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GeoSystems' Christchurch office not affected
by fire at Trimble Navigation complex

GeoSystems is fully operational and, after restoring local GNSS correction services,
is working with Trimble to provide support, resources and assistance

GeoSystems New Zealand Limited, the New Zealand distributer of professional grade geospatial products developed by Trimble Navigation, can confirm that the fire which devastated the Trimble Navigation New Zealand Limited office overnight has not affected the GeoSystemsChristchurch office located in Riccarton.

"The GeoSystems management team and staff would like to express their sympathy for the losses suffered by Trimble New Zealand and its employees, but are thankful that all of the staff have been reported safe," stated GeoSystems' Business Development Manager, Martin Hewitt. "We are also keeping the injured firefighters in our thoughts and send our gratitude to the Fire Service personnel for their efforts to contain the blaze."

Hewitt further reassured customers, "The GeoSystems' Christchurch head office is operating as usual from Leslie Hills Drive, supplying local and national customers with new products, along with hire and loan equipment."

"The GNSS Base Station that supplies data for the Christchurch Southern Motorway Project, which had been operating from within the Trimble building, was lost in the fire but our Development Engineer, Jason Brice, was able to restore their GNSS correction services to a fully operational status by 11am using the Wigram Base both via radio and internet streaming to their Project Office."

The GeoSystems team is currently working with Trimble staff to provide support and resources to their researchers and developers in order to continue Trimble's immediate ability to supply new products and support services to customers in New Zealand and abroad until alternative premises for the Trimble staff are arranged.

Updates on the fire damage and future of the Trimble complex will be released directly from Trimble New Zealand, part of Trimble Navigation Limited -headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, as more information becomes available.

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GeoSystems New Zealand Limited - Founded in 1985, GeoSystems is the largest supplier of global positioning systems, measuring instruments and design software solutions in New Zealand. A registered Trimble and Garmin dealer, as well as an ESRI partner, GeoSystems has three national offices in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland.

The GeoSystems team specialises in the supply, support and implementation of applied spatial technology, including GPS, positioning systems and associated software, to surveyors, construction and mapping professionals. They combine knowledge of communication platforms, mapping, GPS, GIS and design software with professional knowledge and systems integration expertise. It is through this well-informed use of technology that GeoSystems supplies and supports innovative products and technologies to New Zealand professionals, enabling increased productivity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chris Blazkow Appointed as GeoSystems' Mapping and GIS
Account Manager for Wellington and the lower North Island

WELLINGTON, January, 2011- Chris Blazkow has been named the new Account Manager for the Field Services division of GeoSystems and will be based out of the Tawa office. Blazkow has an in-depth of knowledge and experience in the GIS field through both theoretical university study and hands-on years of experience, particularly with the Trimble MGIS product line.

Through his solid background in customer service, Blazkow has acquired a good perspective on the attention and persistence needed to find solutions for a wide array of customers. "I believe one solution does not work for everyone and that each customer has his or her own unique needs, which must be met," stated Blazkow. In order to find the best total solution to fit a specific job Blazkow recognizes that "the more you put in to something, the more you get out," and looks forward working with the local companies and governmental organisations to further develop the integration of geospatial technology into their workflow.

Warren Eade, Manager of the Field Services division, is keen to have Blazkow start working with local clients immediately. "With a passionate and enthusiastic attitude, I am sure that Chris's thirst for knowledge and customer focus will prove him to be a successful addition to our team as well as an asset to our customers with his wealth of product and industry knowledge," said Eade.

Blazkow spent the last three years working for Ultimate Positioning, the Trimble reseller in Australia, in their Victorian office. This has given him a high-level of experience with the entire Mapping and GIS range including ArcGIS and MapInfo software, plus he is also a Trimble Certified Trainer. Previous to that he also completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Systems.

A Wellingtonian by birth, Blazkow also earned his Bachelor of Arts in both Geography and Environmental Science from Victoria University. After spending a good part of the last decade in Australia he said he has taken this position with GeoSystems to return home to NZ and "hopefully to greener, if not dryer, pastures." From Tuesday 24^th January Blazkow will be based out of the Tawa office and begin introducing himself to local customers as well as provide MGIS support for the region.

For any of your Field services or MGIS queries, particularly in the Wellington region, please don't hesitate to contact Chris Blazkow on his DDI: 04 916 5682, mobile: 021 355 087 or by email chris.blazkow@geosystems.co.nz 

Media Contact:
Audra Hansard
03 963 2839
audra.hansard@geosystems.co.nz

Gisborne. 2010 – Within thick North Island bush, searching out possums and other invasive species, the Trimble Nomad 800L has become an all-in-one data logger solution for Nga Whenua Rahui‘s field team.

Responsible for pest control impact monitoring, the team has seen onsite project completion times improve 40% since updating their collection method to the Nomad.

By pairing TerraSync field technology with the latest post-processing software Pathfinder Office, office hours have also been reduced to a minimum with data now uploaded directly from the field devices into the Geographic Information System (GIS) increasing efficiency even further.
The elimination of both the delay and cost of data-entry from project expenses is an important factor to Nga Whenua Rahui. The team, contracted by the Nga Whenua Rahui committee who operate as a branch of the Department of Conservation, are conscious that expenses are paid by tax dollars.

“We could see the savings immediately,” explained Roland Pomana, the Field Team Leader. “We are always looking to reduce costs, especially when we can maintain quality – and the handhelds allowed us to even make improvements!”

With the new electronic data collection and entry method there is minimal time between when the team gets back to the office and when the day’s collection results are plotted into a visual form.

“This reduces costs but it also allows the ‘big picture’ of what our work means to be understood throughout the organisation - a huge motivational factor for people spending weeks at a time out in the bush.”

Data is collected from the field sites under the guise of six nationally recognized protocols and require field team members to have advanced knowledge of forestry and biology. With a top caliber team, their time is a valuable commodity.

“Our field teams are highly skilled people whose knowledge of local species has often been developed over a number of years,” Pomana pointed out. “By providing them with professional grade tools their time is put to better use, focusing on the surroundings, rather than on completing a pile of paperwork in the middle of a dense forest track.”

Due to the crossover of data needed to fulfill requirements for each protocol, using the Nomad dramatically reduces time spent in the field. The field teams quickly discovered that a single unit has multiple capabilities, combining what previously used three tools.

The primary difference was the creation of a customized electronic form, known as a Data Dictionary, for each protocol. These could then be accessed easily and interchangeably during a single field site visit. With electronic data collection the field teams then only needed to note the data once instead of completing multiple paper forms.

“We were surprised by just how simple it was when it came time to set up the electronic version of the printed forms we’d used before. And, despite many of our team members having a low knowledge level of this type of technology, the software-hardware combination proved to be very intuitive and easy to use across the board,” Pomana recalled.

Field collection trips for a standard block of land previously meant approximately 600 working hours in the bush, but have now been condensed down to only 360 hours on average.

In addition to data entry features the Nomad handheld PDA also includes a GPS for geo-location positioning and navigation. With the long lengths of time in the bush, it is important for field teams to know exactly where they are on the block of land they are assessing.

Instantaneous geo-referenced tags are also created for each point at which data is collected and aided in speeding up collection. Comparatively, the previous method was for each data collection point to be given an estimated location determined by using a topographic paper map and compass.

“When we initially reviewed our processes we wanted to focus on working smarter not harder. To decrease contamination of the data we knew we had to minimise the amount of data handling which would then reduce the likelihood of incorrect entries,” said Pomana.

“It came down to providing a higher quality of data and more thorough coverage, while cutting overhead costs – and GeoSystems found a great solution for us.”

Previously the method was for the multiple paper forms to be been taken out into the bush only to be brought back to the office and for another person to transcribe them into the central database.

By transferring the data that was collected electronically directly into the GIS, over forty-eight hours of data re-entry is saved on each job, as well as reducing the potential levels human error.

The geo-tags are not only valuable for data integrity, but also assist Human Resource departments. Through tracking this data they are able verify both the hours and locations that each employee works. Furthermore, it accurately records the combined labour hours expended on each block of land.

While Data Dictionaries help maintain coherence and some conformity among the answers provided for each question, they also can provide a level of flexibility while acting as an audit system.

“It is highly doubtful that the pest control industry will ever get to a point where all data possibilities are known and able to be listed in a drop-down,“ Pomona advised.
Though he included questions with the freeform data entry space, Pomana was still able to ensure data consistency by setting parameter requirements. Through this feature, quantities or properties could be required to be noted even where specifics were unknown before going out onto the site.

Additionally, it allows specific questions from the protocols to require a certain type of answer from the field collector, such as inside a specific numerical range, ensuring figures of similar measurement units. Thus, the hazard of the ‘wildcard’ factor of freeform data entry is diminished and figures are compatible for comparison over time.

Once back in the office, the data is funneled directly into the system and processed using Pathfinder Office. The system has been set to automatically Batch Process; running an analysis using the established indexes which then numerous comparison graphs, charts and diagrams of the various pest factors can be produced by the manager in minimal time.

Using these assessments to determine which issues are present and the current threat level, Pomana and his team form the primary body of their presentations to the committee. Assessment factors include current data showing likely pests, threat levels and proposed solutions for how to protect the biodiversity of the land.

“Through the use of the TerraSync’s Data Dictionaries we’ve added integrity to the data in the field by the professionals, not in the middle or just at the end,” stated Pomana. It is this data integrity that is a key factor in improving their service to the Nga Whenua Rahui committee.
Pomana’s team now can present top quality graphs and charts which are easy to read as well as compare land blocks and changes over time. The increase in accuracy of results have provided a higher internal validity giving a greater level of confidence to both the team presenting the information, and the committee handing down the funding decisions, to make quicker decisions on what appropriate management measures are needed.

 At the end of the day, Pomana and his field teams are part of a business that has a responsibility to their customers to provide the best service possible in the quickest time which in turn allows them to provide their service to the community.

“We have decreased both field collection time and office preparation time, plus we’re now providing the committee with more presentations based on higher quality data so they are better able to distribute the funds and protect the biodiversity of Maori land from pests,” summed up Pomana.

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Nga Whenua Rahui – Nga Whenua Rahui is a contestable Ministerial fund established in 1991 to provide funding for the protection of indigenous ecosystems on Maori land. Its scope covers the full range of natural diversity originally present in the landscape.

The Fund, administered by the Nga Whenua Rahui Committee and serviced by the Department of Conservation, receives an annual allocation of funds from Government. The Committee advises the Minister of Conservation on funding applications from iwi, the placing of kawenata (covenant) and negotiates conditions.

The criteria and mechanisms of Nga Whenua Rahui, are geared towards the owners retaining tino rangatiratanga (ownership and control). The principal mechanisms used are: Nga Whenua Rahui kawenata pursuant to section 77A Reserves Act 1977 and an Agreement for the Management of Land pursuant to section 29 Conservation Act.

GeoSystems’ Business Services division offers a diverse range of products primarily focused on adding value to your company’s activities, and increasing overall productivity of your enterprise. Ranging from providing staff training and skills based refresher courses, to setting up asset management and vehicle tracking systems, GeoSystems’ Business Services team can help you get more out of your business investments.

Our goal is to provide your business with solutions that make economic and practical, day-to-day sense.

SERVICE & REPAIRS
GeoSystems also offers a full suite of servicing and repair facilities, staffed by highly skilled technicians, to ensure as little downtime as possible with your company’s key GPS, laser, and measurement equipment. Additionally, we provides short term hire of GPS instruments, further reducing interruption to your business’s profitability.

In order increase the speed of turn around time when you send us your unit for service or repairs, please include a completed copy of our Booking In Form inside the parcel containing the unit. Providing us with a full set of contact details at the top of the form will also help ensure that the correct person is contacted regarding status updates and any quotes requested.

Please click here to download a PDF of our Booking In Form.

Or phone us on 0800 GEOSYS (436 979) to discuss your specific requirements.

Find your Field Gear Here!

GeoSystems' Field Services encompasses Trimble Mapping and GIS solutions, the Garmin GPS product range as well as training on GIS data collection and use. We also have a full range of forestry and consumable products for use in the field.  

Our products include: 
     · GPS Receivers (Professional & Recreational GPS)
     · Mapping Software (Data Collection & Post Processing, ESRI
Extension, Topographical Software, Garmin Topo, Street and Maps)
     · Forestry Equipment (Tree Borers, Callipers, Height measuring instruments,
Diameter Tapes, Vests, etc)
     · Hand-held Instruments (Rangefinders, Weather Meters, Clinometers,
Compasses, Map Measure Wheels & Plan Wheels, EPIRBs)
     · Consumables (Rite in the Rain products, Hip Chain Cotton, Flagging Tape)

Training Courses 

 Training courses on MGIS are offered to the public and focus on and are offered quarterly and scheduled as registration numbers require. Currently we are accepting registrations for a two day interactive seminar that focuses on TerraSync and Pathfinder Office. 

Private training courses are also available for organisations and will be tailored to suit specific training needs. These can be held at one of our training facilities or on site and can be focused around organisational work flow specifics.

Tech Note: Pathfinder Office Activation Issues?

Having trouble with GPS Pathfinder Office and GPS Analyst Extension for ArcGIS Desktop Software Licensing and Activation? 

A support note is now available that describes issues and provides answers to questions related to the software licensing and activation mechanisms introduced or updated in the Trimble® GPS Pathfinder® Office software version 5.10 and the Trimble GPS Analyst^TM extension for ArcGIS Desktop software version 2.40. 

Click here to download the support note. For further information please contact our MGIS Trainer and Consultant on mike.henry@geosystems.co.nz. 

Recently Released Trimble Mapping Devices

Click below for more detail on the units then give us a call to assess which unit best suits your business!

AHB Contractors

Need a ruggedised PDA? We've got a unit that can survive even the roughest users and conditions; is combined GPS and PDA for all-in-one simplicity; and friendly, helpful support.

Click here to find out more

Clearance Specials - Up To 80% Off!!

This stuff has now GOT TO GO! Be in quick while stock last.

Click here to see whats on offer

Staff Movements  (updated 17th January 2011)

To make sure that we're where you need us, there is now a MGIS Account Manager based out of our Wellington office! Chris Blazkow will oversee the Trimble sales within the Mapping and GIS division for the Lower North Island.  

Click Here For The Rest Of The Story

Trimble Integrated Surveying: GNSS/GPS Surveying and Total Stations Combined

Trimble surveying instruments seamlessly integrate GNSS/GPS receivers and optical total stations. Land surveyors no longer need think of these systems as separate. Through Integrated Surveying from Trimble, experience efficiency, productivity, and simplicity like you’ve never known. One Controller, One Field Software, One Job FileCollect GNSS and Robotic Total Station surveying data in one Job file in the Trimble controller. Then transfer the data to the office software. With the Integrated Surveying solution, GNSS and Robotic Total Station data can be seamlessly integrated in a single data file while you are in the field. Simply “Switch to” the Robotic Total Station or the GNSS sensor from within the Trimble Controller Software and you are underway.

Trimble VX Spatial Station for Spatial Imaging-Accurate Terrestrial Positioning Data for the Geospatial Industry and Surveying

The Trimble VX Spatial Station for Spatial Imaging integrates state-of-the-art optical, 3D scanning, and digital imaging technology to capture the shape, detail and precise coordinates of any job. The resulting 2D and 3D enhanced deliverables will satisfy colleagues and clients alike. New Business OpportunitiesFor geospatial industry users, the Trimble VX captures survey-precise ground-level data that fuses with airborne data to produce a complete 3D deliverable. For surveyors the Trimble VX is an easy entry into Spatial Imaging.

Trimble MultiTrack Target for Both Active and Passive Tracking

For the ultimate advantage with your Trimble S6 Robotic Total Station use the Trimble MultiTrack Target. Choose from active or passive tracking with the Trimble MultiTrack Target, the only target of its kind in the surveying industry. Active tracking ensures you always locate and lock on to the correct target. When you’re using the Trimble MultiTrack Target, nearby reflective surfaces, such as road signs, cars, safety vests, and other prisms, will not disrupt your surveys.

GeoSystems' Construction division has been in operation since 2004 and has established a great reputation of providing value for money, productive machine control solutions, GPS solutions for construction and laser levels to contractors.

Productivity is the key to profitability... getting the job done faster with less machine time and personnel. Only GeoSystems can support your productivity with the broadest, deepest and most advanced construction solutions in the industry.

Whether you work in general construction, earthmoving or civil engineering, Trimble lasers, total stations, and GPS positioning solutions and software give you more control over your jobsite. From concept to completion, Trimble provides positioning systems for all aspects of the job—from site preparation to the finished project.