Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS) has acquired TruePoint, a provider of 3D laser scanning services to the architecture, engineering and construction industry.
GPRS, which specialises in subsurface damage prevention, said the acquisition represents a move towards above-ground mapping services.
Ohio-based TruePoint provides as-built surveys, 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models for buildings, plants, facilities and sites.
Its laser scanning services help to expediate design planning, prefabrication, asset management and facility modifications.
“This TruePoint Laser Scanning acquisition is a big step for GPRS,” said Matt Aston, president of GPRS.
“TruePoint Laser Scanning is an excellent company with impressive laser scanning capabilities. Our goal is to work more closely with their management team and fully utilize their services to serve our clients’ needs better.”
Data mining through point cloud analysis
TruePoint uses industry-leading Leica survey-grade laser scanners to capture 2.4mm accurate layout, dimensions and locations of clients’ project requirements, such as architectural, structural and MEP features, walls, windows, doors, stairs, roof, railings, exposed columns, beams, equipment, piping, ducts and more in the form of a point cloud.
Point clouds represent spatial data as a collection of XYZ coordinates, delivering large datasets that can be mined for information through visualization and analysis.
Jason Schaff, senior vice-president of customer service at GPRS, said: “We’re very excited about this acquisition.
“The new partnership with TruePoint allows us to serve customers both in subsurface locating and above-ground mapping.”
Ryan Hacker, President of TruePoint Laser Scanning, added: “GPRS is the leading service provider in the subsurface damage prevention industry. We’re excited to join them in their mission and add our capabilities to their expanding vision.”
GPRS said it is now the only company in the US with the capability to capture and entire site or facility above and below ground, providing accurate as-builts, private and public utility maps, 2D CAD drawings and 3D photogrammetry and BIM models to support better planning, design, management, digging and construction.
On average, there is a utility strike every 60 seconds in the US and a water main breaks every two minutes.
According to the Industry Protection Coalition, the annual cost of utility strikes is $61bn.
