2009-10-07
A first for Africa in survey technology
Southern Mapping Company (SMC) recently purchased an Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper (ALTM) Orion sensor. This multi-million Rand investment makes SMC the first commercial owner of the world’s smallest, full-system ALTM Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor.The Orion was developed by Optech Incorporated, a Canadian company that has been in operation since 1974. They are the global market-leader in the development, manufacture and support of advanced laser-based surveying, mapping and imaging instruments.
The Orion fires 200,000 laser pulses per second, ensuring that highly accurate and dense topographic data can be rapidly acquired. Weighing just 27 kilograms, this device is easily installed in most aircrafts used for aerial mapping and allows for pack-up-and-go mobility between different aircrafts. The modular design of the Orion ensures maximum reliability, even in the most demanding operating environments.
Peter Moir, Chief Executive of Southern Mapping Company and Dr. Ndomiso Cingo, Centre Manager of the National Laser Centre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
To celebrate this acquisition, SMC organised a launch at Monte Casino on 15 September 2009. Says Peter Moir, chief executive of Southern Mapping Company, “We are confident about our investment in the Orion and the launch of the product will mark the start of a new era in laser terrain mapping for the company. As the first commercial owner of such a sophisticated product in the world we will be able to deliver reports that will provide our clients with new insights for their projects.”
With the availability of the Orion, the company will be in a position to meet industry demands that were not catered for previously. “The rapid growth of urban development requires accurate and real-time mapping solutions for many of our clients. This technology will allow us to survey all types of terrain more accurately and over a shorter period of time,” concludes Moir.
The acquisition of this advanced technology places Africa at the forefront of the mapping and surveying industry. The global community can now look toward our continent as a benchmark for expertise in Lidar surveying.
About Southern Mapping Company
SMC provides topographic surveys and mapping to assist a variety of industries and sectors. These include civil engineering and infrastructure development, mineral explorations and mine management, environmental planning and rehabilitation, and urban and agricultural planning. The company operates worldwide, but specialises throughout Africa. SMC’s staff were amongst the first in the world to combine Lidar with aerial photography and now have added hyperspectral to their product offering. For more information about Southern Mapping Company please visit www.southernmapping.com.