FAQs
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Find quick, clear information on our products, services and support. Explore the questions we’re asked most often and get the guidance you need to keep your work moving.
General FAQs
Your Questions About OPTRON, Answered
Explore answers to common questions about OPTRON, products, services and support. Get the insights you need to make the most of our solutions.
OPTRON (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of the OPTRON Group (Pty) Ltd, a leading technology distribution and integration business focused on connecting the physical and digital worlds across Africa, through location – based hardware and software solutions.
OPTRON was established in 1986 by founder Pierre du Toit and has grown into a trusted provider of Geospatial technology solutions across the Africa continent.
OPTRON (Pty) Ltd is a South African based company, with head office in Centurion (Gauteng) and branch offices in Cape Town, Durban, Somerset West and Nairobi (Kenya). We also support clients through an extensive reseller network across sub-Saharan Africa.
OPTRON’s comprehensive range of products and services supports a diverse set of industries, including: Geospatial (Surveying and GIS), Mining, Civil Engineering and Construction, Building Construction, Energy and Water Utilities, Rail, Safety and Security, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Field Services, Forestry, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Government, and Land Administration.
OPTRON is an authorised distributor of leading global Geospatial technology brands across sub-Saharan Africa, including Trimble, DJI Enterprise, Spectra Geospatial, Nikon, Carlson Software, Reutech Mining, US Radar, Seafloor Systems, GeoCue, Exyn Technologies, EagleNXT, Quantum-Systems, and TRE Altamira. Our offering includes hardware, software, integration, training, technical support, and after-sales service – delivering end-to-end solutions tailored to client needs.
With over 40 years’ experience, OPTRON is one of Africa’s most established and trusted Geospatial technology providers and has been a Trimble partner since 1987 – the first outside North America.
Our continued success is driven by:
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A skilled team of over 100 professionals, committed to excellence and innovation
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A diversified strategy across Industries and Geographic regions
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A dedicated Technical Support team of OEM-trained, certified specialists
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An OEM-certified Service Centre for service, repairs, maintenance and calibration
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ISO 9001:2015 Certification – ensuring consistent quality and service standards
Product FAQs
Answers to Your Product Questions
Find clear, concise answers to common questions about our products. Learn how to get the most from Optron’s solutions and ensure optimal performance in every application.
Trimble FAQs
Trimble Inc. develops technology solutions that help professionals measure, build, map, and manage the physical world. Their solutions combine positioning technologies such as GNSS, laser scanning, and software to improve productivity, accuracy, and collaboration across industries like construction, geospatial surveying, agriculture, and transportation.
Trimble positioning technologies include tools that determine precise location and measurements, such as:
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GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems)
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Total Stations
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Laser Scanners
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Mobile Mapping Systems
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Machine Control Systems
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Reality Capture Solutions
These technologies help professionals capture and process accurate data from the real world.
Yes. Trimble develops both hardware and software solutions. Trimble field-to-finish workflows integrate field data capture with office software for processing, modelling and project management, with an emphasis on connectivity.
OPTRON offers a wide range of Trimble technologies, including:
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GNSS receivers and surveying equipment
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Robotic and mechanical total stations
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Laser scanning and reality capture systems
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Field data collection systems
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Survey software
Representing Trimble in the Sub-Saharan Africa territory, OPTRON offers a range of value-add services to ensure that our customers harness Trimble’s technology to its full potential:
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Workflow consultation and optimisation
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Field-to-finish system integration and configuration
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Equipment setup and troubleshooting
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Application specific technical training
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Technical support
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Software updates
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Equipment servicing, repairs, calibration and maintenance
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Firmware updates and diagnostics
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Hardware & software subscriptions
Trimble solutions are widely used in industries including:
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Surveying and Geospatial
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Agriculture
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Construction
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Transportation and Logistics
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Civil Engineering
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Utilities and Infrastructure
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Architecture and Structural Engineering
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Mining
Absolutely. OPTRON works closely with customers to understand their workflows, project requirements, and challenges. The team can recommend the most suitable Trimble technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy and collaboration.
DJI FAQs
DJI Enterprise is a dedicated division of DJI providing industrial-grade drones, software and payloads for professional applications such as surveying, mapping, inspection, public safety, and agriculture.
OPTRON supplies the complete range of DJI Enterprise drone solutions for industrial and surveying applications. This includes UAVs, payloads and software to help organisations capture accurate aerial data.
DJI Enterprise solutions supplied by OPTRON are commonly used in industries such as:
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Surveying and geospatial mapping
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Utilities and energy
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Construction and earthworks monitoring
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Public safety and emergency response
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Mining and quarry operations
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Environmental monitoring
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Infrastructure inspection
These technologies help professionals capture and process accurate data from the real world.
Yes. OPTRON offers hands-on training to help customers safely and effectively operate their DJI Enterprise drones.
Training typically covers:
Training typically covers:
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Drone operation and flight planning
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Best practices for accuracy and safety
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Data capture
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Software workflows and data processing
Yes. OPTRON provides advanced technical support for DJI Enterprise customers, including:
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Assistance with drone setup and configuration
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Troubleshooting and operational guidance
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Firmware and software updates
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Workflow support for data processing and integration
Yes, OPTRON has a DJI authorised Service Centre with factory trained technicians that offer servicing of all Enterprise drones – helping customers keep their equipment operational and reliable at all times.
Services may include diagnostics, repairs, firmware updates and general maintenance.
Services may include diagnostics, repairs, firmware updates and general maintenance.
Customers can contact OPTRON to discuss their application, workflow requirements, and project goals. OPTRON specialists can recommend the most suitable DJI Enterprise solution and provide demonstrations, training, and implementation support.
Spectra Geospatial FAQs
Rebranded from Spectra Precision in 2018, Spectra Geospatial is an established brand providing high-quality, economical GNSS receivers, optical total stations, data collectors, and field/office software for the surveying, GIS, and construction industries.
Owned by Trimble, Spectra Geospatial focuses on delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions.
Owned by Trimble, Spectra Geospatial focuses on delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions.
OPTRON supplies the complete range of surveying and positioning technologies from Spectra Geospatial, designed to deliver reliable performance and value for surveying, construction, and GIS professionals. These solutions include GNSS receivers, total stations, field data collectors, and survey software.
Yes. Spectra Geospatial is part of the Trimble Inc. family, which means that a number of their solutions are built on Trimble technology platforms. This allows compatibility with established workflows and software used across surveying and construction industries.
OPTRON offers a range of value-add services on Spectra Geospatial solutions, including:
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Workflow consultation and optimisation
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Technical support
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Field-to-finish system integration and configuration
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Software updates
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Equipment setup and troubleshooting
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Equipment servicing, repairs, calibration and maintenance
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Application specific technical training
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Firmware updates and diagnostics
Yes. OPTRON provides servicing, repairs, calibration, and general maintenance on all Spectra Geospatial equipment. Factory-trained technicians help ensure that instruments remain accurate, reliable and ready for field use.
Nikon FAQs
Nikon Survey refers to the surveying and construction instruments manufactured by Nikon-Trimble Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Nikon Corporation and Trimble Navigation Ltd. formed in 2003. They produce high-precision mechanical total stations, theodolites, and automatic levels known for superior optics, durability, and all-weather performance, widely used by professionals globally.
OPTRON has been supplying the complete range of high-precision Nikon mechanical total stations, theodolites, and automatic levels in the Sub-Sharan Africa territory, since 1997.
Key benefits of Nikon Survey equipment include:
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Reliable performance in demanding environments
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Excellent optical quality
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User-friendly operation
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Cost-effective surveying solutions
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Durable design for field conditions
These instruments are well suited for professionals who require dependable equipment for daily field work.
Does OPTRON provide servicing and repairs for Nikon Survey instruments?
Yes. OPTRON offers product training as well as in-person and telephonic technical support to help customers operate their Nikon Survey instruments effectively.
Training can include:
Training can include:
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Instrument setup and operation
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Survey workflows and field techniques
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Best practices for accurate measurements
Carlson FAQs
Acquired from Renishaw in 2017, Carlson Laser Measurement Devices (LMD) is a division of Carlson Software that produces specialised laser-based hardware and software for mapping, mining and surveying in hazardous or inaccessible environments.
OPTRON is the Southern African distributor for Carlson Laser Measurement Devices (LMD) – offering products like the Boretrak® system that measures borehole deviation, the C-ALS® and 3D Void Scanner for cavity monitoring, and Quarryman Pro laser scanner for volumetric surveys.
Carlson Laser Measurement Devices (LMD) are typically used in Mining, Quarrying, Tunnelling, Construction and Infrastructure development industries to ensure drilling accuracy, improve blast and excavation planning and accurately measure volumes.
Yes. Carlson LMDs are designed for simple, field-friendly operation. Many models feature:
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One-button measurement
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Simple menu navigation
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Built-in display
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Automatic calculations
OPTRON offers a range of value-add services on Carlson LMD products, including:
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Workflow consultation and optimisation
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Equipment setup and troubleshooting
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Field-to-finish system integration and configuration
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Application specific technical training
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Technical support
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Equipment servicing, repairs, calibration and maintenance
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Firmware updates and diagnostics
EagleNXT FAQs
Based in Texas USA, EagleNXT (formerly AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.) is a leading provider of full-stack drone solutions, specialising in high-performance flight hardware, sensors, and software for government and commercial sectors.
EagleNXT fixed-wing drones are designed for professional aerial data capture and inspection applications. They are commonly used for mapping, surveying, mining, infrastructure inspections, agriculture, construction and environmental monitoring.
OPTRON is the Southern African distributor for eBeeX and eBeeAG fixed-wing drones, used in Agriculture and Aerial Mapping applications respectively.
Yes. OPTRON offers hands-on training and technical support to help customers safely and effectively operate their EagleNXT drones.
Training typically covers:
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Drone operation and flight planning
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Data capture
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Best practices for accuracy and safety
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Software workflows and data processing
Technical support services include:
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Assistance with drone setup and configuration
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Firmware and software updates
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Troubleshooting and operational guidance
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Workflow support for data processing and integration
Yes, OPTRON has an OEM authorised Service Centre with factory trained technicians that offers diagnostics, repairs, firmware updates and general maintenance on all EagleNXT drones.
Reutech Mining FAQs
Reutech Mining is a South Africa-based leader in developing advanced, real-time geotechnical monitoring radar systems for surface and underground mining. Established in 2006, they provide critical slope stability solutions to improve safety and productivity in mining operations world-wide.
OPTRON provides Reutech Mining technologies that help mines detect ground movement, monitor slope stability and improve operational safety.
Key solutions include:
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MSR Modular – A flexible radar system for monitoring slope movement in open-pit mines.
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MSR IV Esprit – High-speed radar designed to detect rapid ground movement and potential slope failures.
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MSR Halo – A 360° Synthetic Aperture Radar system for long-range slope monitoring.
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Multi‑Purpose Platform – A modular platform for deploying monitoring equipment, cameras, and sensors.
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Slope Vision System – A camera system that provides visual monitoring of mine slopes.
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MSR Connect – Monitoring software for real-time radar data visualisation and alerts.
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Sub‑Surface Profiler – A handheld ground-penetrating radar device used underground to detect rock structures and fall-of-ground risks.
Reutech Mining’s radar solutions are mainly used in the Mining industry to monitor slope stability, detect ground movement and improve operational safety.
Yes. OPTRON supports customers with the installation and commissioning of Reutech Mining radar systems, including on-site operator training, system integration, and ongoing technical support to ensure users gain maximum value from the solution.
US Radar FAQs
US Radar is a leading manufacturer of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems, providing non-destructive, high-accuracy subsurface imaging solutions. Their systems are designed for high-resolution subsurface mapping and is commonly used for identifying underground utilities, assessing structures, conducting geological studies and performing archaeological surveys.
US Radar uses advanced digital GPR technology that allows users to analyse subsurface conditions in real time without damaging the ground or relying solely on electromagnetic detection.
The systems are mainly used to detect and map buried utilities, voids, pipes and other underground features without the need for excavation.
The systems are mainly used to detect and map buried utilities, voids, pipes and other underground features without the need for excavation.
US Radar’s GPR solutions are commonly used in:
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Construction and civil engineering
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Utility locating
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Transportation infrastructure
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Environmental assessment
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Geotechnical investigations
The US Radar product portfolio includes:
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Handheld GPR systems
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Cart-based scanning systems
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High-resolution subsurface imaging solutions
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Data analysis and visualization software
Key benefits of using US Radar GPR solutions include:
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Reduced risk of striking underground utilities
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Non-destructive subsurface investigation
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Improved project safety and efficiency
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Faster site decision-making
Yes. OPTRON provides extensive training and advanced technical support on all US Radar products supplied.
Seafloor Systems FAQs
Founded in 1999, Seafloor Systems Inc. is a leading provider of hydrographic survey solutions, specialising in unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), hydro-acoustic sonar equipment and software for mapping underwater environments.
Seafloor Systems’ solutions are used to measure and map underwater environments, capturing bathymetric data for rivers, lakes, harbours, and coastal areas.
Seafloor Systems’ hydro-acoustic sonar solutions are widely used in:
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Hydrographic surveying
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Civil engineering and construction
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Environmental monitoring
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Disaster response and flood mapping
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Dredging and waterway management
Depending on the application, systems can integrate:
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Single-beam and multibeam echo sounders
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GPS/GNSS positioning systems
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Side-scan sonar
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Water quality and environmental sensors
A USV is a remote-controlled or autonomous boat equipped with sensors such as sonar to collect bathymetric and waterway data without requiring a crew onboard.
Yes. OPTRON provides extensive training and advanced technical support on all Seafloor Systems products supplied.
GeoCue FAQs
GeoCue is a prominent U.S.-based technology company specialising in LiDAR mapping hardware, drone photogrammetry sensors and point cloud data processing software.
OPTRON supplies the complete range of GeoCue TrueView UAV payloads that combines LiDAR scanning technology, high-resolution RGB imaging and GNSS/IMU positioning for survey-grade accuracy.
GeoCue’s LiDAR 3D scanning systems are used for high-precision geospatial data capture, including:
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Topographic surveying
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Urban modelling
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Corridor and infrastructure mapping
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Environmental monitoring
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Mining and stockpile volumes
GeoCue captured data is typically processed using LP360 for:
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Point cloud processing
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Surface modelling
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Data classification
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Deliverable generation
GeoCue TrueView LiDAR payloads are primarily compatible with heavy-lift DJI Enterprise drones, capable of carrying high-precision sensors. The main supported DJI platforms include the Matrice 300 RTK, Matrice 350 RTK, and Matrice 400 series.
OPTRON provides:
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System selection and configuration guidance
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Training for operators and analysts
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Installation and workflow integration
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Technical support and after-sales service
Exyn FAQs
Founded in 2014, Exyn Technologies is a Philadelphia-based company developing AI-powered autonomous drone systems for mapping hazardous, confined environments like underground mines and industrial sites.
The Exyn Nexys is an advanced autonomous aerial mapping system developed by Exyn Technologies. It enables drones to operate and map environments without GPS, pilots, or prior maps, using onboard AI and LiDAR sensors.
The Exyn Nexys drone payload is designed to autonomously map complex and GPS-denied environments, including:
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Underground mines
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Warehouses
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Industrial facilities
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Tunnels and confined spaces
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Mining and stockpile volumes
The Exyn Nexys uses AI-powered autonomy, LiDAR sensing, and real-time navigation algorithms to allow drones to explore and map unknown environments while avoiding obstacles.
OPTRON provides:
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System selection and configuration guidance
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Training for operators and analysts
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Installation and workflow integration
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Technical support and after-sales service
Quantum-Systems FAQs
Founded in 2015, Quantum-Systems is a German company that develops AI-powered electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial mapping, defense, security and commercial use.
Quantum-Systems drones combine vertical take-off and landing with fixed-wing flight, allowing them to operate in confined areas while achieving longer flight times and greater coverage than typical multirotor drones.
Quantum-Systems drones are widely used for:
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Large-area mapping and surveying
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Mining and resource monitoring
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Infrastructure and corridor mapping
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Agriculture and environmental monitoring
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Security and situational awareness
Key advantages of of eVTOL drones include:
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Take-off and landing in small areas
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Long flight endurance
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Efficient coverage of large survey areas
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High-quality aerial data capture
These drones can support a range of payloads including:
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RGB mapping cameras
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Multispectral sensors
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Other specialised aerial imaging systems
OPTRON provides:
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System selection and configuration guidance
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Training for operators and analysts
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Installation and workflow integration
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Technical support and after-sales service
TRE ALTAMiRA FAQs
TRE Altamira is part of the CLS Group and a world leader in satellite-based ground deformation monitoring, using InSAR technology. As part of the CLS Group, they provide millimetre-precision measurements of surface movement to sectors like mining, oil & gas and civil engineering to assess stability and manage risks.
TRE Altamira technology analyses satellite radar data to detect millimetre-level ground movement to identify subsidence, uplift and terrain instability over large areas.
InSAR is a remote sensing technique that uses radar satellite images to measure ground deformation over time, even in remote or inaccessible areas.
TRE Altamira’s InSAR solutions can detect millimetre-scale ground movement, making it suitable for high-precision deformation monitoring.
Satellite-based InSAR monitoring provides:
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Wide-area coverage
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Cost-effective monitoring over time
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Historical deformation analysis
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Early warning of ground stability issues
XGRIDS FAQs
XGRIDS is a technology company specialising in 3D intelligent spatial computing. It develops hardware and
software solutions that convert real-world environments into detailed digital models for analysis, visualisation,
and digital twin applications.
software solutions that convert real-world environments into detailed digital models for analysis, visualisation,
and digital twin applications.
XGRIDS uses advanced technologies such as LiDAR, SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) and
3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) to capture, process, and render highly realistic 3D spatial data.
3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) to capture, process, and render highly realistic 3D spatial data.
XGRIDS solutions are commonly used in industries such as construction, mining, infrastructure, smart cities,
surveying, engineering, public safety and gaming.
surveying, engineering, public safety and gaming.
3D Gaussian Splatting is an advanced rendering technique used to generate highly realistic and efficient 3D
visualisations from captured spatial data, enabling photorealistic digital environments.
visualisations from captured spatial data, enabling photorealistic digital environments.
LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate precise point clouds of physical environments,
allowing XGRIDS systems to build accurate 3D representations of buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure.
allowing XGRIDS systems to build accurate 3D representations of buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure.
OPTRON provides:
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System selection and configuration guidance
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Installation and workflow integration
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Training for operators and analysts
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Technical support and after-sales service
Worldsensing FAQs
Worldsensing is a global IoT company that develops wireless monitoring solutions to improve the safety and
performance of infrastructure and geotechnical environments.
performance of infrastructure and geotechnical environments.
The company specialises in wireless geotechnical and structural monitoring, enabling organisations to monitor
ground movement, structural stability, and environmental conditions in real time.
ground movement, structural stability, and environmental conditions in real time.
Worldsensing technologies are widely used in mining, construction, rail, infrastructure, dams and slope
monitoring projects.
monitoring projects.
Worldsensing systems can integrate with various geotechnical and structural sensors, including inclinometers,
piezometers, extensometers, tiltmeters and vibration sensors.
piezometers, extensometers, tiltmeters and vibration sensors.
Sensor data is transmitted wirelessly to a gateway and then to cloud-based platforms where engineers can
visualise, analyse and receive alerts about changes in monitored conditions.
visualise, analyse and receive alerts about changes in monitored conditions.
OPTRON provides:
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System selection and configuration guidance
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Installation and workflow integration
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Training for operators and analysts
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Technical support and after-sales service
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