The launch of PointStudio 8 from Maptek heralds a new name, platform and ribbon interface to the long-standing point cloud processing and modelling software.
PointStudio 8 is the logical progression from I-Site Studio. The new generation 3D platform for modelling, analysis and reporting is delivered on the Maptek Workbench, which unlocks data sharing with other Maptek applications.
‘Customer needs were the key mindset behind the PointStudio release,’ said Product Manager for Mine Measurement, James Howarth. ‘A modern ribbon interface improves usability and means faster uptake for new users.’
One of the benefits of moving to the Workbench is access to the Workflow Editor for building interactive command sequences. PointStudio users can link workflow components to data and easily run automations in context.
‘A good example is site-configured registration workflows. This incorporates data import and filtering, as well as all the steps required for getting a registered point cloud ready for processing and analysis,’ commented Howarth.
‘Undocking views when running multiple monitors helps users compare plans against as-builts, improving interpretation. Users can create their own toolbars, menus and shortcut keys to suit individual work patterns.’
‘It’s not only surveyors who realise the value of advanced spatial measurement systems. Geologists, mining engineers and geotechnical engineers understand that accurate spatial data is crucial to a mine’s success. This multidisciplinary approach has contributed to the maturing of our software and hardware and all stakeholders in a mining operation benefit.’
Our customers rely on Maptek to provide the most flexible and versatile mine measurement tools an operation can deploy. The same innovative technology delivers survey, stockpile management, highwall mapping, geotechnical analysis, and stability and convergence monitoring.
Operations will be able to easily identify overbreak and underbreak with the new underground reporting tools. Benefits include reducing grade dilution and revealing unnecessary development and pre-blast issues by highlighting unstable areas.
‘PointStudio 8 marks the beginning of a new era in desktop tools for processing and modelling 3D spatial data,’ said Howarth. ‘It’s 20 years since we first started work on ground-breaking tools that could actually handle the huge volume of point cloud datasets. Because early laser scanner technology was less sophisticated, Maptek built in smart workflow and visualisation features from the beginning.’
‘This has proved a solid foundation. Better optics, electronics and higher definition cameras in the Maptek R3 series scanners have now allowed us to concentrate on more powerful, integrated functionality for surveyors, geologists and geotechnical engineers.
‘The Maptek brand has evolved considerably over the past 37 years. Changing the name of our software to PointStudio does not alter our commitment to developing and supporting spatial mining solutions,’ Howarth concluded.
PointStudio 8 is being released to global customers this week.
