Information capture is a snap

C. R. Kennedy Pty Ltd to distribute ikeGPS GIS data collection instruments in Australia.

This extraordinary new GIS field tool puts information at your fingertips. The advanced ike1000 links a PDA computer running Windows with a GPS receiver, 3D compass, a laser rangefinder and a digital camera - all in the palm of your hand.

Record geotagged digital photographs with GPS co-ordinates, create an image database, collect reference points in inaccessible terrain, and much more.

Imagine the possibilities for gathering information, surveying, mapping, planning and decision making?

Australian public safety, emergency response agencies and utilities are gaining new insights about their assets through advances in GPS data acquisition and GIS mapping software.

“These new tools are enabling better operational viewpoints and are vital for informed decision-making,” says John Da Mina, National Manager Geomatics, of C. R. Kennedy & Company Pty. Ltd., Australia’s leading distributor of professional photographic, surveying, surveillance and medical equipment.

“We’re now providing GPS enabled field tools that enable a sole operator to rapidly survey, collect data, and attribute information about assets or geographical features for downloading into sophisticated mapping databases.

“Until quite recently this type of information was often paper-based, unverifiable, slow to capture and assimilate, and impossible to consolidate into a comprehensive overview.

“Worldwide public safety organizations (including those responsible for wildfire and flood management), and mining, energy and telecommunications utilities are deploying GIS data capture and mapping solutions,” says Mr. Da Mina.

“For example, utilities can achieve real cost savings through reducing workflow and travel time and expensive field logistics by surveying and mapping their infrastructure assets in a coordinated maintenance program.

“Mapping the location of vital structures and geographic features as part of disaster planning can provide vital visibility to emergency response directors and their teams in the field.

“Tools such as the new ike1000 GPS data collection devices from Surveylab deliver an important part of the GIS information trail that begins with field collection. I believe these products have particular relevance in an Australian context.

“The ike1000 is a robust, highly portable, professional’s tool. It boasts a state-of-the-art PDA computer with Windows Mobile 6 and built-in GPS receiver, 3D compass, 5.0 megapixel digital camera, and laser rangefinder.

“The ike1000 enables a field operative to record geotagged digital photographs (with the GPS coordinates embedded) creating a verifiable image database.

“The advantage we see in the ike1000 is that the operator doesn’t need to be physically on-the-spot to obtain the required information. By using the laser rangefinder the operator may take a photograph and locate the position beyond for example a security fence or on private property, when separated from a target by waterways or inaccessible terrain, or where there are safety concerns such as passing traffic and heavy machinery operating.

“The ike1000 also enables a user to collect several reference points and information about multiple assets from one position reducing time-consuming stop starts in difficult terrain or a congested metropolitan environment.

“We see two major cost advantages for customers using these tools,” says John Da Mina.

“Firstly they enable a solo operator to capture information quickly and safely. Time spent on data capture is an important cost centre, and operator safekeeping a health and safety consideration.

“The second point is that the unique integration of rangefinder, GPS and camera, means customers need only purchase and travel with one device, and not three or four from different manufacturers. This reduces capital investment and the total cost of ownership in areas such as training and servicing”.

C. R. Kennedy has Surveylab ike1000 units available for demonstrations and field trials.

About C.R Kennedy

C.R Kennedy & Company Pty. Ltd., is Australia's foremost importer/ distributor of photographic, CCTV, medical and digital audio equipment. With famous brands such as Pentax, Hasselblad, Sigma, Bowens, Elmo, Leica Geosystems, Optech, Riegl Dallmeier, LG, iriver, and Ilford, and offices in all major Australian capital cities and Auckland, New Zealand, C.R. Kennedy is able to provide a quality of service to match the caliber of its brands.