Trimble Dimensions 2010 Converge, Connect, Collaborate

"Trimble Dimensions 2010 is one of the most important and best organized events within the field of surveying and other engineering sectors." Sr. Antonio Alvarez Ibez Railways Management Dept. Grupo Sacyr-Vallehermoso, Spain ince the first Trimble Dimensions User Conference in 2005, attendees have been impressed by Dimensions educational content, networking opportunities, organizationand then theres the fact that its just plain fun! This year was no exception: With more than 2,900 registered attendees from 67 countries, Trimble Dimensions 2010 offered a full course of keynote presentations, educational sessions, Partners Pavilion, outdoor and offsite demonstrations and exciting entertainment. Held November 810 at the Las Vegas Mirage Hotel, Dimensions provided an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to increase their technical knowledge, establish new business contacts and opportunitiesand learn how to grow their business in a challenging economic environment. As a first-time attendee and presenter, I found Trimble Dimensions to be of particular significance in light of the economic challenges we face today. The conference keynote speeches and wide variety of presentations helped us consider new ways to be successful in todays market. Horst Walther, Survey Leader Bickhardt Bau AG, Germany Trimble Dimensions 2010 focused on enabling attendees to increase their productivity in the field and office by revolutionizing work processes. Keynote speakers highlighted the conferences themeConverge, Connect, Collaborateby sharing specific examples:

Steven W. Berglund, Trimble President and CEO, described how the convergence of positioning, wireless and information technologies is enabling new, integrated solutions such as Trimbles Connected Construction Site. Keith Ferrazzi, CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight and noted author, emphasized the importance of connecting with colleagues, other professionals, family and friends for guidance and support to enhance opportunities for business success. Dr. Steve Squyres, Principal Investigator on the Mars Exploration Rover Project, used the Mars Rover Mission as an example of successes in collaborative creativity and innovation, even when the team faced the potential failure of the mission. Trimble Dimensions was exciting and valuable because we could interact with surveying product specialists and other spatial groups facing similar 3D-data-management challenges. RioTinto Iron Ore employs over 50 surveyors in active mining environments, so its important for us to find safer and more efficient technology workflows to contribute to operational success. With the number of technologies and data sources increasing, its important to manage the usability and reliability of the data generated by our teams. Paul Craine, Superintendent Mine Survey Resource Development Technical Services, RioTinto Iron Ore, Western Australia Multiple educational opportunities were available in all fields. The 467 educational sessions in 32 specialty tracks covered surveying; field and office computing; wireless communications; engineering; aerial mapping; building information modeling (BIM); construction; mining; mobile mapping; GIS; geospatial; utilities; and mobile resources. Sessions were conducted both by Trimble staff members and by Trimble users, who related

Technology&more; 2011-1

-20-

their own field experiences. Follow-up Q&A sessions often stimulated vigorous discussions and more knowledge sharing. Trimble Dimensions is a fantastic event! Its a great opportunity to discuss the latest news of the industry and to share project experiences with colleagues. The number of interesting presentations is so huge its hard to attend just the sessions you had planned. I thank Trimble so much for this amazing event. Mr. Sergey Skorokhvatov Head of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Department, SE Mosgorgeotrest, Russia This year, the always-popular Partner Pavilion showcased a first-ever Trimble-wide Solutions Area that focused on applications and industries growing rapidly today around the world. Trimble solutions for Railway, Roads and Tunneling were presented both graphically and in real-world demonstrations in an area that spanned over 43 m (140 ft). Trimble integrated solutions support each application from its earliest stages to the finished deliverable. With multiple professionals and diverse expertise required across these applications and within these industries, the Solutions Area provided something for all attendees, showing Trimbles commitment and strength as a Total Solution Provider. Trimble Dimensions 2010 was one of the best spatial data conferences I have attended in years. The conference gave the NASA Langley Research Center GIS team an opportunity to acquire technically current information concerning GIS/GPS-

related tools, techniques, and technologies to more efficiently and effectively support the infrastructure management efforts of NASA LaRC and our partners. The conference also allowed the GIS team to network with the technical community and advertise its capabilities. Brad Ball GIS Team Leader, NASA Langley, U.S. Other Trimble offerings on display included: Pacific Crest, Accubid, Applanix, Meridian Systems, QuickPen and Spectra Precision. A variety of companies also displayed their solutions, including Caterpillar, Case, John Deere, Komatsu, NAVTEQ, ESRI and some 20 others, as well as several trade publications. "Trimble Dimensions 2010 was extremely well organized and the staff made it feel like a world-wide family. The depth of presentations and opportunity to network were well worth the cost of attending." Dr. Pete Dailey, Senior Research Associate Rahall Transportation Institute, U.S. A gala dinner brought the conference to a close with an exciting evening of entertainment. For attendees, whether Trimble customers, distributors or industry leaders, Trimble Dimensions 2010 was a noteworthy opportunity to learn about professional challenges, develop and enhance problem-solving skills, obtain continuing education credit, and to Converge, Connect, and Collaborate. Dimensions 2010 was my fourth and the best ever, which is no mean feat traveling from Australia. Though the presentations were of a very high standard, it was the connections I made with like-minded surveyors from around the world and even some from my home country which will linger on. I will be there again in 2012 to learn what new ideas and technologies are on the horizon, as well as to reconnect with friends I have made from previous years. Joe D'Aloia, Field Manager/Licensed Surveyor, FYFE PTY LTD, Australia

-21-

Technology&more; 2011-1