Case Study: Survey Group achieves rapid, high-precision Pilbara mining surveys with Trimble X7 and Trimble scanning solutions

How an Australian Surveying firm uses advanced sacnning technology to support mining Operation

Survey Group (SG), a prominent Western Australian surveying firm, was contracted to perform pre-design surveys across a complex mining infrastructure in the Pilbara spanning roughly 80 km. With a tight few-week window before construction and thousands of scans needed on large, multi-level structures (conveyors, crushers, pump stations), SG faced the challenge of rapid, high-precision data capture in remote, harsh conditions.

SG augmented its fleet with a Trimble X7 alongside existing Trimble TX6 and SX10 scanners and used Trimble RealWorks for processing. The X7’s self-calibration and automated in-field cloud registration — combined with tandem scanning workflows and battery-managed 9-hour field days — sped acquisition and cut office processing time. SG completed large jobs (about 600 scans for a 50m+ pebble crusher) in days, maintained precision, weathered severe storms, and reported improved productivity and strong return on investment.

Survey Group

Ben Simpson

Operations & business Development Manager