Survey firm's kit takes on a new dimension

Feb 11 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A FAMILY-RUN surveying company has invested in technology mainly used by the video games industry, which it says will help to double its turnover.

Gateshead-based Digital Surveys has invested £100,000 in the latest laser scanning equipment, which allows it to create rotating 3D models of any building with only one flash of the camera.

Unlike traditional surveying methods, which involve taking digital snapshots of hundreds of geographical points, the new equipment can create an instant 3D model by shooting out 50,000 lasers per second.

The equipment, which the firm said was new to the region, was developed for the video games market, and has been used by developers to map some of the world’s most iconic land marks, including Silverstone racetrack in Northamptonshire.

The scanner can be used from as far away as 300m and can highlight the difference between materials such as brick, stone, mortar and even varying states of repair – making it a valuable tool when used for restoration and heritage work.

The firm, which was established in 1987 and is managed by father and son team Peter and Ben Bennett, has already used the technology on several projects, such as the digital mapping of Alnwick Castle as part of its on- going restoration, and the extension of the National Railway Museum in York.

The company, which has a long-running contract with Northumbria Water, now plans to move into new markets with the help of the new technology, including the offshore oil and gas sector, and is already in talks with companies in Africa and the US as part of its expansion plans.

It now believes it can increase turnover to £1m by 2013 and add jobs to its six-strong workforce.

Ben Bennett said: “I have a trip to Dallas planned later this month to make contact with some global engineering and construction companies. And a couple of new commissions in Africa’s oil and gas sector are looking likely, so the investment is already starting to pay off.

“The laser scanner is so versatile. We have been creating 3D animations of the National Railway Museum in York and we have recently been commissioned to survey a 2.5km stretch of the M1 as part of an ongoing traffic flow improvement strategy.”

He added: “There is huge potential in oil and gas as we can ensure that firm’s account for every nut and bolt when decommissioning their rigs.”