmark, telephone 0844 844 9952, email customerservice@envirocheck.co.uk or visit www.envirocheck.co.uk/products/utilities/utilities_report/

Monday, 11 August 2014

Landmark’s new Envirocheck Analysis fully digitises Phase 1 desk studies

Environmental consultants can now digitally access current and historic maps AND related environmental data to streamline the Phase 1 analysis process of Environmental Site Assessments 

Removes the need to cross-reference separate printed reports containing historical maps, current maps, aerial photography and environmental data

Significantly cuts assessment time, saving money, whilst also improving overall accuracy of historical map and environmental data analysis


We are today proud to announce the launch of a brand new edition of Envirocheck Analysis, which has been designed to fully digitise the desk study process of Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, which are conducted for land and property developments.

The new Envirocheck Analysis enables Environmental Consultants to digitally analyse current and historical maps and aerial photography, in conjunction with environmental data. This means that from within a single online platform, professionals can now accurately assess environmental risk factors related to a piece of land, without the need to overlay printed maps, manually draw boundaries or search through rafts of printed reports for potential sources, pathways or receptors of contamination.

Early customer feedback on the new Envirocheck Analysis platform has suggested that the time it takes to conduct the data analysis process is reduced by at least 25%.

Commenting on the launch of the new Envirocheck Analysis, Richard Puttock, Partner of Peter Brett Associates LLP said: "Envirocheck Analysis is really changing the way that we conduct our Phase 1 Site Assessments. In the past, we have ordered our environmental data and historical map reports through Envirocheck and spent our time analysing PDF reports and even printing the documents out to have physical copies to work through. Since adopting Envirocheck Analysis, we are already saving significant amounts of time in analysing historical mapping, and the measuring and drawing tools provide a great level of accuracy, in much less time. 

Continues Richard Puttock: “We have been involved in the entire user testing phase for the new Envirocheck Analysis, and we can't wait to start using it for all our Phase 1 desk studies. With all of Envirocheck's environmental data layers being added into the application, we no longer have to spend so long identifying symbols on maps and relating ID numbers back to separate datasheet reports. Now we can visualise everything in Envirocheck Analysis, alongside current and historical mapping, and make an assessment on the potential risk in much less time. Ultimately, this allows us to complete the job more efficiently without comprising accuracy or quality, which helps us provide an even better service to our clients."

The key features of the new Envirocheck Analysis include:
Overlay digital environmental data onto current or historical maps to determine potential contamination risks
Instantly review information behind every dataset to understand what is being highlighted and the potential risks
Decide how far away from the target site you want data displayed to by using the Distance Filter tool for every dataset
Access a range of aerial photography plus drawing and measuring tools to mark-up Phase 1 assessments
Draw Pins to instantly highlight historical land use or environmental concerns – each pin records a grid reference, plus the distance and direction from site using an accurate measuring tool
Instantly Export these Pins (and their associated information) as a table, directly into environmental site assessment reports.
View an instant summary of the number of potential risks via a handy ‘feature count’ tool
Create instant photo snapshots of the site that can be exported to reports
Saves hours per Phase 1 desk study on historical map and environmental data analysis

Mark Burnard, Senior Product Manager at Landmark Information Group, said: “Through extensive industry consultation, we've listened to what our customers want and are excited to today launch the new Envirocheck Analysis platform.  It enables consultants to be able to assess and analyse mapping and environmental data faster, with more accuracy and ultimately helps deliver detailed and highly accurate reports to clients, faster.  The aim is to remove the need for consultants to have to use light boxes, lots of paper, scale rules and sticky tape when analysing printed maps with environmental data: now this can be all done online.”

Concludes Mark Burnard: “The evolution of environmental reporting doesn't stop here. With the new Envirocheck Analysis platform fully digitising the historical map and environmental data analysis element of Phase 1 assessments, plans are already underway to integrate Site Walkovers into the online platform.  We have some more exciting developments coming very soon, which will integrate remote and mobile working. Watch this space for updates.”

Launch Promotion:
Envirocheck Analysis is available free of charge during August and September. For more information on Envirocheck Analysis, telephone 0844 844 9952 or email customerservice@envirocheck.co.uk.

Envirocheck Analysis - providing digital access to maps and environmental intelligence