Africa Surveyors July-August digital issue 2020

Volume 3 issue no. 10

July- August issue 2020

Africa Surveyors The GNSS Receiver Marine application

Mounting accessories Safety gears Developing net zero carbon buildings in SA

Inside......

NWHSA calls for bidders for the construction of Koru-Soin multi-purpose dam....pg 27 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

Adopting the ICMS for World Bank and IMF funded projects ...pg 14

Young engineers urged to leverage innovations....pg 26 July-August issue l 2020

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CONTENTS

Contents Current Issue In this issue, we look at the role of GNSS Receivers in Marine application

REGULARS News Briefs

4

Events

8

Innovation

10

Opinion

12

Project review

36

Managing Editor

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16

26

5

Francis David

COVER STORY

Editor-in-Chief

The GNSS Receiver: It's role in

Augustine Rang’ondi

Editor Dorcas Kang’ereha

Writer

Violet Ambale Harriet Mkhaye Irene Joseph Innocent Momanyi

Sales Executives East Africa

Jimmy Mudasia Lydia Kamonya Caiser Momanyi Vincent Murono Sheila Ing’ayitsa

South Africa

Paul Nyakeri Sean Masangwanyi Lisa Brown Thembisa Ndlovu

Marine survey

Features

Getting to Zero: developing net zero carbon buildings in SA

Accessories: Essential mounting accessories for surveyors

Safety Gears: Safety gears for best surveying

practices

Engineering: Young engineers urged to leverage innovations

Anniverssary: 30 years of Egoless and holistic design Tender: Construction of the Koru-Soin multi-purpose

dam

ADVERTISER'S INDEX

Nigeria

Emelda Njomboro Uche Maxwel

Published by:

Nailex Africa Publishing P.O. Box 10109, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya.

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Building Smart........................................................................IFC Ranhill.......................................................................................IBC Mavic Air..................................................................................OBC Diversified Communications...............................................pg 9 Pertamina.................................................................................pg 13 Graco........................................................................................pg 17 HINTE Marketing & Media GmbH.......................................pg 25 AMS Group..............................................................................pg 32 E. D. Simelane & Associates (Pty) Ltd................................pg 37 GRK Engineering India Pvt Ltd...........................................pg 38

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The Editor accepts letter and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We can reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Send your letters to: info@africasurveyorsonline.com

Disclaimer:

Nailex Africa Publishing makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed on interviews are not necessarily shared

by Nailex Africa Publisher.

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July-August issue l 2020

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News BRIEFS

Fugro commence shallow water survey for 2Africa Fiber-Optic Cable Project

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ugro, the Offshore surveyor has kicked start the survey of its shallow water campaign for the “2Africa” subsea fiber-optic cable project. The cable project, once completed, will connect 23 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe and deliver more than the total combined capacity of all subsea data cables serving Africa today.

“By conducting the deepwater reconnaissance survey first, Fugro has already expedited the cable engineering and manufacturing phase by providing multibeam echosounder data to the ASN project team “on the fly” during the first phase of the project,” Fugro said.

2africa-cable-route| Image Fugro

TGS commences Egyptian MultiYear Geophysical Survey

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GS, a leading provider of multi-client geoscience data for exploration and production companies, has announced that it has commenced its firstever regional airborne Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (eFTG) multi-client survey – together with magnetic and Lidar data – over the Upper Egypt region of the country. This survey is designed to provide unique, high-resolution imaging of the region

Fugro is providing offshore and onshore survey services, including a geophysical route survey and shallow geotechnical testing to overcome any challenges along the planned route.

Uganda plans to construct educational satellite

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he International University of East Africa (IUEA) has submitted an application to the Uganda Communication Commission(UCC) to permit them to build their educational satellite which would be named the Satellite One (IUEA UGA. SAT 1).

The application comes inline with following the steps of University of Michigan, MIT, University of Texas and other top universities around the globe.

All Nations University in Ghana, The Federal University of Technology, Akure in Nigeria, the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa and French South African Institute of Technology in South Africa are some of the Universities in Africa that have been involved in the development of satellites that have been launched into space.

This is in line with the country’s history of providing academic excellence by making use of advancement in technology to better their economy.

In November 2019, Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, the Ugandan Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation announced Uganda’s plan to launch its first satellite by 2022.

UAVAid and Halkin Group sign MOU for Kenya COVID Response COVID response.

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AVAid and Halkin Group have signed an MOU to support Kenya COVID recovery with ‘drones’ for national Healthcare and Economic Development.

UAVaid, one of the UK’s leading developers of specialist ‘drone’ technology, has signed an agreement with Halkin Group, paving the way for their drones to be brought to Kenya to help the country rebuild and strengthen its healthcare system and economy, as part of a

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The memorandum of understanding MOU signed between the two organisations is aimed at leading to the deployment of UAVaid’s multi-role HANSARD drone to Kenya, providing the country with a new airborne capability for medical deliveries, agriculture development, infrastructure inspection, public safety and wildlife protection across the country. This agreement follows the recent announcement that Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has passed a key piece of legislation that will authorise drones to start operating in Kenya.

UAVAid, said “We are delighted to be working with Halkin Group to introduce the HANSARD drone to Kenya, and support the country as it develops in the aftermath of COVID. The ability of the drone to make

with increased accuracy and higher spatial resolution to enhance exploration activities.

This is the first phase of a planned program that will roll into a multi-year acquisition that aims to cover both onshore and offshore Egypt. The eFTG technology used for data acquisition, is being applied for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Rune Eng, Executive Vice President, International at TGS, stated: “We are delighted that this significant project is now underway in Egypt and will, for the first time, provide much-needed high resolution data to a region that is set to significantly step-up its hydrocarbon activities in 2020 and beyond.

Along with our partner, AustinBridgeporth, we are looking forward to a significant longterm relationship with GANOPE.” long range medical deliveries can significantly improve healthcare at the point-of-need whilst minimising virus transmission risk. The multirole capabilities will help the Kenyan people by supporting the economic recovery through the development of the livestock, agriculture and security sectors”.

Halkin Group, said: “This is an important development at a critical time for Kenya and the HANSARD will become a new asset to support the Kenyan’s during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The HANSARD will bring new standards of drone performance, utility and safety to Kenya, something reflected by its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) certification. The track record of success in Spain and Malawi has proven the value of the system in supporting a wide range of public and private services and its application here will benefit multiple use cases such as Agriculture, Infrastructure Monitoring, Healthcare, Insurance, Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction, E-commerce delivery and Safety and Security.”

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News BRIEFS

RCMRD provides Satellite Images of Beirut Explosion

Globe and Reuters — of the blast. This has also shown that the explosion affected 9,000 residents in 1 km radius of the explosion, and affected 100,000 residents in 1.6 km radius.

The data also provides before and after images of the explosion, which gives a detailed effect of the explosion.

Smoke rises from the site of explosion| Image RCMRD

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he Regional Center For Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), Kenya has joined in exploring the damage of the Beirut explosion in Lebanon. The explosion which occurred on the 4th of August in Beirut currently has a casualty figure of 200, as reports indicate that this number is bound to increase.

Orient Queen Cruise Ship capsized, the ship can be seen on top left, its 400 meters from the blast site

In order to completely understand the extent of the damage, RCMRD, Kenya has used satellite data visualisation to assess the impact of the explosion. The visualisation helps to have a clearer picture of the cause of the explosion, the area of impact and the level of destruction caused by the unfortunate incidence. Preliminary reports have shown that the explosion was as a result of explosive materials which had been kept in a warehouse since 2014.

This initiative by RCMRD has provided a series of satellite images — in conjunction with Digital

Blast Radius from the Site of Explosion

Developed by RCMRD with Credits to the following institution:Digital Globe|For the Satellite Images Reuters|For the high resolution photos Destroyed Grain Silos had 85% of Country’s Grain.

Image: RCMRD

Oceaneering awarded significant inspection Services Scope in Angola

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ceaneering International, Inc. (Oceaneering) has announced that its Asset Integrity group has secured a threeyear contract with Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC), a Chevron subsidiary.

Oceaneering will provide inspection services onshore Cabinda, Angola, and offshore Angola on Blocks 0 and 14. The contract is scheduled to begin in Q2 2020.

This award follows a recent contract win for inspection services for a major Middle East operator based in Dubai.

Kishore Sundararajan, Senior Vice President, Asset Integrity Group, stated: “We are pleased to have secured this contract with CABGOC, one of our largest customers. This project award reinforces Oceaneering’s position as a leading provider of inspection services around the globe.”

El Houssain El Moutia, Angola Country Manager, stated: “This contract will strengthen Oceaneering’s long-term presence in Angola and follows several recent awards for our Angolan team.”

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This port handles 60% of Lebanon’s imports & storage of its food & medical reserves| Image RCMRD

NIESV laments dilapidation of RSHA quarters

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he Nigerian Institution for Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has described the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Quarters as being in bad shape and no longer befitting as a dwelling place for the legislators.

The president of the institution, Mr. Emma Okahs-Wike lamented that the Assembly Quarters could not have dilapidated to the extent of being marked for demolition if the property was maintained.

He noted that a facility of such nature should not have been left in the hands of the occupants, adding that the Rivers State government ought to have employed facility managers to take care of the quarters, noting that facility managers be engaged when the new proposed assembly quarters are completed. According to him, if we had professionals who are managing the place, I can tell you that it would not have dilapidated to the point we are.

“I want to advise that the Speaker or the house officers should appoint facility managers that would be able to manage those properties. Now that the government is thinking about reconstructing, they should be able to bring out professionals, seek professional advice so that at the end of the day when they finish this kind of structure it would be properly cared for,” he continued.

Okahs-Wike reasoned that professional facility managers would be able to care for and maintain the facility, “let them not just leave it in the hands of the occupants, they should be able to have one stop facility manager that would look after the environment and make sure that the property is well maintained and well structured.”

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international

UAE to launch a navigation satellite in 2021

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“And if we are successful, the project can be expanded further,” explained the director of the NSSTC, which was jointly established

by UAE University in Al Ain, the UAE Space Agency and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ICT-Fund).

“The first satellite will be launched in 2021 and the second – a technologically enhanced one – the following year,” said Dr. Khaled Al Hashmi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Centre, NSSTC, in UAE University in Al Ain.

The UAE’s navigation satellite project is part of Science and Technology Roadmap created by the UAE Space Agency and the NSSTC on developing new technologies, Al Hashmi explained. “It is a research project as well. We want to learn how to develop such a technology.”

he United Arab Emirates is set to launch a navigation satellite next year aimed at demonstrating the country’s technological capabilities, this is according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Navigation satellites offer positioning signals for navigation functions in car navigation systems and smartphones, which are widely used across the globe. These convenient systems use signals from satellites for satellite positioning services that help detect someone’s current location. These services are also used for many other purposes such as surveying, and disaster prevention etc.

The UAE’s navigation satellite will be the first project of Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing, AIT, Centre, a collaboration formed by

Image: WAM

Tawazun Economic Council with Airbus and the NSSTC, Al Hashmi said.

“The satellite project funded by the UAE Space Agency aims for technology demonstration and capability build-up, and not meant for adding a navigation system immediately. We try to select a certain technology, design and develop the satellite and payload here and will own the intellectually property rights.

The new satellite will be designed and manufactured by Arab engineers from countries that have signed the charter for the launch of the first group of its kind in the Arab world. The eleven countries are the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco and Egypt. The member countries of the Group voted for the UAE to lead the new organisation.

Spectra Geospatial and Aplitop collaborate on tunneling survey solution

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pectra Geospatial announced a collaboration with Aplitop, a supplier of specialized surveying and civil engineering software, to provide a comprehensive tunnel survey solution to increase productivity for survey service providers.

This collaboration provides surveyors and geospatial professionals with a complete hardware and software solution for performing efficient tunnel construction surveys. Combining the accuracy and speed of the Spectra® Focus® 35 robotic total station with the simple workflows of Aplitop TcpTUNNEL, running on the ST10 or Ranger 7 data collector, enables tunnel surveyors to perform excavation control, automated survey and stakeout of tunnel cross-sections. In the office, data and designs can be transferred seamlessly between TcpTUNNEL CAD, a plugin for several CAD platforms, and TcpTUNNEL field software.

The Spectra Geospatial and Aplitop solution provides a full featured workflow for tunnel constructions surveys including: •

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Definition of the project design elements such as alignments and templates that can be easily transferred between the field and office Efficient tunnel drill and blast setout as well as reporting on the difference to design positions Automated data collection for the quality control of tunnel excavation process

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• •

using cutting-edge tracking mode Accurate stake out of key design features and anchor bolts along tunnel alignment Graphical reporting of the differences between design and survey data to calculate over and underbreak volumes and areas to ensure design conformity

“Collaborating with Aplitop enables Spectra Geospatial to provide customers with a world-class tunneling solution to increase productivity working in underground environments,” said Olivier Casabianca, vice president of Spectra Geospatial. “The combination improves the tunnel construction process by providing customers with increased confidence in the field and streamlining final deliverable creation in the office.”

“We are excited to partner with Spectra Geospatial to introduce a solution for tunnel construction professionals,” said Francisco Navarrete, general manager of Aplitop. “This combined solution enables professionals to leverage the speed and accuracy of Spectra Geospatial total stations with the simplicity of the TcpTUNNEL portfolio.”

Availability The FOCUS 35 total station, ST10 tablet and Ranger 7 data collector are available through the Spectra Geospatial global dealer network.

The TcpTUNNEL software is available through Spectra Geospatial global dealer network or the Aplitop international distributor network.

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international

TGS Announces New Onshore 3D Seismic Survey in the Powder River Basin

unconventional technologies.

Permitting activities will commence this year with recording of data expected to complete in December 2021 and final products available in Q2 2022. The data will be processed by TGS utilizing its modern onshore imaging technology to provide clients with greater reservoir understanding. The Voyager 3D survey is complemented by TGS’ extensive geologic products, which include a fully interpreted regional basin stratigraphic model that is analytics-ready, derived from a vast library of high-quality well data. More than 41,000 LAS logs, 38,700 ARLAS, and over 145,000 raster logs are immediately available for the Powder River Basin.

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GS, a leading provider of multi-client geoscience data for exploration & production (E&P) companies, has announced Voyager 3D – a new multi-client U.S. onshore 3D seismic survey within the Powder River Basin.

Voyager 3D, located in Johnson County, Wyoming, will encompass approximately 555 square kilometers. The high-resolution

survey is ideally situated in the high potential trend to the north of the basin, where the prospective stratigraphic section of stacked reservoirs exceeds 5,000 feet in thickness.

Unconventional targets include two worldclass source rocks, the Niobrara and Mowry, along with numerous historically productive formations including the upper and lower Cretaceous sandstones and the Pennsylvanian, that are now being exploited successfully with

Hydrographic Survey Vessel ‘GEO RANGER’ delivered to GEO PLUS B.V.

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fter 14 months of constructing, installing, commissioning and testing, Royal Niestern Sander has delivered the hydrographic survey vessel ‘Geo Ranger’ to Geo Plus B.V. The hydrographic survey vessel Geo Ranger performed successfully her sea trials on the river Ems. In presence of the client Geo Plus, surveyors of Lloyd’s Register and various commissioning engineers of Kongsberg and Alewijnse, the capabilities of the vessel were tested thoroughly.

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build and maintain offshore wind farms. The combination of an optimized hull shape, a strong DP2 capability, two high class Azimuth stern thrusters and two bow thrusters (Veth) results in a high workability up to 2,5 meter significant wave height and 4+ weeks offshore endurance.

Sustainability

Geo Ranger during her sea trials

High performance and flexibility Geo Ranger can be considered as (one of) the best survey vessels in its class. Standards for a survey vessel get higher every year and project timeframes get shorter.

This means a survey vessel has to offer the highest performance and flexibility as possible.

Designed for high workability The ship was designed together with Conoship International BV and will be rented out by our client to parties that perform research, such as dredging companies and companies that

Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS, said, “While we are being very selective with respect to new onshore investments in the market, the Voyager 3D project is a good example of a project that checks all boxes with respect to the geology, activity, economics and customer support. This project, which is our second in the Powder River Basin, will allow our customers to de-risk their development activities, helping them to generate value in a challenging market.”

The Geo Ranger uses energy in a sustainable way with respect for the environment.

This means the vessel uses for example diesel/electric propulsion for low fuel consumption, heat recovery, LED lightning and biodegradable oil.

General particulars

Geo Ranger on delivery

Length: 41.00 metres Width: 8.70 metres Depth: 4.25 metres Accommodation: 21 people Installed power: 1200 ekW Azimuth thrusters: 2 x 400 kW Bow thrusters: 2 x 200 kW Diesel-electric propulsion: 4 x 300 ekW, 500V/50Hz m Dynamic positioning: DP 2

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events

INTERGEO DIGITAL 2020

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ll relevant industry players will meet from 13-15 October at INTERGEO Digital!

Information, professional exchange and personal meetings at eye level: INTERGEO, INTERAERIAL SOLUTIONS and SMART CITY SOLUTIONS will take place purely digitallywith EXPO, STAGES and Flight Zone. Every

exhibitor at INTERGEO Digital has a profile in the EXPO. This is made up of a customizable and interactive landing page, which provides all relevant information for visitors, such as videos, information flyers and product presentations, and one or more digital video chat rooms, which enable genuine "face-toface" interaction with visitors: From initial

contact, a product presentation for several participants, to an individual consultation, exchange of experiences and business meetings. The digital INTERGEO offers global matchmaking for exhibitors and visitors on various levels - without any health risks! The core is the individual and direct dialogue between suppliers and customers.

Commercial UAV Expo Americas 2020 – Virtual

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re-imagined virtual event where the commercial drone community will gather to learn, connect, and drive the industry forward.

The event will feature virtual exhibits and demonstrations by UAS solutions providers; keynotes, panel discussions, and presentations with interactive Q&A and chat; AI-powered

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networking; and more.

In addition to content about the challenges and opportunities the industry is facing due to COVID-19, industries covered include Construction; Drone Delivery; Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Mining & Aggregates; Public Safety & Emergency Services; Security;

and Surveying & Mapping. It is presented by Commercial UAV News and organized by Diversified Communications a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, GeoBusiness Show,International LiDAR Mapping Forum, SPAR3D Expo & Conference and AEC Next Expo & Conference.

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VIRTUAL

SEP. 15 – 17, 2020

Louis Grasse

A re-imagined virtual event where the commercial drone community will gather to learn, connect and drive the industry forward.

expouav.com

Visit the virtual exhibits for free!

Phase One Industrial

LEARN

CONNECT

Expansive education program with live and pre-recorded solutions-oriented presentations & workshops with live Q&A and chat

EXPERIENCE

Facilitated networking, AI-powered matchmaking, and focused roundtables

Cutting-edge UAS solutions, drone demonstrations & exclusive training

Register by August 15th for early-bird pricing.

Produced by Diversified Communications

THE COMMERCIAL UAV EVENT FOR:

Construction

Drone Delivery

Energy & Utilities

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Forestry & Agriculture

Infrastructure & Transportation

Mining & Aggregates

Public Safety & Emergency Services

Security

Surveying & Mapping

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INNOVATION

Teledyne Optech introduces Galaxy CM2000 airborne lidar sensor for corridor mapping view to the exact width of their corridor and thus concentrate the laser measurements on their precise target. This combination of an adjustable field of view, and a measurement rate of 2 million points per second, will deliver data resolution that allows for advanced analytics, insights, and decision making.

The Galaxy CM2000 has the smallest laser footprint in the market allowing for complete detection of towers, transmission and distribution wires and attachment points on power poles. In addition, the CM2000 has built in roll compensation which corrects for turbulence on the aircraft, maintaining a constant swath width on the ground.

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eledyne Optech, a Teledyne Technologies [NYSE:TDY] company and global leader in advanced lidar sensors has extended its bestselling Galaxy lineup to include the CM2000, a new sensor specifically designed for corridor mapping. With a true measuring rate of up to 2 million points per second, the Galaxy CM2000 delivers precise detail of fine corridor elements such as electric wires and conductors, distribution power poles, railway signs, cellular tower antennas, as well the ability to detect fine changes in the ground over time for pipeline monitoring.

The CM2000’s adjustable field of view, provides users with the flexibility to narrow the field of

“The true advantage of the Galaxy CM2000 is its ability to improve the mapping of the infrastructures that we all rely on every day – including the electric grid we count on for power, or the roads and rail we depend on for safe travel. This is accomplished by providing an astounding level of detail via true 2 million points per second straight to the ground and a small laser footprint that allows for the modelling of complex targets like electric towers and distribution wires,” commented Malek Singer, Airborne Product Manager at Teledyne Optech.

Tersus Introduces BX40C RTK Board

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ersus GNSS Inc. (Tersus) announced the release of the BX40C RTK Board to support its series of GNSS boards and provide high accuracy, fast positioning services. Powered by new Tersus ExtremeRTK™ GNSS Technology, the BX40C Board can support multi-constellation and multi-frequency all-in-view satellite tracking.

“Tersus has been proud of its BX-series RTK boards, and today we added a new member to the series by launching the new BX40C Board. The BX40C is with enhanced positioning accuracy and constellation tracking, even in harsh environments, the BX40C Board can still control deviation within 3cm in surveying&mapping applications,” said Xiaohua Wen, Founder&CEO of Tersus GNSS Inc. “BX40C supports 576 channels and can achieve centimeter-level position accuracy easily. We are excited to see how BX40C strengthens our product portfolio and technology competence to make a great effort in this industry.”

The BX40C board supports multiple constellations and multiple frequencies to improve the continuity and reliability of the RTK solution even in harsh environments. In-built 4GB memory makes data collection easy. It features compatibility with other GNSS boards in the market via flexible interfaces, smart hardware design, and commonly used log/command formats.

The Tersus BX40C is a compact GNSS RTK board with full constellation tracking for providing cm-level accuracy positioning.

It can be integrated with autopilots and inertial navigation units to meet various developing requirements. It is ideal for high-precision positioning, navigation, and mapping.

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INNOVATION

Carlson announces NextGeneration BRx7 GNSS Receiver

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arlson Software has announced the launch of its next-generation multifrequency, multi-GNSS BRx7 smart antenna. The completely new BRx7 is a full redesign of Carlson’s flagship GNSS receiver, delivering class-leading specifications, performance, and value for surveyors, contractors, engineers, GIS professionals, and anyone else requiring the best in GNSS technology, reliability, and Carlson’s legendary customer support.

Weighing in at 2.8 pounds with batteries, the BRx7 saves time and increases productivity by accurately compensating for tilt, and comes standard with dual, hot-swappable batteries for 11+ hours of uninterrupted efficiency. The BRx7 provides a class-leading 800+ channels, 8gb of memory, and a rugged, compact, IP67rated housing.

Best-in-class RTK performance is provided by the Athena GNSS engine, supporting multifrequency GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS, and Atlas L-band capability. In

addition, the BRx7 uses proprietary SureFix™ technology to provide a high fidelity quality indicator of the RTK solution, allowing users an extremely high confidence in their current accuracy.

Additionally, the BRx7 provides RTK baselines up to 50 km with fast acquisition times when used with Carlson Listen-Listen, as well as UHF, spread spectrum, cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi wireless communication. Well suited to a variety of operating modes, the BRx7 can be deployed as a powerful base with additional access to BeiDou phase 3 satellites in a base-rover setup, or as a lightweight, powerful network rover.

redesign in partnership with our manufacturer, Hemisphere GNSS, we’ve brought the technology and functionality above the competition while retaining the ease-of-use, durability, and superior support that Carlson is known for.”

The smart antenna comes with a dual-band radio module that is capable of both 400 MHz and 900 MHz operation. This allows for the long range capability of the UHF 400 MHz signal plus the ability to switch to the 900 MHz frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) signal for better performance in noisy radio environments. The BRx7 introduces an all-new INS-based sensor fusion platform to support enhanced tilted pole measurements for land survey applications. This new design allows for easy calibration, is immune to magnetic interference, and is extremely reliable in virtually any environment.

“The BRx7 represents the advanced technology, durability, and ease-of-use that our customers have come to expect,” said Bruce Carlson, founder and president of Carlson Software. “By redesigning this system from the ground up, we are offering our customers both unparalleled performance and versatility, but also a value that’s unbeatable in the market today.

“The BRx7 represents the next generation of GNSS technology,” said Butch Herter, Carlson’s director of hardware development.

“Through this total

Huber+Suhner launches dual-band GNSS Antenna

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UBER+SUHNER, a leading international manufacturer of components and systems for optical and electrical connectivity solutions, has extended the capabilities of its rail rooftop antennas with its launch of the railway industry’s first embedded dual-band GNSS receiving antenna that meets all of the industries’ stringent requirements.

Adding to its established SENCITY® Rail antenna portfolio, the new MIMO rooftop antenna enables railway operators to improve geo-spatial positioning and time precision of their operations.

Supporting both the upper and lower GNSS bands, this latest innovation enables pin-point location accuracy for the most rigorous applications such as autonomous trains. With greater transparency of movement on the tracks, railway operators can now improve the operational planning of densely

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crowded railway tracks and metro lines.

“The GNSS port on the antenna supports a higher number of satellite constellations. This enables operators to improve signal acquisition time, as well as reducing the impact of obstructions in order to increase efficiency on the tracks,” said Daniel Montagnese, HUBER+SUHNER Product Manager for Railway Antennas. “The GNSS port is complemented by two broadband Cellular and Wi-Fi compatible ports which can be deployed for a variety of different train to ground services.”

The SENCITY MIMO Rail antenna supports the GPS, Galileo, BeiDou and GLONASS constellations. The antenna’s robust design also meets the stringent EN 50155 railway standard and is fire retardant according to EN 45545-2 and NFPA130.

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OPINION

Why Lands Ministry should consider blockchain solutions

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Author: John Walubengo, Lecturer at the Multimedia University of Kenya, Faculty of Computing and IT

hree years ago I wrote about the need to adopt blockchain technologies within our Lands registry. The main thrust then, as it is now is now is that blockchain solutions have the ability to code ‘trust’ into machines and take it away from the human beings operating them.

update process for land titles.

These humans could be within or beyond the Lands ministry and include but are not limited to clerical, legal, banking, ICT among other staff who are experts in facilitating fraudulent activities in land transactions.

This of course implies that whatever record is being entered into this special titles database as being the plot belonging to one Mr Onyango must be of the highest integrity.

Common fraudulent activities within the land sector range from missing files, duplicate owners of a single title, production of fake titles, real titles attached to nonexistent plots, sale of public parcels to innocent buyers among others.

My previous article had also shown how the current digitization effort based on the traditional centralised server system under the control of one entity or institution would not cure the above problems.

It however left out some implementation details of how a blockchain system would actually tackle fraud and this is the topic for today.

Shared roles The first thing to realise with blockchain systems is that one needs a group of entities to define and agree on the rules that will eventually be coded into the various autonomous servers or nodes under their control.

In other words, rather than just the Ministry of Lands having the sole responsibility of updating and maintain the registry, this role is defined and shared across multiple stakeholder entities.

The first thing to realise with blockchain systems is that one needs a group of entities to define and agree on the rules that will eventually be coded into the various autonomous servers or nodes under their control.

The entities may include, but are not limited to: the Lands Commission, the Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya Bankers Association, the Land Surveyors of Kenya among others.

Each of these entities would run a server or node that keeps and maintains the same shared ledger of land titles in Kenya.

But what makes the blockchain ledger so different from that of the traditional centralised system?

Several things stand out but we shall talk about immutability and the controlled

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Immutability is a property found in blockchain databases or ledgers, which states that once a record is entered into the database, it cannot be deleted or changed by any of the participating entities.

Additionally, if Mr. Onyango so decides to sell off the plot, only he has the rights to initiate the process – and not someone in the ecosystem changing records to disinherit him without his knowledge.

Controlled updates Which brings us to the next unique property of blockhain systems, the controlled updates.

If Mr Onyango wishes to transfer the title to another owner, he would initiate the process from his device, mobile app or on the web.

This would then be converted and broadcasted to all entities participating nodes or servers in the blockchain ecosystem as a message request for transfer.

Each node would then act autonomously and go through the validation process of electronically checking if the title exists in its ledger, if it currently belongs to Mr Onyango, if the new buyer exists among other checks as per the agreed rules of engagement.

In an automated process known as consensus building, the request to transfer title would only be executed if a majority of the participating stakeholder nodes do establish that the request is valid.

This means that if one of the participating entities wishes to pass a fraudulent activity, the other honest nodes would flag the transaction and ignore the request to update their ledgers accordingly.

This is the controlled update process that happens through consensus protocols that execute without further human intervention once the blockchain system has been initiated.

Blockchain systems are what can cure problems at the Ministry of Lands. Any other systems are always good money for consultants but will not address the perpetual issues inherent in Kenya’s land transactions.

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July-August issue l 2020

13

OPINION

Adopting the ICMS for World Bank and IMF funded projects

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nitiated at a meeting held in the offices of the International Monetary Fund in Washington in 2015, the International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) presents the opportunity to make a meaningful comparative analysis of construction costs between countries on a global scale, not least by international organisations such as the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and various other funding institutions, government and non-government organisations and the United Nations.

Author: Bert vd Heever

Given the interest by international funding intuitions for global consistency in construction cost reporting, as advocated by the ICMS, Karl Trusler, EduTech Director at the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), says the government’s planned infrastructure roll-out makes it necessary for Quantity Surveyors to be open to expanding some of their cost reporting methods.

“With President Cyril Ramaphosa receiving a “firm commitment” amounting to billions of rands for the 55 bankable infrastructure projects, it is essential to know what reporting standards the big lenders will accept when reviewing project proposals. South African Quantity Surveyors who want to do work across borders or overseas will also benefit from familiarising themselves with the ICMS, as global consistency in construction cost benchmarking is becoming increasingly sought-after among critical stakeholders in the international built environment,” says Trusler.

What is the ICMS?

The International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) presents the opportunity to make a meaningful comparative analysis of construction costs between countries on a global scale

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The ICMS is an international standard that aims to provide greater global consistency in classifying, defining, measuring, analysing and presenting construction costs at a project, regional, state, national, or international level. It isn’t a detailed method of measuring construction works. Instead, it is a high-level benchmarking and reporting framework for international cost classification, reporting, and comparison.

“Project developers and financiers want to be able to compare apples with apples when reviewing project costs across the globe. The data bank of crucial information provided by the ICMS enables informed decision-making.

Although not mandatory, the ICMS is likely to become an increasingly valuable requirement

for South African Quantity Surveyors who are involved on large infrastructure projects that are funded by foreign investors,” Trusler says.

The first ICMS was launched in 2015 and it was a guideline for reporting on the capital investment costs of a project. Last year, the ICMS Coalition – which consists of 45 organisations from around the world and 27 Standards Setting Committee members – published the second edition of the ICMS. A benchmark for international lifecycle cost reporting “The new ICMS provides a lifecycle cost reporting guideline so that developers and infrastructure owners know how their investments will perform once they are operational. This type of information is crucial for both private and public-sector role-players who are more motivated than ever before to invest in the development of world-class infrastructure,” says Trusler.

Among the 55 projects that government has earmarked for development is an aviation park near Upington, a smart city in Lanseria, a R3.1-billion Space Infrastructure Hub, a 516-hectare citrus farm in the Eastern Cape, and a water project that includes some 160km of pipe, and pump stations to get water to Eskom’s large power stations, Medupi and Matimba, among other projects.

There is sufficient overlap between the current cost reporting methods that Professional Quantity Surveyors use and the ICMS, so we are working towards delivering a solution that enables the ICMS report to be generated in parallel with the way we currently do cost reporting in South Africa. I look forward to helping members embrace and benefit from this solution,” concludes Trusler.

An industry-wide invitation is open to all, to attend for free, a 1-hour live international panel discussion on the ICMS from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Tuesday the 1st September 2020. The panel will comprise of Justin Sullivan (ICMS Coalition Chair) Ken Creighton (ICMS Coalition Past Chair) Gerry O’Sullivan (Standards Setting Committee Vice-Chair) and Julia Dela Cruz (ICMS Coalition Trustee) and will be hosted by the ASAQS. To gain more insight into the ICMS, please register for the webinar

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OPINION

Increasing redundancy in GNSS services to DP to include all the latest GNSS guidelines from IMCA. This improves the situation awareness for DP operators, providing maximum operational safety from quality GNSS information related to position accuracy of 5–8cm, stability and source of correction modes feeding the DP system. Being in accordance with IMCA guidelines reassures our clients about the redundancy, accuracy and stability of our C-Nav GNSS services.”

Image: Courtesy

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uppliers of accurate dynamic positioning (DP) data are preparing for the next generation of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) constellations by reconfiguring their hardware and software. For years, offshore vessel DP systems have relied on the existing US-funded global positioning system (GPS) and Russia’s Glonass satellites for accurate positioning data. This data is offered to vessel operators with greater accuracy from a variety of providers.

China recently gained IMO approval for its rival GNSS, named BeiDou. This provides accurate positioning of vessels and rigs in Asia to within 10m. China plans to continue expanding this system through more satellite launches to produce a strong regional service.

It expects to improve accuracy to below 1m by 2018. The European Union continues working on its Galileo GNSS but has not yet commissioned a commercially available service. Providers of differential GNSS services expect this will happen in the near future.

This is why Fugro Satellite Positioning is the first company to offer offshore vessel operators positioning services involving all three of the available GNSSs and Galileo when it is ready. Product manager Anders Haneborg said the Seastar G4 correction service offers positioning to the decimetre level. “BeiDou is available, although it is not a full number of satellites, but it is good over Asia,” he said, speaking at the 2015 Annual OSJ Conference, Awards & Exhibition. “It is working well, giving added value and means more calculations can be done. With all

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these services (GPS, Glonass and BeiDou), there are 75 satellites available to provide positioning data. We are also ready for Galileo, when those satellites are operating.”

Fugro is able to calculate corrections to orbit and satellite clock values for all the available systems. Access to multiple lines of position derived from a mix of satellites means vessels operating close to large structures can still gain accurate positioning data even if some GNSS satellites are obscured. Multiple satellite access also means any inconsistent measurements can be treated as an outlier and ignored in the position calculator.

Seastar G4, like the G2 service, offers 10cm accuracy with data from GPS and Glonass on L1 and L2 frequencies. The network includes control centres in Perth, Australia, and Houston, Texas, and Fugro’s own reference stations. Onboard equipment includes an omni-directional antenna and a Seastar 9205 GNSS receiver with integrated L-band demodulator to receive Fugro’s differential GNSS corrections, which are transmitted via Inmarsat’s L-band third and fourth-generation satellites. Fugro also supplies other Seastar integrated systems with varying GNSS receivers for GPS and Glonass only.

C-Nav is preparing to introduce BeiDou services soon and Galileo when that is available. It has rewritten the software in its QA/QC solution to include the latest guidelines from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), said European sales manager Emmanuel Blanchard.

“We re-evaluated our entire QA/QC software

The company has two alternate and independent precise point positioning software solutions (C-NavC1 and C-NavC2).

C-NavC2 uses a proprietary global network of GPS and Glonass satellite tracking and system-monitoring sites equipped with C-Nav geodetic receivers. Two dedicated and independent processing centres each employ the advanced iCore proprietary precise point positioning software that is grouped under the C-Nav correction service. C-NavC2 has 2D decimetre level of dynamic accuracy, corrections over Internet and uses proprietary algorithms. The solution has orbit corrections and clock offset correctors for each GNSS satellite, patented multipath migration software and antenna technology.

The C-Nav3050 unit is a 66-channel combined multiconstellation GNSS and L-band receiver. It receives corrections over the Internet, via Iridium’s L-band satellites, and tracks the GPS and Glonass constellations, receiving data over the L1, L2, L5, G1 and G2 frequencies. Thus, the C-Nav corrections service over the Internet feature enables seamless operations even at high latitudes.

The C-Nav3050 receiver can be configured and monitored using the C-NaviGator III 14in touchscreen panel display, which has inbuilt QA/QC software. As an alternative, the C-Monitor QA/QC software can be loaded onto a PC with a dongle.

Veripos is also preparing for BeiDou and Galileo. It has used the opportunity to rewrite its software and add BeiDou to the service this year, said research and development project manager Andrew Lobban. “We are updating our software to build the platform ready for the new constellations. We are updating the visuals and our interfaces for web-based services.” He said the next step was to introduce a level of vessel monitoring and fleet tracking for shipowners. “The visuals will act as web pages and can run on any mobile devices with an IP address so operators can monitor and track vessels from the software and provide support,” he said.

Article by Riviera Maritime Media

July-August issue l 2020

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ADVERTORIAL

Odfjell discovers the benefits of Graco’s EcoQuip 2 EQp Frustrated with the drawbacks of dry blasting their ships, Odfjell SE looked for a cleaner and more productive surface preparation solution … and found it. it on Odfjell’s ship Bow Atlantic. They also upgraded the unit with a 1” hose for incoming air. An extra compressor wasn’t necessary as the Atlantic Bow already had a large 55 kW compressor capable of providing sufficient air.

One obvious advantage of the EQp is that it’s small and easy to move around a ship. To reach all parts of the ship, a total of 30 meters of hoses is used. Odfjell uses quartz sand with a thickness of 0.3 mm as abrasive media, at a rate of 60-70 kg/hour.

Increased productivity

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orwegian ship owning company Odfjell SE offers complete in-house ship management services including crewing, QHSSE, technology support, digital innovation, new-builds, energy efficiency solutions, and overall fleet management. But when it came to onboard maintenance work, they weren’t too happy about the efficiency of their surface treatment methods.

Time-consuming and unhealthy For onboard maintenance, Odfjell was using a combination of dry blasting and mechanical tools. On-the-spot repair with mechanical tools was taking time and effort, and was unhealthy and unpleasant for the crew due to the heavy vibrations of the tools. Moreover, dry blasting was requiring a massive amount of grit, and the dust was having a negative impact on the crew, the ship and the surrounding environment. To overcome these problems, Odfjell decided to look for alternative methods for their onboard maintenance work.

With the EcoQuip 2 EQp, Odfjell were pleased to see that their surface preparation was as good as with dry blasting. The benefit of using the EQp over dry blasting is an incremental reduction of used grit and generated dust. EQp also desalts the surface, so it’s immediately ready to be painted, eliminating the need to clean it first. The feathered edges around the prepared area are smooth so no rust will occur around the prepared area.

“We are using 75% less grit volume compared to dry blasting,” says Torleif Solheim, Senior Technical Superintendent at Odfjell. “When blasting, we fill two bags which last for 35-40 minutes before we have to refill again. And that’s not the only benefit, the maintenance crew find the EQp very easy to handle and operate.”

Dan Törnqvist, Business Development Specialist HPCF at Graco, adds a bit of advice.

“If you want to use the 1” inch blasting hose, you need a 1” hose for incoming air. Keep in mind that your compressor has to be at least 30-37 kW. For smaller compressors, the EQp should be used with a ½” blasting hose and incoming air hose.”

Less blast media, less dust Graco’s EcoQuip vapour abrasive blast equipment provides a performance equivalent to sandblasting but with 92% less dust, thus minimizing the need for PPE, tenting and containment, and decreasing environmental impact. It uses up to 75% less blast media and far less water than wet blasting, and creates little run-off, thus there is no large slurry mess to clean-up and dispose. It’s effective in rain and high humidity, and efficiently removes coatings without damaging the sub-surface.

The bottom line is that EcoQuip reduces project costs while increasing the speed, efficiency and productivity of blasting.

EcoQuip 2 Portable (EQp) is lightweight (99 kg) and therefore easy to take from one surface preparation job to another. It still packs the necessary power for any small to medium sized job. It can blast up to 10.5 bar and can handle most of what a 10.5 m³/ min compressor delivers. It’s also optimized to work well with a 5.2 m³/min compressor and blasts for up to 90 minutes between refills.

• Portability: weighs only 99.8 kg and is easily transported on a cart with lift handles • Low water usage (only 0.5 - 1 l/ min) means less mess • Works with coarse, fine or nondestructive media • Fast removal rates compared to other cleaning methods: blast pressures up 10.5 bar • Blasts for up to 90 minutes between refills and holds approximately (4) 25 kg bags of media

They were already aware of abrasive media and their usefulness to prepare surfaces.

But Odfjell not only needed good surface preparation, they also wanted a technique that was easy to use and not dangerous for the crew.

Cleaner, lighter and more portable Discussions with Odfjell’s local Graco distributor led to the solution. J.S. Cock recommended the Graco EcoQuip 2 EQp vapour abrasive blast equipment and installed

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EcoQuip™ 2 EQp Vapour abrasive blasting

A cleaner and easier way of blasting for more profitable and durable results.

Small and portable – makes it easy to move on the deck.

It can handle both horizontal and vertical surfaces Atex approved – can be used on all vessel types (even tankers) Environmental friendly – 92% less dust and less media consumption compared to dry blasting. Uses less abrasive and less water than traditional machines for slurryblasting, pressure washing or water jetting.

Limited Health Risks – Limited risks due to vibrations caused by hand tools Surface preparation – the surface roughness, visible cleanliness (rust, deteriorated coats) and nonvisible cleanliness (chloride levels) combined with feathered edges in spot blasting generate quality prepared metallic surfaces for recoating jobs.

WATCH THE VIDEO! www.graco.com/marine/ecoquip

feature

Guide to developing net zero carbon buildings in SA launched While it may be considered ambitious, it is certainly achievable

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ETTING TO ZERO: A guide to developing net zero carbon buildings in South Africa gives a thorough overview on net zero carbon buildings in South Africa.

It provides guidance to professional teams considering developing a net zero carbon building and shows those shaping the built environment in South Africa that it is possible.

While it may be considered ambitious, it is certainly achievable.

Sparked by engagement between the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the eThekwini Energy Office, the guide is a collaborative production, led by the ASHRAE South Africa Chapter with input from the C40 South Africa Buildings Programme, Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA), and the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).

When it comes to getting a building to net zero carbon status, the basic idea is to reduce energy consumption as much as possible, and then to provide the building’s minimal energy needs through renewable energy. Exactly how this can be done, is explained in this guide.

For those keen to take the sustainability of their property to the next level ahead of regulatory changes that will make higher efficiencies in buildings mandatory, this guide can assist.

GETTING TO ZERO gives practical tips on how net zero carbon can be achieved.

From identifying the right people to have on your project team, to the actual energy use intensity of lighting and mechanical equipment that should be targeted in a commercial building. Furthermore, it highlights renewable energy considerations to bear in mind on your project.

The guide features numerous case studies, showcasing projects that have already achieved net zero carbon status. These

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projects provide inspiration and share learning to motivate those seeking to make net zero carbon a reality.

Local context GETTING TO ZERO emphasises that building energy use intensity should be about one-third of current standard practice in South Africa. It advises of ways to reduce the energy use intensity, through passive design, building simulation and highly efficient active design/mechanical equipment and appliances.

It details the most effective passive design strategies to use in the South African context.

And when implementing active systems such as air conditioning, it gives the pros and cons of different systems and guidance on choosing the most effective systems for particular regions in South Africa. The guide also highlights some of the intricacies of the renewable energy landscape in South Africa.

The imperative Reliance on fossil fuels to power buildings and cities damages the health of our people and our environment. The building sector has the potential for significant greenhouse gas emissions reduction at a lower cost than many other sectors.

The motivation for net zero carbon buildings is driven by South Africa’s national and local climate change commitments, including the C40 Global Net Zero Carbon Buildings Declaration. Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town and eThekwini are C40 cities and signatories to the 2018 declaration, alongside 24 other global cities. These cities have committed to developing regulations and/ or planning policy to ensure new buildings operate at net zero carbon by 2030 and all

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construction buildings reach net zero carbon status by 2050.

Meeting these commitments will require a step change in building energy efficiency policies and regulations in most cities.

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The biggest challenges facing the uptake of net zero buildings are challenges of perception (when people think it’s more difficult than it is), technical challenges and financial challenges. All of these are being rapidly overcome.

Technically, it is absolutely possible to achieve net zero carbon buildings. It requires determination and enabling building standards, bylaws and policies to make it happen at scale. Critical mass of net zero carbon buildings is required to meet political and planetary climate goals.

July-August issue l 2020

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COVER STORY

The role of GNSS Receiver in Marine Survey GNSS services are rapidly penetrating all segments of marine surveys and are becoming a vital tool for marine surveyors. The role played by the GNSS in combination with the receiver systems is set to grow considerably, and is expected to reveal new sources of business in the years ahead.

Image: ESA

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Global GNSS downstream market revenue from both devices and services will grow from €150 bln in 2019 to €325 bln in 2029, and in 2029, revenue from GNSS added value services will amount to €166 bln, accounting for 51% of total global GNSS revenue. www.africasurveyorsonline.com

GNSS RECEIVER

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he Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can be referred to as the standard generic term for satellite navigation systems that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. Since the late 1980s, GNSS has been used extensively by land surveyors primarily for geodetic control networks and for photo control.

With technology advancement, the systems have become more compact, easier to use and with a full complement of satellites enabling 24-hour usage.

This has led to a significant increment on the diversity of surveying applications. In today’s world the GNSS systems are readily available for many surveying and mapping tasks, including establishing control, setting out, real-time deformation monitoring, on-board camera positioning for aerial photography; fixing positions depending on the accuracy of the points to be fixed.

GNSS systems range from low-cost systems with a positional accuracy of tens of metres, to high-cost geodetic survey systems able to determine positions to the sub-centimetre level. For survey accuracies, it is essential that hardware and software specifically designed for survey applications are used; these should always be utilized in the manner for which they were designed.

But what exact role does GNSS receiver depicts in marine survey?

The Role of GNSS Receiver Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) refers to a constellation of satellites providing signals from space that transmit positioning and timing data to GNSS receivers. The satellites transmit two carrier waves in the L-Band referred to as L1 and L2. The carrier waves transmit information from the satellite to the earth.

The receivers then use this data to determine location.

Most GNSS receivers have two parts; antenna and processing unit. The antenna receives satellite signals while the processing unit uses the information received to compute the locations of the satellites and adjust for accurate positioning. To determine the position of the receiver it needs to collect information from a minimum of three satellites. The carrier waves transmit information from the satellite to the earth.

Determining the depth and terrain of the seafloor The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receiver records the precise location of an object or phenomenon on, above or below the earth’s surface using coordinates. In marine Survey, the GNSSequipped sonobuoys and echo-sounders are used in underwater sonar systems for various tasks such as hydrographic, bathymetric surveys as well sea floor mapping. They are also used for submarine and underwater acoustic research; this is according to Mr. Felix Orina, MD Orbital Africa.

“The GNSS is often fitted with either sonobuoys or echo-sounders to record the coordinates in 3D reference frame i.e. X, Y and Z (where Z is the seafloor depth). With this data, it is possible to map the depth and terrain of the sea floor. Knowing the depth and

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terrain of the seafloor in areas around the ports and along the navigation channels in the sea is critical to safe marine navigation. The Maps and nautical charts of the ports and channels are often created using bathymetric sonar systems fitted with GNSS where the coordinates including depths are obtained and recorded using the GNSS receivers,” continues Mr. Orina.

Determine the positions of surface shipping According to Hollie Moran, Sales Manager of Modulus Technology Ltd, an AAE Technologies Group company, the use of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to determine the positions of surface shipping has long been the conventional method for monitoring and recording the location of marine traffic.

Equipment installed high above the water surface will continually and accurately report its position, safely removed from the threat of submergence and harmful water damage.

However, not all assets have sufficient elevation to allow for such installations, so the challenge exists of how to accurately log the positions of target platforms directly on, or even under the surface of the water while maintaining the operational integrity of the equipment used to log those positions.

“We find the role of GNSS receivers in marine survey very important, just as with regular surveying. There are lots of boats and ships out there, many GNSS receivers too. By putting receivers on every boat or ship, we are able to receive so much more information on the seabed. There’s so much unknown, GNSS receivers will help us make new discoveries,” says Jeroen Methorst, Marketing Executive at marXact.

Determining real-time spatial positioning Gaynor Deacon, Director at Amaza Survey Services (Pty) Ltd, is certain that, GNSS receivers are the essential heart of all survey operations and offer real-time spatial positioning, which can be enhanced using satellite based correction services, NTRIP RTK corrections and/or RTK corrections from shore-based base stations.

“Depending on the service you select, this can be as accurate as a few centimeters. We can advise on the optimal installation, system configuration and correction service based on your final deliverable and requirements,” she adds.

Determining underwater (acoustic) positioning Without GNSS receivers there is no modern marine survey possible. With the exception of underwater (acoustic) positioning and a few specialized cases all positioning is now done using GNSS receivers. For nearshore work augmented with RTK techniques using either a local base station or a networked solution

July-August issue l 2020

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COVER STORY whereas for offshore construction surveys PPP from one of the commercial providers is now a commonly used technique, says Johan Stam of Skilltrade.

of GNSS inaccurate in many places. A good understanding of how GNSS works combined with the geodetics are a must have for anybody entering marine surveying.

“In marine survey, a such centimetric positioning is useful for bathymetric applications, dredging, marine construction and of course precise navigation in harbor infrastructures etc,” comments Romain Legros, Director General at Geoflex.

Gaynor Deacon: We work in a challenging environment with sea salt covering everything and waves pummeling us and the equipment, so go for proven recommended systems which will handle the environments we work in. Consider purchasing the best system you can afford to get the most reliable, consistent and repeatable surveys. Try to have as many connectivity options as possible e.g. Bluetooth / wireless / serial / ethernet. This gives you redundancy when you are stuck in the field and support or replacement gear is days away. Likewise, with corrections, consider RTK base station with radio repeaters and satellite corrections as back-up, as this gives you more flexibility if you move further away from your base on a stretch of river, lose sight of it due to vegetation or the battery dies and you still have hours to work.

High accuracy heading René Boudreau, Sales Manager at Benchmark Canada, articulates that, GNSS receivers are used in the marine market by people needing high accuracy heading and positioning.

“These high end, and high accuracy receivers provide position, heading, heave, pitch, and roll. These receivers are ideal for anyone from a recreational user, to a professional marine surveyor looking to replace their gyrocompass without breaking the bank,” he affirms.

Words of knowledge We are living in the era of GNSS, where everyone is now carrying a satellite receiver in their pocket and using them in their daily activities such as communicating, moving around, at work places, sports activities etc.

Additionally, GNSS receivers are widely used in precision applications that require reliable positioning in the most demanding applications for a variety of industries including surveying, precision agriculture, marine navigation, machine control, aerial guidance and many more.

Currently, the GNSS receivers are providing a very high-performance timing and synchronisation solutions. However, improving accuracy remains a continuous challenge for manufacturers, thus precise calibration of the antenna position is used to improve timing accuracy. Moreover, receiver configuration and algorithms are implemented as well to reduce time-pulse jitter and give room to smoother and more accurate timing solutions from GNSS, even in single frequency.

Let’s now learn more on what the GNSS experts have to say in regards to marine GNSS Receivers.

Johan Stam: GNSS seems to be a simple technique. Everybody is now using it in a smart phone or car. However, as simple as it seems, getting the best accuracy out of a GNSS requires a deep knowledge of possible errors and how to counteract them. One of the greatest pitfalls with accurate GNSS is not having the geodesy behind it correct. Many surveyors are unaware of the small differences that accumulate due to shifting continents and the positioning errors in GNSS associated from them. Secondary the lack of accurate height models makes the vertical component

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Felix Orina: Different Marine GNSS receivers yield different performances in different environments, and the choice that one makes before purchasing the GNSS should depend largely on various factors including the name of manufacturer, target application, sea depth in marine environment, receiver features and its capabilities, durability, power consumption, cost and most importantly performance and accuracy. The buyer also needs to do some research on the use and absorption of a given brand of GNSS receiver in the market i.e. how many organizations or individuals are using the same GNSS receiver. The feedback from such organizations is crucial in enabling a buyer to make an informed decision on the best cost-effective brand and model of the GNSS receiver to purchase.

Romain Legros: Source for pure and agnostic GNSS augmentation services operators delivering its corrections data streams in an interoperable format (RTCM3 SSR) that provides integrators with the possibility to fully develop their own applications. For solution integrators evolving in marine domain, one should source for a GNSS precise and robust technological brick to serve their applications.

Hollie Moran: Utilise GNSS systems that can be used on the water surface and can survive submersion of several thousand metres water depth, that would make them the perfect partner for your observation class or deepwater work class ROV’s and subsea ploughs.

Also ensure the GNSS system when used in conjunction with subsea acoustic positioning systems such as the Applied Acoustics’ USBL, real-time monitoring of vehicles in the undersea or surface environments becomes possible and enables surface tracking/recovery and lost asset relocation. And when installed on a subsea vehicle such as an AUV, accurate positional information can be transmitted to any location on the globe once the vehicle

has broken the water surface, a crucial component in remote asset monitoring.

Jeroen Methorst: Look into what sets GNSS receivers apart. We believe a receiver should be easy to learn and use. Universal as well, ready to be connected to and work with independent software and cloud solutions.

Not just the software of the same brand the receiver is from, but to all sorts, so you choose what works best for you.

René Boudreau: Always do your research. Just because you recognize the product, does not mean it is the right one for you. Make sure you ask questions, and explain what you plan to do with the equipment. Oftentimes, when a customer explains their application, it is easier to find a better solution for them than the one they had in mind. It is important to have an open dialogue with your supplier in order to ensure that you get the right equipment, and don’t buy something you regret.

Conclusion The benefits of global navigation satellite system have already been demonstrated with the availability of the core GNSS which are the America’s (GPS), Russia’s (GLONASS), European Union’s (GALILEO) and China’s (BeiDou) which is now fully functional serving global demand as of June this year. There are two other regional systems, Japan’s (QZSS) and India’s (IRNSS or NavIC). With the global GNSS, applications are continuously being developed, covering a large range of sectors, not only in transport and communication but also in other markets such as Marine Survey, land survey, agriculture, scientific research, tourism and others.

The GNSS services are rapidly penetrating all segments of marine surveys and are becoming a vital tool for marine surveyors. The role played by the GNSS in combination with the receiver systems is set to grow considerably, and is expected to reveal new sources of business in the years ahead.

According to a recent market report by the European GNSS Agency (GSA), global GNSS downstream market revenue from both devices and services will grow from €150 bln in 2019 to €325 bln in 2029, and in 2029, revenue from GNSS added value services will amount to €166 bln, accounting for 51% of total global GNSS revenue.

The report further states that, growth on the GNSS market will be stimulated by global macro trends such as digitalization, big data, the sharing economy and artificial intelligence, all of which use GNSS for position, navigation and timing. In combination with other technologies, GNSS will also contribute to tackling the climate change challenge by supporting environmentally friendly transport solutions, sustainable agriculture and meteorological monitoring.

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ACCESSORIES

Essential mounting accessories for surveyors

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aving the right accessory for your surveying job will save you time, money and increase onsite efficiency, accuracy and safety. For many years surveyors have relied on high quality equipment to make precise measurements for different surveying applications. However, quality equipment goes hand in hand with supporting accessories which are important as the equipment itself.

Considering the job nature of surveying activities, it requires maore of accuracy and having the best addition of mounting accessory will ease your frustration and guarantee accurate and speedy dimensions for all your applications. Nevertheless, keep in mind that, the type of mounting accessory that you might require will totally depend on the type of instrument the accessory will offer stability support and the nature of the job or surroundings.

Mounting accessories Significance Mounting accessories seem to be simple tools, but in truth they are an incredible useful accompaniment and a must have for surveyors using lasers, levels, total stations, GPS/GNSS, Theodolites & more.

“Mounting Accessories apply in GNSS, Total station, Prism Set Ups usually for most surveys.

They help support the equipment to get best level using an existing bubble on the mount.

Types of mounts include: Circular prism Mount/Holder, Tribrach & Adapter mounts, Bipod & Tripods for staffs & Survey poles,” comments Chris Muya, Managing Director, at Measurement Systems Ltd. Naoaki Koike of Myzox Co., Ltd considers mounting accessories to be the “Key” point of accurate surveying. “A good data is obtained by the use of good surveying instruments; however, these data could record an error due to a faulty accessory by quality. A case of data error, surveyors waste a day of

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spending at the field. To be specific, the needs of land surveying might have some local rules/ requirements; Mini prism is one of the items which have special requirement for each scene at field. A variety of size/shape, enable surveyors to choose the best one with size/ function for each field,” points out Naoaki.

Naoaki further affirms that, a quality of bubble and prism affects surveying data significantly and it must be

accurate and correct for one to provide accurate and correct data reading.

Think of a mounting accessory as part of your equipment It is clear that, mounting accessories are essential in holding survey equipment steady and allows accurate readings and results. Most importantly, having the best and most appropriate equipment accessories will certainly help you to enhance product capability and make your job more efficient, accurate and much easier. From measuring positions on earth to establishing maps and boundaries, think of accessories as part of your job accomplishment!

“It all depends on the type of equipment or accessory one is using. Most mounts come with the equipment but others can be sourced from accessory manufacturers,” says Chris Muya.

According to Naoaki Koike, some people still think of “accessories” as accessories for surveying, while on the other hand, others consider accessories as important part of the equipment for accurate and correct surveying data.

“In order to have good quality surveying data, please consider accessories and instruments as one package and not separate items. Keep in mind that, measurement is not only done by instruments; but rather with an inclusion of good and most suitable accessories that brings good surveying data and improved work efficiency.

July-August issue l 2020

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SAFETY GEARS

Surveying Safety Gears

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n construction sites, surveyors face many different hazards while completing their work.

It is important to evaluate the work environment and eliminate as many hazards as possible prior to beginning surveying activities onsite. Construction sites presents the most dangerous industry in terms of injury. Though land surveyors aren’t necessarily ranked as construction workers, they often perform their duties in similarly hazardous circumstances.

When land surveyor’s services are required on a construction sites, it is important they are briefed on that site’s safety procedure. It is the surveyor’s right and duty to wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, eye and ear protection.

“Firstly one would need to understand the environment they will be working in.

A simple example of this is just on the conti suits, if you are working in an environment that deals with chemicals and flammable liquids then it would be wise to wear clothing (Conti Suit) that is chemical and flame retarded, meaning that should acid splash onto the suit then it does not penetrate to your skin,” elaborates Sizwe Jantjie of KTF Africa.

On big constructions sites, many time surveyors have to endure carrying out surveying activities around excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks among other heavy equipment. This is because site operations cannot be shut down for surveying or any other single work tasks to be completed.

Instead, hazards need to be considered and

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safety precautions put in place to ensure surveying task can be completed safely.

“To guarantee a safe working environment for your workers, you need to provide them with the correct specified PPE to avoid incidents at your workplace,” affirms Michael Nhancale of Norco Mozambique Lda.

Some hazards to consider: •

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Moving object - As construction is underway, construction hazards continue to increase. These include overhead lifting equipment, supply vehicles, diggers etc, all of which move around on an usually uneven terrain.

Airborne Fibres and Materials - Lots of dust is produced on construction sites.

The dust on construction sites is often an invisible, fine, and toxic mixture of hazardous materials and fibres. This can damage the lungs and lead to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and silicosis.

Dropped objects Personnel working below higher work areas are put a risk for dropped object related injuries.

Slips, trips, falls - Ground lying objects and uneven ground create a situation where a surveyor can be easily injured during their work.

Hand injuries - Surveyors who utilize stakes have the hazard of injuries of hands or fingers while hammering in

stakes.

Eye injuries - Dust and flying debris create a major hazard for eye injuries when walking around a construction site.

Noise - A common construction hazard is noise. Loud, repetitive, and excessive noise causes long term hearing problems, such as deafness. Noise can also be a dangerous distraction and may distract the worker from the task at hand, which can cause accidents.

It is the employer’s responsibility to carry out a comprehensive noise risk assessment, and provide appropriate PPE where necessary.

Safety gears for best surveying practices Surveying is not very hazardous on its own, rather the tasks going on at a construction site create many hazards for surveyors. It is important to give proper attention to these types of work tasks to avoid injuries. Always preplan work tasks, evaluate the work environment for additional hazards, and stop work when needed to adjust plans to make the work task safer.

Conferring with Sizwe Jantjie, the advantage of safety gears is that it can prevent or protect the individual wearing it. There is a lot of industries where the consequences of not wearing safety gear has an impact on the quality of life for the worker, a perfect example of this is wielding. The bright light in this form of work has a direct impact on the eyes and as such can damage and does damage people’s ability to see. So protective or safety gear goggles assist in protecting the eyes.

According to Michael Nhancale, the advantages of safety gear are plenty. However, just to name a few, they: • Ensure a safe environment, for all workers in their different work environment; • Create awareness of various dangers in a work environment, by using the correct signage; • Protect the workers from hazardous and chemical vapors, through the correct use of face masks and gloves.

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Engineering

The engineer said that the measure of the development of a nation is a function of its engineering capacity, output and the future of a community is dependent on the youth.

According to her, neglecting the engagement of youths in national development today will have dire consequences in the future, particularly in the field of engineering.

To her, young engineers must actively engage in the Sustainable Development Goals in a transformative, integrated and collaborative manner to ensure that the development of Nigeria catches up and aligns with the rest of the world.

Image CNC

Young engineers urged to leverage innovations

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robled by lack of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among graduates, professional engineers have urged students and young practitioners to equip themselves with new ideas in entrepreneurship, leadership skills, and politics. They said, this would put them in position to contribute towards the country’s infrastructural development and economy.

skill up in technological capacity, internships, and maintains networking relationships as ways to remain relevant.

The Vice President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Adeniran Felix Ibitoye, gave the advice at the second edition of Adigun Arewa mentorship programme for students and young engineers organised by NSE, Ikeja branch.

On her part, the Chair, Women in Engineering (WIE) Committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, (WFEO), Mrs. Yetunde Holloway, emphasised that the development of the nation is fully dependent on abilities of the youths.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Young Engineers: The Catalyst For National Development’, he charged them to leverage the abundant opportunities in specific areas of the economy such as power, railway and roads infrastructure, agriculture, water, health, education, manufacturing, and services.

She therefore stressed need to create the conditions for active engagement of the youths for national development and harnessing their roles as catalysts. She stated the need for innovative agenda towards maintaining and increasing the engineering and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates especially, in Nigeria.

According to him, for young engineer to develop an appreciable point of adding value to national development, they must be focused, trainable, have a mentor and must develop themselves by acquiring skills and more knowledge in specifics areas as well as have a positive attitude to work and life. The Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure to the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, an engineer, harped on the importance of imbibing integrity, passion, purpose, and excellence by budding engineers to be successful in the profession. Essentially, she noted that it was crucial to consistently

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“Universities are spinning out graduates more than there are jobs, stay focused on your chosen path, apply for position that will enhance your career and stay relevant by following the success nuggets.”

“Nigeria is under-engineered in per capita and per square kilometres terms. Low numbers engineering personnel correlated directly with low per capita Gross Domestic Product.

“These cursory statistics require us to also engage engineering in terms of the statistics of qualified personnel, in addition to capacity building, up-skilling, knowledge building initiatives, which is a common theme being addressed through national orientation policy and campaign to industrialise Nigeria.”

Holloway further canvassed long-term relationships between educational reforms, and industrial development and examination of the interdependence of reforms affecting general, technical and vocational education.

Meanwhile, in response to the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) has been implored to focus on the design and implementation of homegrown tested solutions to address the nation’s many developmental challenges.

Minister of Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu, gave the charge as the Special Guest of Honour at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting of the Association held virtually on Thursday.

Guest Speaker, Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin, who spoke on the theme, ‘The Survival and Strengthening of Consulting Engineering Practice in Disruptive and Uncertain Times’, emphasized the need for engineers to examine both the threats and opportunities posed by COVID-19.

Ogunshakin, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer, International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), urged them to harness the energy and resources of members through the formation of local consortia in order to adequately handle these challenges instead of operating in traditional small-size practising firms.

In his remarks, President of the Association, George Okoroma, emphasised that ACEN in its over 49 years of existence, has stood to offer technical and ethical engineering consulting , which are now becoming radically challenged by the COVID-19 crisis, using more technologically intensive non-personal contacts and connections to deliver value added services to clients.

The Extra-ordinary General Meeting witnessed discussion on the recent achievements of ACEN by representatives of member firms while other means of advancing the impact of engineering in the country were identified.

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Tender

NWHSA calls for bidders for the construction of Koru-Soin multi-purpose dam

The start of construction of the Koru-Soin Multipurpose Dam will not take place in September 2020 as expected by the Kisumu County Government.

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he National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) has relaunched the tender for the construction of the Koru-Soin multi-purpose dam in Kisumu County in western Kenya. The local government had planned to start construction in September 2020.

dam will require an investment of 25 billion Kenyan shillings, or $231.4 million.

The start of construction of the Koru-Soin Multipurpose Dam will not take place in September 2020 as expected by the Kisumu County Government. A new call for tenders for the construction of the reservoir has just been launched by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA).

It will be completed within one month, on September 18, 2020.

The dam will be built on the Nyando River, upstream of the town of Muhoroni, in Kisumu County, western Kenya. The future dam will supply water to the population, irrigate the plantations and operate the 2.5 MW hydroelectric power plant. For the NWHSA’s new call for expressions of interest, “bidders must accompany their applications with a bid guarantee of approximately $1.9 million from a reputable bank approved by the Central Bank of Kenya,” said Sharon Obonyo, acting chief executive officer of the the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA).

The recent call for proposals was reportedly unsuccessful, with most bidders failing to send “the relevant documents to support their bids, while the few others that did reach the threshold offered a price well above that which the Kenyan government has allocated for the implementation of the project”. The construction of the Koru-Soin multi-purpose

In addition, foreign companies participating in the bidding process must provide a written commitment on paper, signed by a person with power of attorney, that if their company is successful, they will be required to source at least 40 per cent of their requirements from Kenyan suppliers for the construction of the Koru-Soin Dam.

July-August issue l 2020

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ANNIVERSARY

HM Design: 30 years of Egoless and holistic design

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M Design is a modern renaissance firm and provides services in at least ten different fields including, eco-Architecture, eco- Landscape Architecture, eco-Interior Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, Protected Area Planning, Capacity Building Workshops. Photography, Public Speaking etc. HM Design is unique in the sense that it practices its very own quadruple bottom line philosophy – one that balances economic, environmental, social and spiritual aspects for every project.

HM Design attempts to create in every project, an eco-plan or eco-design that have never been created before and which is a response to the local context: physical, metaphysical and cultural.

All HM Design projects have a respect for animals, plants, local people and the spirit of the place. The approach right from the outset is that of low-impact development. This stewardshipmotto of taking care of Mother Earth and all the species that inhabit on it begins right on day one and continues into construction supervision.

Hitesh Mehta FRIBA FAAK FASLA, President, sees his Firm’s work as an opportunity to improve the earth for all. Greatly influenced by Gandhi’s spiritual and moral principles, HM Design strives every single day to be “the change it wishes to see in the world.” and professes: • •

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Egoless design – More eco, less ego!

Integrated, multi-disciplinary and participatory approaches in the planning and design process and one which recognizes local knowledge and uses it wisely in the design.

HM Design has over the years championed the concept of local empowerment through participatory planning.

Substance over aesthetics– A Plan or Design that is not only beautiful design but which is also economically, socially, environmentally and spiritually sustainable.

Africa Surveyors conducted an interview with Mr. Hitesh Mehta, the President of HM Design and revealed the humble beginnings of HM Design in Kenya!

AS: What inspired you to form HM Design firm?

HM: Actually, not inspiration but survival that got me to start HM Design! In 1990, after returning back home from California with a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, I took-up a teaching position at ADD (Architecture, Design and Development), University of Nairobi. My salary was about KShs 8000 (about US $360) a month and this did not cover even the costs of my car, leave alone food etc. Like most other lecturers, I was forced to start my own consultancy to survive.

AS: 30 years ago when the company was formed, what was the most challenging part of creating a successful practice?

HM: In 1990, Landscape Architecture profession was still new and unfortunately, most Architects saw them as competitors (some even do now!). I was fortunate that I had a good relationship with the company I used to work for before my departure to the US – Mehraz Ehsani and Associates and Mehraz was kind enough to offer me to landscape design his projects. I also worked on small consultancies like the one for Sarit Center – Phase 2. And slowly, we got commissions for full-service Architecture and Landscape Architecture projects - houses, office buildings, medical etc.

One of the other challenges was that with the salary I was receiving from the University, I could not afford my own office and so had to start my office from my University apartment

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The Arrival Elevation of AAK Award winner - Aga Khan University Diagnostic Center.

in Kileleshwa, Kenya.

AS: Is the firm today what you imagined it would be in 1990? How is it different?

HM: In the early days, I worked on traditional gardens, houses and commercial buildings to make a living. However, my research and personal interests always lay in the field of ecotourism. Because we were on survival mode, there was very little ecological and social consciousness in our early work.

Whilst teaching and working part-time, I was convinced that there were better ways to integrate sustainability into tourism (protecting

A Continuity of the Vernacular AAK award winner Residence in Gigiri Radhadesh

Mr. Hitesh Mehta, the President of HM Design

both endangered species’ habitats and local communities) and so decided to take all three of my professional interests (architecture, landscape architecture and conservation) and combine them into one.

Thus, was born my obsession with holistic design and socially /environmentally friendly practices of Ecolodges.

After moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where my physical office is based, my office philosophy has metamorphosed into specialty eco-planning and eco-design. I have now consulted and built projects in over 65 countries spanning six continents and HM Design is a multi-international award winner in the fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental planning, Urban Planning and Design, Interior Design and Photography.

HM Design Projects also consider: • Use of alternative technologies – solar, wind, thermal, low-wattage light fittings, roof gardens, non-HFC air conditioners.

• Use of water conservation techniques – rainwater harvesting, grey-water irrigation, no-water toilets, low—flow showers, tap-aerators etc.

• Use of environmentally friendly sewage systems that do not pollute the groundwater • Use of native plant species because exotics use up a lot of water and can be invasive.

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ARCHITECTURE

FASLA Award winner Kwanari Ecolodge – Dominica, Caribbean

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Use of environmentally friendly materials not only for the landscape and building but also for the interiors e.g. recycled carpets, non-voc paints, organic 100% cotton for the linens etc.

Use of local labor and materials thereby helping benefit local communities and economies.

Use of local indigenous wisdom and knowledge in the initial site analysis and planning stages.

Use of the four principles of Solid Waste Reduction – Reuse, Recycle, Reduce and Refuse.

The spiritual energy that in embodied or flows through the site

HM: We are a specialty eco-boutique “practice and research’ “ firm with a philosophy of ONLY working on five – seven ecologically and socially friendly projects in a year and also write one research paper or a book. This way, we give her clients full attention and we spend quality time on the research and analysis stages of each project. We create conscientious and holistic projects that make a difference to both animal and human communities and is profitable for the client.

Under one roof we provide services that no other firm in the world provides: Protected Area Planning; indigenous communities participatory planning; ecolodge planning and

As regards built projects some of the iconic projects are: In Kenya: • Aga Khan University Diagnostic Center has won several AAK awards.

• Radhadesh –House in Gigiri – has won AAK award.

• Eagle View Camp – Naboisho Wildlife Conservancy. FASLA Award of Excellence winner Internationally: • Crosswaters Ecolodge and Spa – China.

International Award winner.

• Kwanari Ecolodge – Dominica. ASLA Award winner.

• Nihiwatu, Indonesia - International Award winner.

AS: What gives your company a competitive edge?

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For the Social bottom line, we ensure that local peoples are brought into the planning process from day one. Then of course, during the construction phase. To address the Financial bottom line, we bring into our projects, associates who have an expertise in marketing demand analysis and business planning. Finally, if the project client requires, we address the Spiritual bottom line by bringing in Feng Shui and Vaastu Shastra masters. On all other projects, we carry out a metaphysical “Six-Senses” approach to site analysis and planning.

AS: What direction do you see the firm taking in the next ten years, if you had to guess?

AS: What are the most iconic projects that you have been involved with?

HM: As mentioned earlier, we provide both Master Planning and Building Architectural Services. Have worked on many planning and Design projects. We also have vast experience in Protected Area Physical Planning and has worked on Sustainable Tourism Plans that protect the last remaining endangered species such as Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda; Tigers in India; Giant Pandas in China; Jaguars in Costa Rica; Galapagos Shark; Bali Starlings etc.

approach to sustainability –Financial, Social, Environmental and Spiritual. After having worked with indigenous peoples in some of the most remote parts of the planet, I have felt that without the fourth aspect - spiritual, one cannot attain true sustainability. On our projects, each of these four “bottomlines” is given equal importance. As regards Environmental bottom-line, we build the ‘Foundations’ of our project by first focusing on Research and Site environmental analysis.

The objective here is to understand the site and ensure that the development creates the least impact.

Rammed-Earth walls of ASLA Design Award winner Crosswaters Ecolodge and Spa – China.

design; eco-design & eco-planning; capacity building workshops; university instruction; photography and public speaking.

AS: What do you believe to have been your biggest business success over the years?

HM: Our Business model is unique and because of this, our biggest success is to have survived the 2008-2010 recessions and we are confident that we will go through this COVID 19 crisis with little impact. We only take a small number of projects in a year and because of our collective creativity approach, we share our fees with specialized associates we bring into our projects.

Financial sustainability has been a challenge but we are standing strong after 30 years!

HM: HM Design is considered by our peers as the World’s leading Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism Physical Planning and Ecolodge Design office and so, our commitment is to regularly raise the bar in the Tourism industry. We would like to think that we are several steps ahead currently and our intention is to promote Authentic Ecotourism and Ecolodges and continue to be the World Leader for the next thirty years.

In the past few years, we have written several research papers and currently working on two research papers and the second volume to our award-winning book – Authentic Ecolodges.

We have stayed true to our motto (“be the change that we wish to see in the world”) and over the next ten years, our aim is to go deeper and bring about more positive change.

AS: How is your firm balancing economy, environment, social and spiritual aspects for every project?

HM: Every one of my office projects in the last fifteen years has espoused what I have termed as the “quadruple bottom line”

FASLA Award of Excellence Winner Eagle View Camp Conceptual Site Plan – Naboisho Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

July-August issue l 2020

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AWARDS

Boogertman + Partners Nairobi office wins at the AAK Duracoat Awards of Excellence 2020

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oogertman + Partners Nairobi office has been awarded with two well-deserved awards at the 2020 AAK (Architectural Association of Kenya) Duracoat Awards of Excellence held at the Nairobi Severa Hotel on the 27th of February. Best Commercial; Building for the Tiara Business Park and Best Institution; Cultural Education Building for the Crawford International School. Both projects highlight the vision for innovative, sustainable and contextually responsible design that is at the core of the practice.

BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING TIARA BUSINESS PARK

Tiara Business Park Building

Tiara Business Park is a premier office development in Lavington Nairobi. Located on a compact urban site, the building is expressed as two interlocking L’s that create a stacked forum with an atrium space. This creates a social heart for the building, pulls in natural light and creates a harmonious campus environment for tenants. Its design includes transparent facades that allow in optimum light while sun shading screens minimize the solar load on the building.

The west facing walls incorporate a solid sunscreen with openings designed to alternate with those on a second glazed wall behind-a solar shading intervention that also doubles up as an effective cleaning platform for the building.

Green design principles were applied in features such as solar heating and wastewater treatment.

The landscaping design softens the hard edges of the building and helps the integration of the building into its surrounding residential context.

Tiara Business Park Terrace

Tiara Business Park facade detail

BEST CULTURAL INSTITUTION EDUCATION BUILDING CRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Crawford International School Entrance

Crawford International School was designed using extensive research into the effect physical spaces have on learning along with the unique educational needs suitable for an African context. The result is an education ‘village ‘created with interchangeable and flexible spaces connected by open courtyards planted with indigenous trees. This vibrant plaza is the centre of the ‘village’ and connects to a community hall, library and sports centre. The interactions fostered through connectivity and play enhance learning opportunities and the school provides a valuable connection to the community it serves. Hand-cut Nairobi Blue Stone from a local quarry was used for wall surfaces reviving a struggling local craft and industry, and visually appealing timber lattices used for solar shading, balustrades and safety rails that reference the wooded forest and location of the school.

“We congratulate our clients and our partners who have worked alongside us to achieve these landmark projects,” says Architect Andrew Kusewa Kilonzi, Director at Boogertman + Partners.

“Our commitment is to create architecture that serves its community, is sustainable and delivers value for clients. The values of peer recognition in esteemed awards such as the AAK Duracoat Awards of Excellence inspires us to strive further to achieve our vision.”

Tiara shaded walkway

Crawford International School library

Crawford International School swimming pool Crawford International School ‘village’ style school square

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awards

Kenya team bags best Project Management Firm for second year

Their support is different from the work of the regulatory bodies with a bias towards the adoption of globally benchmarked green building standards

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urner & Townsend Kenya team has been awarded best Project Management Firm at the 2020 Construction and Real Estate (CoRE) awards for the second year in a row.

Centred around sustainability, innovation and excellence, the CoRE awards bring the construction and real estate industries together to honour, network and educate by promoting best case practices in the sector.

The project management firm of the year award recognises the most outstanding project management firm that inspires, leads and enables the best possible delivery of projects, sustainable practices and future developments.

Their submission to CoRE Nexus demonstrated their consistent excellent service delivery of projects – from inception through to handover and how their business is aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UN Global Compact ten principles,

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most notably the industry innovation and infrastructure goal in this particular instance.

Robert Gichohi, Director, Project Management, Kenya commented:

Their business has had a significant, positive impact within their communities, environment, workplace and wider market because of their approach to sustainability. The green building design consulting work they have done to assess and direct planning and decision making towards sustainable buildings has been first of its kind in East Africa. Their support is different from the work of the regulatory bodies with a bias towards the adoption of globally benchmarked green building standards.

This award is a testament to our continued dedication to delivery of world class project management services locally and our ability to commit to the region over the past 33 years.

To date they have supported investors and developers to attain the following ratings: Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) IFC EDGE Certification Green Star Africa Certification

The award builds their credibility in the market, however, winning twice in a row DJIitcrop spraying drone is much more significant because it inspires confidence in their clients and the industry at large about the choice they have made to partner with them on projects.”

In East Africa Turner & Townsend is supporting the construction of a number of airport projects including the Hoima International Airport in Uganda, which will support Uganda’s nascent petroleum industry. They are also involved in a number of hospitals and related staff and student housing projects with the Aga Khan in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

July-August issue l 2020

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AWARDS

Turner & Townsend South Africa scoops two accolades at the SAPSA awards

judges’ commendation for the latter.

Stephen McCartney, Regional Managing Director Africa, commented: “The combined strengths of our South Africa business has placed us in a competitive position and we are delighted to be recognised among other world class local and international brands within the professional services industry and the construction sector.”

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Turner & Townsend Directors: Natasia McMahon (left) & Michelle Jackson (right)

urner & Townsend has been recognised as ‘Overall Professional Service Firm of the Year’ and have reclaimed the ‘Construction Sector Firm of the Year’ award for a second year in a row at the 2020 South African Professional Service Awards (SAPSA).

Every year, SAPSA recognise outstanding achievements in various fields such as construction, engineering, architecture, law and finance. Judged by a highly experienced panel of

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industry leaders, these awards are presented for excellence, including transformation, customer service and contribution to the community and commitment to ethical best practice.

Turner & Townsend also had six finalists nominated in the categories of ‘Woman Professional of the Year’, ‘Young Construction Sector Professional of the Year’ and ‘Construction Sector Professional of the Year’.

Director Michelle Jackson received a special

The awards dinner was to be held in March, however, the declaration of the National State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa and subsequent lockdown regulations led to an indefinite postponement of the event and the winners were announced virtually in June.

Turner & Townsend is currently involved with The City of Cape Town Transport Project, which commenced its development in 2015 and is scheduled for completion in 2028. The implementation of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems in South Africa’s major cities is a core element of the National Public Transport Strategy and action plan.

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AWARDS

Alasdair Forsyth wins Young Professional of the Year in the SAPSA 2020 Awards Boogertman + Partners receives special commendation in the Architecture Firm of the Year category

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lasdair Forsyth, an Associate Director at Boogertman + Partners architects, has been awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award in the Architecture Class for 2019/2020. In addition, Boogertman was recognised with a Special Commendation from the Judges in the Architectural Firm of the Year category. The accolades were granted by the SA Professional Services Awards sponsored by Sanlam and W. Consulting.

Janette Minnaar, the Chair of the Adjudication Panel explained how the winners were determined. “Individuals were judged based on a host of attributes including demonstration of leadership skills, changing of paradigms and innovation within the bounds of available resources. We also conferred a number of Lifetime Achievement Awards to deserving recipients who had served their professions faithfully for many years,” said Minnaar.

“As regards Alasdair, he rightfully sees his position as an opportunity to engage directly with clients on new ways to approach old problems in a way that makes business sense for them and pushes the envelope of design possibility,” the judges remarked. “He is an achiever having come second in the Des Baker design competition and is cited by Bob van Bebber as his number 2 in the Award-winning project of Discovery Place. He is unafraid of projects at scale having been fortunate to be exposed to large urban design thinking from very early in his career.”

Professionals from various organisations were set to gather at a gala dinner in Montecasino Ball Room on the evening of 19 March 2020 to honour the best amongst them. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SAPSA Awards were indefinitely postponed. The organisers of the event have subsequently undertaken to progressively announce the winners for the 2019/2020 edition prior to hosting a gathering for all finalists and guests. This marks the fifth edition of the Awards following a rigorous process of determining winners through strict criteria.

Alasdair Forsyth, Associate Director at Boogertman + Partners architects

Special Commendation in the Architecture Firm of the Year Category The firm awards were based on the following criteria – business growth, customer service, technical excellence, contribution to the community, contribution to the profession, transformation record and commitment to ethics and professionalism. The criteria were not equally weighted, a strong showing in one category was sufficient to put the firm above the rest.

Boogertman’s projects have scooped accolades on various platforms: Africa Property Investments, GIFA, Steel Awards, Archiboo Web, CORE, PMR and SAPOA. From a business growth perspective, the judges noted that the Group has launched an Interiors Turnkey division and a research and development unit called FuturePart.

Since its inception in 1982 Boogertman + Partners has contributed to the growth of the discipline of architecture through seeking out co-creation and knowledge sharing opportunities with all regional and national architectural institutions and associated professional bodies. The firm’s team contribute at a school level to promote the industry as a profession and support higher education faculties through guest lecturing, adjudication and curricula advisory boards.

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July-August issue l 2020

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AWARDS

Agizo: Consulting firm of the year 2020 for 2021. The firm is also providing high resolution imagery from other platforms for areas that have high rise buildings and high-density human settlements. Additionally, Agizo Solutions will be monitoring changes in human settlements to ensure optimal allocation of resources during the census.

Support Land Reform Process Through Identification of Strategically Located Land

Agizo Solutions CEO Matheri Kangethe

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gizo Solutions is the winner for the Consulting Firm of the Year 2020.

The accolade was granted by the SA Professional Services Awards (SAPSA) sponsored by Sanlam and W. Consulting.

On receiving his trophy and certificate for the Award, CEO of Agizo Solutions Matheri Kangethe expressed his grattitude.

“Thanks to SAPSA for this recognition of Agizo’s contribution in Management Consultancy particularly within the field of Geomatics. We are proud of the cutting edge scientifically informed solutions we have developed that continue to guide decision makers on land utilization and optimization.

Agizo continues to support multiple vertical markets with imaging and modelling solutions using earth observation products from drones and satellites and seeks to become a leader in this space. Thank you once again and we look forward to continue contributing to the South African economy and society,” said Kangethe.

Agizo Solutions is a professional consultancy providing services in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation solutions using imagery from satellites, conventional aircraft, and drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). For the past 8 years, the firm has been serving various vertical markets including public administration, environmental management, construction, mapping, agriculture, forestry, mining, spatial planning, urban monitoring, and security.

Projects in Africa Agizo Solutions is proud to have been involved with several projects in Africa which includes: South Africa Census 2021 Planning Support Through the provision of satellite imagery as base map for planning and executing the census, Agizo Solutions is assisting with the planning of South Africa’s Census scheduled

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The inequalities of South Africa’s history require land to be redistributed in a fair manner. Agizo was appointed by the authorities responsible for this process to assist with identification of suitable land for agriculture and human settlement. Using GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis, a model was developed that is a key part of the land redistribution decision making process. This model was shared in South Africa’s premier geomatics conference and it was awarded the recognition of the best presentation.

National Spatial Planning Data Repository To support and strengthen the capacities of provinces and municipalities to adopt and implement effective spatial planning and land use management, the national spatial planning authorities embarked on a process to develop a National Spatial Planning Data Repository (NSPDR). Agizo Solutions and ESRI South Africa were appointed to develop this repository that is utilized by municipal planning and GIS professionals for integrated and informed spatial planning and administration within their jurisdictions.

Land Development Application E-Lodgment System Agizo Solutions and ESRI South Africa were appointed to develop a workflow system that receives land development application documents electronically and for municipal officials considers to those applications using the same system. This workflow system is targeted to over two hundred municipalities that need assistance with transitioning from a manual to an electronic workflow process.

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Syferfontein Base Map Survey This is a Gauteng Human Settlement project seeking to transform urban planning in Syferfontein through the delivery of a mixed typology mega housing development of 60,000 units. Agizo Solutions undertook a land survey assessment to indicate mining/ mineral related rights, provide a base plan showing project boundary, a topographic mapping model at 0.5m intervals, correction of property descriptions, identification of servitudes and reserve. Agizo Solutions also provided high resolution ortho-imagery for the site.

Berlyn Farm Survey – Mixed Use Development Project Agizo Solutions was appointed to provide topographic mapping services for Berlyn Farm Development covers an area of 2500 hectares. The outputs included a 5cm GSD orthomosaic, digital terrain model and 0.25cm contours.

Drone mapping technologies were employed to provide this solution to the planners and engineers. Agizo is one of the few companies certified by South Africa Civil Aviation Authorities to operate drone systems in the country.

Making a difference Agizo’s team of certified geomatics practitioners’ pride themselves in offering client-oriented services through their ability to create professional and scientifically informed solutions to a wide array of complex challenges faced by decision-makers at strategic and operational levels.

Agizo’s view of success By successfully delivering highly impactful national projects, using effective digital platforms, building capacity and receiving industry recognition such as SAPSA consulting firm of the year 2020, the best paper presented at the Geomatics Conference.

Agizo’s Matheri Kangethe has also been recognised by the Geo-Information Society of South Africa (GISSA) for the role he is playing in providing strategic leadership to the GIS industry.

Future Agizo Solutions

We are proud of our cutting edge scientifically informed solutions

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Mercy and Matheri Kangethe of Agizo Solutions

Agizo Solutions seeks to play a critical role in enhancing Africa’s public administration, environmental management, construction, mapping, agriculture, forestry, mining, spatial planning, urban monitoring, and security sectors. This will be through provision of cutting-edge GIS and Earth Observation remote sensing solutions using multiple platforms.

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AWARDS

Claire D’Adorante: Architecture and Design professional of the year Are you where you imagined you would be when you joined Paragon Interface?

How different are you today?

Claire D’Adorante, Director at Paragon Interface

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laire D’Adorante, Director at leading interior design practice Paragon Interface, won the Architecture and Design Professional of the Year for the 2019/2020 period, awarded by the SA Professional Services Awards (SAPSA) sponsored by Sanlam and W. Consulting.

Africa Surveyors conducted an interview with Claire D’Adorante, and she reveals her love for workplace design!

Tell us a brief introduction about yourself and the firm – Paragon Interface Paragon, established in October 1997, is an internationally-active African design business, based in Johannesburg. It delivers commercial architecture, master-planning, strategic workplace solutions and interior design for all property sectors. We offer a complete turnkey design service for our clients. Paragon is a space where one constantly strives to do things differently, better, more innovatively and with more exciting ways to push the boundaries. In terms of my own individual design philosophy, I’m quite flexible and open to new approaches, which is the underlying ethos of Paragon as a whole. We aim to give our clients exactly what they want, but encourage them to explore the opportunities that new space can provide. This means we do not have a ‘house style’ as such. Our work is varied, due to our broad client base and project diversity.

Recently you were crowned the Architecture and Design professional of the year 2020, how would you describe your professional journey?

I have over 20 years’ professional working experience in the interior design industry. I began my career in commercial interiors, then explored the different world of retail and residential interiors, but ultimately returned to my love of workplace design. Travelling to Australia in 2007, I worked for a large multi-disciplinary practice there for six years,

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which helped me to grow my personal design style and experience level. Returning to South Africa in 2012, I took on the role of Director at Paragon Interface, which has been an incredible experience, where we secured two of the largest fit-out projects in the country – namely, the new Head Office for Sasol (67 000 m2) and the new Discovery Campus (112 000 m2).

Which project (s) that you were involved with, do you consider to have been a breakthrough in your profession?

The Discovery Place project in Sandton stands out. Its scale was significant, given that you are looking at a 112 000 m2 project. Very few people in the industry can speak of being part of a project of that magnitude in their entire careers. It was an overwhelming feeling standing in that atrium when we delivered the building. I am proud of the outcome we achieved and how it has been received by the industry, both locally and globally. The project won a 2020 German Design Award for Excellent Architecture – Interior Architecture. It was also the Office Design Winner at the prestigious SBID International Design Awards 2018 in the UK. The space itself people’s lives better every day. The staff there love the environment, and nothing is more rewarding and fulfilling than that.

What challenges have you encountered that helped you perfect your profession skills into creating a successful career?

The construction industry has traditionally been quite male-dominated. When I began my career, it was not unusual for me to be the only woman in a meeting or on-site. Also being young at the time, I was often not taken seriously and often felt uncomfortable being on-site alone. In my personal experience, women in this industry have also had to work harder to be recognised. You need to be determined and sure of yourself to get ahead.

The quality and innovation in our interior design work has shown immense growth over the last eight years. We are the ‘go-to’ practice in terms of commercial architectural interiors at the moment, which is something that I didn’t expect to achieve. I have also built a close and amazing team who share a similar design ethos. I am hands-on with my team; I get involved in guiding people in the direction that they are going, including their career paths and growth in the industry, and believe in a collaborative design process that allows people’s creativity to be explored.

How do you picture yourself 10 years from now?

I’ll definitely still be here at Paragon Interface.

It’s an incredibly dynamic company where we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways of design – which will ensure that I’m never going to stop learning! The world is also changing, workspaces are becoming shared and more temporary now, with short-term rental solutions being offered and community and collaborative working becoming the new norm. Covid-19 has also had such an impact globally on the way of work. People are unsure what will happen next, and hence there is even a greater need now to bring innovative design solutions to meet all of these challenges.

What advice would you give to upcoming or aspiring architects?

It’s a wonderfully exciting and diverse career. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but at the same time it’s a very rewarding industry that’s never boring. You need to trust yourself and learn as much as you can early on. Find a good mentor and a good company to start your career. The first four to five years are critical, so you need to find a company that can give you a good grounding to enable you to succeed. I believe in having a very strong work ethic, and putting a lot into anything that you want to make a success out of. Design should be seen as a way of life. If you see it as just a job, you won’t make it – that’s just my personal belief. You need to be passionate about what you do, believe in the work that you put out there – and strive for excellence in all you create.

If you were to choose an alternative profession, what would that be?

I don’t see myself having done anything different. It’s been a wonderful journey. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than to be able to create physical space that impacts others positively on a daily basis.

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Project review

The Mbabane Hilton Garden Inn in Eswatini, designed by Paragon Group

Rasmuss comments.

Architecturally differentiated

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he Mbabane Hilton Garden Inn is one of Paragon Group’s first projects for an international hotel chain. The project was implemented in conjunction with Steve Hall Development Consultants as local partner architects.

The visionary design The master piece is a visionary design inclusive of the 124-room, eight-storey development in the heart of the capital was to create an iconic building for Hilton’s entry into Swaziland. The main feature is the performance-rated façade design with undulating and varying sized windows, depending on the orientation. There is also a huge landscaped pool deck on the first floor, with trees and indigenous planting to cool the building down.

Situated up against a hill to the south of the city centre, the building and its landscape deck provide unobstructed views across the valley towards the city. This prominent location, combined with the unique design, gives the hotel a notable presence unique in the urban context of Mbabane. The façade lines mimic the undulating natural landscape of the national capital city.

The main spaces of the hotel create vertical separation and privacy between public and private or guest amenities. The iconic tower portion of the building, with its swooping and undulating feature façade, is architecturally differentiated from the base of the building, and is dedicated solely to hotel guestrooms and hotel facilities.

central and primary focus space of the building, overlooked by all the guest-room corridors. The central atrium, which houses the restaurant, bar, lounge, and conference break-out facilities, also features large sculptural skylights that direct natural daylight deep into the building.

The guestrooms are all accessed via full-height glass scenic lifts leading from the ground-floor lobby. Guest

Public areas on the ground floor include a reception, restaurant, bar, lounge, and conferencing facilities comprising four meeting rooms of varying sizes, with two of the larger rooms separated by slidingfolding doors with the flexibility to become a single large conference room. An additional extension to the conference component of the hotel is already under construction, immediately upon opening, in order to cater for proven demand, Rasmuss reveals.

Reception and the main hotel entrance are located adjacent to the on-grade, on-site guest parking, where guests are greeted with a generous porte-cochere entry. The main guest parking is located to the rear of the site, while additional parking is provided in an existing parkade close by.

The entrance to the building is immediately adjacent to a fullheight internal atrium that forms the

“The building is already a popular destination for Instagram-savvy Emaswati, and is the background image of choice in many a posted selfie. It has become a talking point, and is seen as a benchmark for what can be achieved in commercial architecture in this African capital city,”

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hilton garden inn - mbabane

amenities are housed at the first floor, and include a guest laundry and fitness centre that looks out onto the landscaped pool deck, a dedicated guest amenity with a lap pool, low-level children’s swim area and garden.

Completed in April 2019 for the Buna Group, on behalf of the Swaziland Public Service Pensions Fund (SPSPF), the main contractor was a joint venture between Aveng Grinaker-LTA with Du-Van Developments and Roots Construction, known as the ADR JV. On 15 October, King Mswati III of

Eswatini opened the building in an engaging and personal ceremony that included a full tour of all the facilities for himself and his royal entourage, and the sharing of many a personal anecdote. “Praise singers accompanied the King, adding colour and appropriate gravitas to what was a joy-filled occasion,” Rasmuss elaborates.

Remarkably, the project scoop two awards in 2019 and was declared the winner of the SAPOA Property Development Awards for Innovative Excellence (2019) and the Best Hotel Development category at the annual Africa Property Investment (API) Awards 2019, held on 2 October at a gala dinner during the API Summit in Johannesburg.

E. D. Simelane & Associates (Pty) Ltd

CONSULTING CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGERS LOT 195 Karl Grant Street, Mbabane, P O Box 2244 Mbabane H100 Swaziland Telephone (+268) 2404 3530, 2404 12 83 Fax (+268) 2404 5771 E-mail: info@edsimelane.co.sz

PROUD CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS FOR THE HILTON GARDEN INN It is a privilege to have served as the civil and structural engineering consultants on this prestigious development.

ED Simelane and Associates (EDSA), a civil and structural engineering, and project management consultancy firm, has been active in designing and delivering world-class infrastructure in the Kingdom of Eswatini since 1994. Our exceptional brand of engineers uphold the EDSA name by benchmarking our performance against industry best practices and exceeding these standards in our projects.

Our work in Eswatini over the past 25years has included the design and construction supervision of; commercial, institutional and residential buildings, urban and rural roads, bridges, water supply and reticulation, wastewater drainage, treatment and disposal, earth dams and solid waste disposal.

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