Laser scanning specialist 3D Laser Mapping has embarked on a research project, in partnership with Durham University, following the award of a share of a multi-million pound government grant. The project, which aims to develop new models for slope failure monitoring, will be used to improve the safety and operational efficiency of mining companies around the world.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP), like this one between 3D Laser Mapping and Durham University, help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of the knowledge, technology and skills that already reside within UK colleges and Universities.
“KTP supports innovation led partnerships between commercial organisations such as 3D Laser Mapping, leading academic institutions like Durham University and external stakeholders such as the Technology Strategy Board,” commented Dr Graham Hunter, 3D Laser Mapping’s Executive Chairman and founder. “ It is the leading knowledge exchange programme in Europe and we are extremely proud to be a part of it.”
Dr Hunter continued, “By utilising the recently gained knowledge and expertise of our KTP Associate we can build on our existing mine monitoring solution SiteMonitor and incorporate the latest principles and innovations from academic research.”
The project sees KTP Associate Dr Ashraf Afana join the 3D Laser Mapping team from Durham University where he will work on a three year placement on the integration of full waveform (FW) data processing into the ‘SiteMonitor’ product. Dr Afana, who has a PhD in Fluvial Geomorphology from the University of Almeria in Spain, will be working in a ‘hands-on’ technical position developing and implementing a slope monitoring system that utilises strain-rate based failure modelling. He will work closely with 3D Laser Mappings Research and Development division and will undertake project work with some of the world’s leading mining companies.
Dr Afana added, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I get to work at the cutting edge of slope monitoring research and development software using my knowledge and skills to further develop a system that is already saving lives and improving efficiencies. I will gain hands-on experience of the system and get the opportunity to extract first-hand feedback from existing and potential users.”
This partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme (KTP), the Technology Strategy Board and other government funding organisations.
3D Laser Mapping is a global developer of laser scanning solutions for sectors such as mapping, mining and manufacturing. 3D Laser Mapping specialises in integrating laser scanning hardware with their own software and peripherals to create solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Through a worldwide network of regional offices and local distributors 3D Laser Mapping is able to provide frontline support and service for a growing international client base. 3D Laser Mapping is also the RIEGL Premier Distributor for the UK, Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa and a leading distributor of TerraScan software. For further information visit www.3dlasermapping.com
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are relationships between a company and an academic institution (‘Knowledge Base’ partner), which facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technology and skills to which the company partner currently has no access. Each partnership employs one or more recently qualified people (known as an Associate) to work in a company on a project of strategic importance to the business, whilst also being supervised by the Knowledge Base Partner. KTPs facilitate the transfer of knowledge through projects undertaken by high calibre, recently qualified people under joint supervision from a company and an academic institution. They provide company-based training for recently qualified people to enhance their business and specialist skills, stimulate and enhance business-relevant training and research undertaken by the academic institutions and increase the interaction between businesses and academic institutions, and awareness of the contribution academia can make to business development and growth
According to figures, KTP associates benefit from a competitive salary, a fully funded professional management qualification, the opportunity to make an impact on a business from day-one and 75% are offered employment by the host company. According to Knowledge Transfer Partnership figures, 52% of companies who completed a final report had an increase in the overall value of the business whilst 62% had an increase in sales. For further information visit www.ktponline.org.uk or the Technology Strategy Board – Driving Innovation – www.innovateuk.org
