News and Events
      
December 2011: 3D Laser Scan to BIM - Shrewsbury Town FC
 
On-site 3D Laser Scanning of Shrewsbury Town FC Stadium
 
The Severn Partnership has embarked on the task of 3D laser scanning all of the Shrewsbury Town FC ground, internals and externals for conversion to a BIM 3D model.
 
The laser scanning is going to take place over a period of about a month, with teams working around Shrewsbury's busy football and conference schedule. Once the laser scans have been completed they are passed to our 3D modelling department for BIM modelling.
 
They are using the latest Autodesk Revit Architecture, Structure and MEP 2012 software to create the stadium into an intelligent parametric model. Due to the number and size of the scans, the point cloud has be sectioned up for ease of use and imported directly into Revit one section at a time.
 
Watch this space to find out more about this project in the coming weeks...
 
If you wish to find out more please visit our new Scan to BIM website; www.scan2bim.info or to discuss your project requirements further please email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247.
 
3D Laser Scanned Point Cloud of Shrewsbury's Greenhous Meadow
 
November 2011: Charles Darwin - Laser Scan to Mesh 3D Model
 
Charles Darwin Statue, Shrewsbury - 3D Laser Scan
 
If someone was asked to name two things that came from Shrewsbury, they would most likely answer the Severn Partnership and Charles Darwin.  Severn recently decided to bring these two together and use their Laser Scanning expertise to laser scan the Charles Darwin statue outside the Shrewsbury Library.

The scanning was completed over one morning and registered together by the same afternoon.  This laser scan was then meshed using MeshLab, an open-source meshing software. This mesh was then refined and visualised using Autodesk 3DS Max to create a photo-realistic rendering.

Severn hopes to expand their strong links with Shrewsbury and scan more of the famously historical buildings and features of the town.

To find out more about 3D Laser Scanning, Mesh 3D Modelling & Visualisation please visit our websites; www.severnpartnership.co.uk and www.3d-model.co.uk or to discuss your project requirements further please email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247.
 
Charles Darwin Meshed 3D Model from Scan Cloud
 
November 2011: Severn Partnership YouTube channel
 
Severn Partnership have launched a new YouTube channel that will host all their videos and highlights from the world of surveying, 3D laser scanning, 3D modelling, visualisation & scan2BIM.
 
To see more videos please visit our Severn Partnership YouTube Channel and subscribe to keep up to date with the latest videos.
 
To see more videos on our Scan2BIM services please visit our Scan2BIM YouTube Channel and subscribe to keep up to date.
 
November 2011: Laser Scan to BIM Model - Harper Adams University
Laser Scan to Rendered BIM Model - Harper Adams University
 
Severn has recently completed a project creating a BIM model from laser scan data for Harper Adams University.  The model was used to create section drawings, elevations, floor and roof plans for planning applications and future renovation work.

The laser scanning was completed over 2 days using the latest Leica C10 HD scanner. 

The BIM model was created using Autodesk Revit with its in-built point cloud engine, which meant that the model was created very quickly and accurately.
 
All the door and window families were created parametrically within Revit specifically for this project.

If you wish to find out more please visit our new Scan to BIM website; www.scan2bim.info or to discuss your project requirements further please email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247.
 
Revit BIM Model - Harper Adams University
 
May 2011: What'er Day - Severn go Rafting
 
As part of a company training and team building day, Severn Partnership staff took to the river Tryweryn with life jackets and paddles for White Water Rafting. After travelling to Bala,

Wales all rafters were required to squeeze into wetsuits, some with more ease than others.
 
Severn White Water Rafting - I Think!!!
 
All rafts managed to get 4 runs down the rapids with only 2 men overboard.
Special mention goes to Tom Thorn who found great difficulty in getting into the raft, falling in at the start and Martin Oakes the victim of a blind-sided raft-ram between 2 rafts.
 
Serious Rafters!!! Severn Partnership Pre-Wetsuits Messing about on the River
     
Extreme Rafting!!! Severn Partnership Post-Wetsuits Hysterical Laughter
 
Rafting was a reward to all staff at the Severn Partnership for all their effort and good work for a year well done. Next up Christmas Party, watch this space...
 
Severn Partnership in action!!!
 
September 2011: Laser Scan to 3D Revit BIM Model
 
3D Laser Scan to 3D Revit Bim Model
 
The Severn Partnership have been involved on a project with Laing O'Rourke and BDP using High Definition Laser Scanning to create a 3D BIM Revit Model of a large hospital site.  
 
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the creation and management of data through a building's life cycle and revolves around the use of intelligent 3D CAD models. Severn utilised Autodesk Revit and 3D Laser Scan data to build an as-built intelligent BIM model of the Thomas Kemp Tower and surrounding buildings at West Sussex Hospital, Brighton. 
 
3D Laser Scanning was used to capture both the externals and internals of the majority of the site, which was then modelled in Revit to create intelligent walls, roofs, windows and other components.  The completed model is being used in many aspects of the design process including; MEP design, structural analysis, structural alterations, clash detection and project management. 
 
3D Laser Scan of Thomas Kemp Tower
 

For more information or to discuss your project requirements further please email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247.

Please visit our website to find out more about Building Information Modelling
 
Laser Scan - Above & Underground Point Cloud
 
Autodesk Revit BIM Model
 
August 2011: Formula Severn - Surveying the Racing Line
 
3D Laser Scan at Silverstone Circuit
 
Using the latest Leica High Definition Surveying (HDS) equipment to minimise race circuit disruption,  Severn Partnership surveyed through the night to provide a complete high accuracy 3D Laser Scan of the Silverstone, Stowe Park Race Circuit.

The completed 3D Laser Scan was used to extract quality 3D track geometry data for use in race car simulation.
  
The comprehensive data set added value to the project by allowing the simulation to include the entire race environment, including key sighting points used by professional Formula 1 drivers.
 
 
Severn used techniques refined in many years of rail experience to provide high quality data, measured safely, delivered professionally on time with limited circuit access.
 
 
For more information or to discuss your project requirements further pllease email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk or contact Rollor Rigby on 0844 880 8247.
 
 
August 2011: The Shipping Forecast
 
 
More ships have been added to our fleet of Nautical 3D models. The Jan Steen is a vessel owned by Global Marine Systems (GMS) and is going to be used on the London Offshore Wind Array.

The high accuracy 3D model was created from 3D Laser Scan data collected while the vessel was in dry dock in Rotterdam and Middlesbrough. It was created using Rhino3D and Autodesk 3DS Max and will be used in GMS's onboard 3D navigation system.

Click here for more information regarding our Shipping & Marine Services
Or call Mark King (3D Modelling & Visulaisation) on 0844 880 8247
 
Jan Steen, Rhino3D Model High Accuracy Ship 3D Model
 
June 2011: Confined spaces - 3D laser scanning & 3D modelling

Overground and underground - this confined spaces scan cloud shows the benefit of having speed, coverage & accuracy combined. With two surveyors, one 'top man' and a two man rescue team, site time is costly: so we aim to scan quick and be out fast.

The survey was on a brownfield site, aimed at locating an old wartime hopsital complex in 3D relative to ground level..
 
3D point cloud from confined spaces laser scanning 3D point cloud and 3D Model for confined spaces survey
   
Jim Roberts & Matt Miles Down the hole - with the right protection...
 
May 2011: Survey to Visualisation...and everything in-between
 
King's House, Manchester 3D Visualisation
 
Severn Partnership use the latest 3D laser scanning technology to create highly accurate point clouds as seen in the vellow image below.  This cloud of 3D points, accurate to +/-3mm forms the basis of either conventional measured building survey elevations for planning applications, or the shell of a 3D solid model which can be rendered (coloured) for visual realism if required.
 
Laser Scan - 2D CAD Elevations - 3D Model - 3D Visualisation
 
For more information or to discuss your project requirements further pllease email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247
 
May 2011: Lighting Up the Severn Partnership
 
3D Scan & Model used for 'Right of Light' Analysis in Reading
 
The Severn Partnership was called in to 3D Laser Scan a large area of central Reading for use in a 'Right of Light' assessment. From the registered point cloud a 3D block model of the key buildings and facades that may be affected by the new structure were created, particular attention was paid to the positions of windows.

Any new build that may infringe on a neighbours 'Right to Light' may result in dispute and legal investigation.  'Right of Light' assessments allow individuals or organisations to assess the impact of any new build virtually before any construction work had begun.

Using the point cloud allowed the 3D model to be created quickly, efficiently and accurately.  It was also used a quality assurance to visually check that the model was accurate to the surveyed laser scan.

For more information or to discuss your project requirements further please see;
Our Legal Investigation Webpage or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247
 
Reading - 'Right to Light' 3D Model
 
May 2011: Using cloud computing for business efficiency
 
Severn Partnership were early adopters of cloud computing to aid scheduling of surveyors and equipment  - answering the age old question of: 
  • Who is where, using what equipment, driving which vehicle, doing what and when for whom ?
  • Why ? - to allow seamless scheduling of resources and ensure that planning survey activities goes as smooth as possible.  We were looking to avoid any double booking of time and enable real time scheduling between all management personnel.

Business linked picked up on this an asked Nick Blenkarn for advice & pointers...

Cloud computing also introduced us to working efficiently with collaborative documents - eradicating duplication of effort and numerous confusing revisions of spreadsheets or DOCs flying around by email.   Get your head out of the clouds and get it in the cloud.  

Business link article on cloud computing for SMEs

 
May 2011: It's Art if we say it is !!!

Land Surveys as modern art - perhaps not the Turner prize this year, but when we combine fined registered scan cloud data with site images the results are quite colourful !

We have the ship in dry dock - 3D laser scanning to create a 3D model of the ship hull - completed in one day on site. The point cloud is coloured  with reference to height.

Next is a statue of the Founding Fathers of Birmingham for insurance records and to
enable repairs based on measurement and accurate records should they be required.

This Facade elevation in Manchester was for heritage planning approval ready for internal remodelling of the building. Deliverables were 2D elevations and plan
sections.


Barr Beacon was surveyed for an Architectural consultancy, requiring topographical survey, cross sections and elevations. Scanning for historical archive of monuments can also cover against potential future damage.....




For more information, call Nick Blenkarn at he Severn Partnership on 0844 880 8247 or email webenquiry@severnpartnership.co.uk
 
 
May 2011: Using cloud computing for business efficiency
 
Severn Partnership were early adopters of cloud computing to aid scheduling of surveyors and equipment  - answering the age old question of: 
 
Who is where, using what equipment, driving which vehicle, doing what and when for whom ?
 
Why ? - to allow seamless scheduling of resources and ensure that planning survey activities goes as smooth as possible.  We were looking to avoid any double booking of time and enable real time scheduling between all management personnel.
 
Business linked picked up on this an asked Nick Blenkarn for advice & pointers...
 
Cloud computing also introduced us to working efficiently with collaborative documents - eradicating duplication of effort and numerous confusing revisions of spreadsheets or DOCs flying around by email.
Get your head out of the clouds and get it in the cloud
Business link article on cloud computing for SMEs
May 2011: Lighting Up the Severn Partnership
3D Scan & Model used for 'Right of Light' Analysis in Reading
The Severn Partnership was called in to 3D Laser Scan a large area of central Reading for use in a 'Right of Light' assessment. From the registered point cloud a 3D block model of the key buildings and facades that may be affected by the new structure were created, particular attention was paid to the positions of windows.

Any new build that may infringe on a neighbours 'Right to Light' may result in dispute and legal investigation.  'Right of Light' assessments allow individuals or organisations to assess the impact of any new build virtually before any construction work had begun.

Using the point cloud allowed the 3D model to be created quickly, efficiently and accurately.  It was also used a quality assurance to visually check that the model was accurate to the surveyed laser scan.

For more information or to discuss your project requirements further please see;
Our Legal Investigation Webpage or contact Mark King on 0844 880 8247
 
Reading - 'Right to Light' 3D Mode
 
May 2011: Shropshire Business Awards 2011
Severn Partnership - finalists for the Shropshire Business Award for Innovation & Technology
 
We have recently been shortlisted for the final four of the Shropshire Business Awards 2011 for innovation and technology.  The awards ceremony is being held on Friday the 3rd June 2011 at the Telford International Centre.

The award focuses on businesses that have used innovation and technology to benefit the whole company and its clients.  We have put forward our use of 3D CAD modelling from laser scan data as one of many innovative tools we use to help improve our service.

In 2008 Severn were shortlisted for the same award, but unfortunately did not win.  Hopefuly this year we can go one step further and bring back the trophy.......fingers crossed.
 
May 2011: Arthritis Research UK Golf Day - Severn Partnership
 
Severn's Ryder Cup Team

The Severn Partnership attended the Arthritis Research UK Golf Day 2011, held at Oswestry Golf Club, Shropshire.  The team included Mark Combes, Jamie Price, Anett Dude and Mark King.

Unfortunately Severn's team failed to bring back the trophy, but hopefully this is just a stepping stone for the big Shropshire Major of the year, the RICS Lionheart Golf Day at 'The Shropshire'.

If you are interested, there are still limited places left.  For more information please follow this link RICS Golf Day in aid of LionHeart or contact Mark Combes on 0844 880 8247.
Mark 'Montgomery' Combes Jamie 'Woosnam' Price Mark 'Vijay' King
May 2011: University of Wolverhampton - End of Year Show 2011
 
Mark Combes - Handing out Awards
 
The University of Wolverhampton kindly invited Mark Combes and Mark King to hand out awards at their 2011 End of Year Show for the Architectural Design Department.  

Over the past 18 months, Severn Partnership and the University of Wolverhampton have built up a strong relationship through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme and various funded student projects.

The standard of work on show at the exhibition was very high, with the winners well deserving of their awards.  The exhibition is on all this week, so hurry down to the main campus at Wolverhampton University to check it out for yourself
 
23 June 2011: RICS Golf day in aid of LionHeart at 'The Shropshire'
 
This is a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Annual Golf Challenge (been going for decades) to raise money for RICS Lionheart Charity but to also have fun and network amongst the construction community in Shropshire, Marches & beyond. Stableford Competition.

£47 Per Person or £188 per team (4 No) + VAT, Price includes Dinner and Prizes

Who should Go: Estate Agents, Rural Practice, Geomatic Surveyors, Architects, Business Consultancies, Software Companies, Construction Companies, Engineering Consultancies, Property Developers

Location: 'The Shropshire' Golf course, Telford, Granville Park, Muxton, Telford, SHROPSHIRE TF2 8PQ GB

The Shropshire Golf Course website

Lionheart Website

Details of the day to download
 
May 2011: We are hiring....Interviews for Land Surveyor posts
 
We are looking to interview for Geomatics / Land Surveyors to recruit to our team.

Severn Partnership are inviting job applications from Surveyors preferably with a suitable survey qualification. Some commercial experience beneficial but not essential as training will be provided through the Investor in People National Standard with the future options of RICS and CICES development.

The right candidates will be self motivated team player’s who can respond to instruction with the measurement of quality site data, can office process through a quality assurance programme and deliver to deadlines.

Based in Shrewsbury, working Nationwide or abroad, site & office.

Competitive packages offered.

Contact Mark Combes or Anett Dude by email at: - recruitment@severnpartnership.co.uk
 
April 2011: Signing in !
 
Chester Business Park Sign - 3D Model & Render

Severn have recently finished a project, modelling and visualising the new main sign for Chester Business Park.  The 3D model was created, textured, rendered and then placed into photographs taken on location by the client.

Some of the photos were edited to remove unwanted obstacles. See the two images below for a before and after shot.
 
Before - Original Photograph After - Edited Photograph with Render
 
April 2011: Rednall Paintballing

 Severn Partnership surveyors let off steam with a paintballing session at Rednall in Oswestry after the morning's training day. The painballs fly at 200mph and once shot, you do know about it !!
 
 
 
March 2011: Conference Presentation on 3D laser scanning for Urban Heritage preservation

Director Nick Blenkarn and 3D visualisation expert Mark King travelled to Ajman in the UAE to lecture to post graduate students and present a conference paper on 3D laser scanning for Urban Heritage.

The talk was aimed at explaining how 3D laser scanning can be utilised to 'back up history' in the same way as you create backups of digital data.With the conference subtitle being on City Identity, it was noted that scanning could provide a snapshot in time, preserved for future generations.

Project examples were showcased to detail how the scans can be used as a highly accurate template for 3D modelling, with photo realistic visualisations.
Cyark was used as an example of how 3D laser scanning can be a valuable way to historic landscapes and historic monuments - preserving them digitally for future generations
Conference Presentation outline 

Link to Ajman Conference Website

Link to CyArk Heritage Laser scanning online archive
 
 
February 2011: Scanning & Modelling the Severn Seas...

Severn Partnership has been laser scanning cable laying ships around the world for Global Marine Systems (GMS). This included GMS's flagship the 'CS Sovereign' as well as the world’s largest cable laying ship; the ‘Cable Innovator’ which was based in Hong Kong at the time.
 
3D Model of CS Sovereign
 
The completed point cloud was then used to create 3D models for integration within GMS’s new 3D navigation system. These models were textured using a single image to give them a more realistic look, similar to the techniques used in the Game Industry.

Click here for more information regarding our Shipping & Marine Services or call Mark King (3D Modelling & Visualisation) on 0844 880 8247
 
February 2011: Can't survey the wood for the trees - Surveys for Forestry Commission

Severn Partnership in conjunction with Parsons Brickerhoff in Cardiff have been selected for a framework contract with the Forestry Commission Wales.

Our surveyors will create 3D topographical surveys for use in in haul road design and cut & fill volume computations for subsequent earthworks.

We will be able to utilise the latest one man robotic total stations in conjunction with Leica's Smartnet RTK GPS to aid productivity and accuracy.
 
3D landscape visualisation 3D landscape visualisation
 
Contact Nick blenkarn or Bob Hutchings for any topographical survey requirements
 
February 2011: 3D modelling for Acoustic analysis - Dublin Cathedrals

Severn Partnership's 3D modeller Mark King was commissioned by University College Dublin to create 3D models from laser scanned point clouds.

The resultant 'water tight' 3D models were used for acoustic modelling - follow the link below for a sample 3D PDF of St Patrick's Cathedral..
 
 
3D watertight model 3D model for acoustic modelling St Patricks Cathedral
3D watertight model 3D model for acoustic modelling St Patricks Cathedral
 
February 2011: Climbing the walls trying to find a 3D survey solution....

Severn Partnership's 3D laser scanner was called in by ZigZag climbing walls to survey an existing Climbing wall in Cambridge, prior to enable design and ensure it fits first time !
The point cloud is an ideal solution for surveying and modelling of obtuse and irregular surfaces.

The survey was completed within an hour on site and a meshed model delivered for design.

For more information, call Mark King (3D modelling & Visualisation) on 08448808247
 
 
February 2011: Flickr Photostream update

We have updated our flickr photstream with survey images from 2011, CAD screenshots, 3D laser scanning and modelling projects....
Find it at:
Flickr
or
Facebook
 
 
 
 
 
February 2011: Real time monitoring for track movement 24/7

Severn Partnership was approached by Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd. to offer a proposal for the monitoring of rails, for movement, during the piling works for a new footbridge adjacent to the railway fence-line.

The proposal needed to adhere to Network Rail Standard NR/BS/LI/045 ‘Monitoring track over or adjacent to Civil Engineering works: procedure and intervention levels.’

The extent of the monitoring, covered 90m of track length over four rails, with prisms located at 3m centres (124 prisms in total). Readings being taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - feeding back data over an Internet link to our office.
Benefits of Automated technique:
  • Minimised on site manpower (security guard only required)
  • Cheaper overall than manned monitoring
  • Real time results, with reports on twist, CANT, gauge & movement
  • Client reports on demand
  • Piece of mind ! .

 
 
24/7 observations - unmanned 3d monitoring control station
 
February 2011: Our projects map

 Have a look at our projects map - detailing some of the locations we have worked over the last few years. Watch out for a Severn Partnership team near you !
   
           View SP Project Database in a larger map
 
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