Spotlight Feature Articles Ansul Modern Open Pits February 16 | Page 6

MODERN OPEN PITS_proof 21/10/2015 10:07 Page 5

MODERN OPEN PITS

A high quality synthetic map can be generated
even in adverse weather conditions when
conventional camera systems would be
rendered redundant
increasing on-site safety and improving
productivity of any mining operation. The MSR
solution is based on a 4-tiered approach that
focuses on flexibility in conditions that may
render certain geotechnical information acquiring
systems redundant.” The approach provides the
user with a radar generated synthetic map, a
Digital Terrain Model, a visual image and a video
recording.
First, the MSR is capable of generating a highly
accurate synthetic map. This map displays crucial
geotechnical information in real time, irrespective
of ambient lighting conditions (day or night) or
adverse weather conditions such as dust, fog,
rain and mist where camera images yield no
results. There is no need to georeference the
MSR to achieve these results and the map can be
generated immediately after deployment.
The MSR can also be georeferenced to

determine its exact
coordinates and
orientation with
reference to the local
coordinates system of
the mine. When the
MSR is georeferenced
the user can import a
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) into the system.
Once this DTM is imported the Synthetic Map can
be overlaid onto the mine’s DTM.
In addition to the Synthetic Map and Digital
Terrain Model, as mentioned a standalone
camera system can be mounted on the Multi
Purpose Mining Platform (MPMP). The camera
can be used to view any area of interest
regardless of where the radar is scanning or
whether it is actively busy with critical monitoring.
This results in improved asset utilisation as the
various other departments on the mine (such as
security, dispatch and engineering) can benefit
from the camera’s 360° field of view as well as
pan, tilt and zoom functionality via a dedicated
web interface. The MSR’s software provides for
an intuitive interface with the GeoCam’s
dedicated web application. The application
allows for capturing high quality images or live
video streams of any point on the MSR synthetic
map by a click of a button. All data captured via
the web application can be backed up to a central
server for future access.

The GeoCam is independently georeferenced
enabling it to view the same area of interest
where the MSR might indicate a slope instability
or any other area as desired by the user. This
allows the user to view areas of slope instability
without the requirement to stop radar operations.
In addition, the panoramic scheduler can be
configured to capture multiple high quality
panoramic pictures of the entire pit at specific
times; even outside of the area being scanned by
the radar.
The GeoCam is also capable of streaming high
definition video (1,920 x 1,080 at 60 frames per
second) of any area of interest within the mine.
This stream can be captured and saved to a
central server for future playback and back
analysis of mine activities.
“Unlike conventional camera systems, the
GeoCam mounted on the mobile standalone
MPMP provides the user with the option to
upgrade or add additional visual devices at any
time. An example would be the addition of a FLIR
camera that would provide the user with further
night, thermal and infrared vis [ۋ