The challenge
Spatial Information
There are many reasons why capturing spatial information about the built and natural environment is necessary as part of the digitalisation of our worlds.
Buildings and physical spaces in our environment have been slow to join the digital revolution, many properties are understood and managed via the original architect drawings or building deeds. That's because being able to capture the data required to create digital models of these spaces took too long, and cost too much.
They required specialist surveying teams who would spend days, often weeks taking precise measurements of a space, and it would then take several more weeks to produce usable information. The capture methodology wasn't scalable, and didn't lend itself well to being able to quickly create a digital model of a space.
Places that were inaccessible to traditional surveying equipment – caves or underground mines for example, were nearly impossible to map digitally.
Our response
GeoSLAM
Our research in 3D LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) led to the development of the Zebedee system and a suite of technologies in 2012.
GeoSLAM, our worldwide Zebedee technology commercialisation partner co-founded by CSIRO, have developed Continuous-Time Simultaneous Localisation Mapping (CT-SLAM) technology that uses continuous sensor trajectory to generate accurate and detailed 3D maps of a scanned environment.
The increased rate of scanning enables the frequent calculation of exact positioning or vehicle motion, a functionality suitable for applications primarily in the mining, surveying and construction industries.
GeoSLAM brought mobile 3D data capture to market in 2013 in a joint venture with CSIRO with the launch of the ZEB1, the first handheld SLAM scanner powered by a smart algorithm that continues to develop and become more intelligent each time it's used.
In 2018, GeoSLAM purchased CT-SLAM from CSIRO’s Data61 to develop a suite of highly advanced mobile mapping products, introducing the first commercial handheld SLAM product.
The results
The Future
GeoSLAM are market leaders in 3D SLAM - technology which enables autonomous, 'go anywhere' mapping. Its software takes real-time data from LIDAR sensors and creates a continuous, highly accurate 3D map of the surrounding area.
The devices are highly versatile in both how and where they can be used. Their ZEB family of products can operate indoors, underground and in other areas where GPS is unavailable, and they can be deployed handheld, on a vehicle, backpack, UAV or robotic platforms. GeoSLAM provides software for a range of LIDAR-based mapping solutions, with applications including measured building surveys, BIM modelling, forestry, mining and airborne mapping.
Most companies who adopt GeoSLAM have a rapid ROI. One customer who manages a 12 million square foot portfolio of commercial real estate discovered 240,000 additional square feet that has been undermeasured and therefore undervalued. Their net annual operating profit increased by $5.2 million as a result of adopting GeoSLAM technoogy.
GeoSLAM sells its products through a global network of over 90 distributors and partners in 59 countries. In 2016, they experienced 300 per cent growth in revenue and doubled their staff.
GeoSLAM recently released an automated processing platform enabled with script-based workflows to better process consumers' unique data.
Developed on LiDAR OS and designed with automation in mind, this new operating system fully processes point clouds in minutes within a 3D viewer and has a range of optional modules for advanced analytics including tracking the progress of a construction project, or automatically creating 2D floorplans.
As our built and natural environment embrace the benefits of being understood, measured, managed and analysed using digital technology, CT SLAM is powering thousands of companies around the world to better map and understand their spaces.