#8 - The changing technological landscape

Change happens and often, for the better. Many years ago when I got my first taste of consulting, I was studying for my Masters at the University of Waterloo, learning my craft as a near-surface geophysicist. On occasion, our group would receive requests for surveys from outside the university and when it made sense, we would help out. Thinking back to those days and the tools that we had available compared to what we have now is night and day. The technological changes in the environmental industry has been staggering yet, I feel that many practitioners are failing to grasp the potential benefits. This does a disservice to their clients and the industry as a whole.

First some context about how we did EM surveys in the olden times as example. Some of the first EM surveys I conducted relied on building a 10 m grid of pin flags over the entire survey area. We would set up a survey level on a tripod and pull out a 100 m tape to set a baseline, placing pin flags at every 10 m mark. Turning the scope 90 degrees, we would run out a second 100 m tape and place pin flags. We would then pick up the tripod and move it to the end of the first tape, measure another 90 degrees from the base line and set out more pin flags. So now we had a three sided box with pin flags every 10 m. We would then use the first tape and pull it 10 m laterally, and place pin flags. In the end we would have a 100 x 100 m grid with pin flags every 10 m.

Then we could survey. We would walk along one row of pin flags but we had to do it at a certain pace as the data collector would collect a measurement based of a set time period. We had to judge our pace so that if the data collect said we were at station 10, we were walking by a pin flag, station 20 - at a pin, station 30 - at a pin and so on. We would then move over 5 m at the end of the line and walk back. A 100 x 100 m grid collected 2100 measurements. Then once the survey was finished, we had to pick up the pins.

The next issue was where was that grid in real space. We would measure off know objects like well heads, fence lines or buildings. It was never very accurate but we did what we could.

This was tedious work, required two field staff and wasn't very flexible. For the field staff, the fear was that somehow the anomaly was not delineated, and we would have to extend the grid in a certain direction.

Fast forward to the present, one field staff equipped with a GNSS enabled EM can arrive on site, set up the equipment and be surveying within a few minutes. Once they are finished the survey, they simply pack up and move to the next assignment. If required, that data can be sent back to the office for review and processing. EM data are combined with real world coordinates during the survey, so there is never any doubt as to where the survey took place. While walking with an EM31 is still tedious, technology has enabled a real change in the time it takes and the accuracy of the survey. The results are that EM surveys are faster and more accurate than ever before. Jeneric and Empire often provide figures and sometimes full EM reports to our clients within a day turnaround. This thanks to the adoption of technologies that allow us to rapidly create results.

With the maturation of technologies such as tablets, field computers and GNSS (the newer term for GPS), field data collection programs are becoming more prevalent. Data collected in the field are uploaded instantly. Field staff are no longer reliant on waiting to get back to the office to have data reviewed. Other benefits include reduction on transcription errors or worse, losing data. Data can be easily stored, manipulated and presented with little manual input from the users.

Speaking of communication, I recently acquired a Starlink Mini and what a game changer this little device is. Coupled with a power supply, one has internet access everywhere in Canada. If you or have crews working in remote areas and are dependent on good internet, just go get one. You won't be sorry.

With reliable internet and good cellular coverage, connectivity between the field crews, the office and the client is guaranteed.

Along with the ability to communicate, accurate spatial mapping is now affordable. Survey quality GNSS receivers, such as the Emlid Reach series can provide centimeter accuracy to mapping of features. The software is getting more user friendly as well. Sub-meter receivers are even more affordable and easy to use. Frankly, there are no excuses left for not knowing exactly where any feature is on your site within a meter accuracy.

A discussion about technological advances in our field has to include the use of drones and the multitude of sensors that can assist a professional in understanding and conceptualizing site issues. From topographic surveys, vegetation health assessments, thermal applications and gas detection surveys, drones offer the environmental professional new ways of mapping areas with full and repeatable coverage.

Lastly, and perhaps the most dramatic change will be the full adoption of AI for predictive modeling and mapping. I think this has the ability to fundamentally change how the environmental community practices our craft.

One would think that everyone would be clamoring to adopt these technologies but my observation is that many companies are reticent to get on board. Change in any organization is always challenging and for these technologies to be adopted, senior staff need to become familiar and comfortable with it. Our old ways have served us well, but time does march on. Senior practitioners and new professionals will be well served to spend the time and energy to learn about current and emerging technologies. Our clients have a strong desire to be informed and to make decisions quickly. Environmental professionals that can provide accurate information in a timely manner will be sought after by the industry. These technologies offer us solutions on providing that service. An unknown source likely once quoted "Change is like a river that flows; you can either fight it or go with the current."