Calibrating the World
North American Survey Supply Company is providing accuracy and reliability.
By Brenda Lange
Unless you are in some way connected to the construction industry, you may never have heard of North American Survey Supply Company, yet it plays a large role in everyday life.
In fact, one of the newest technologies to join its extensive arsenal is a 3D laser scanner, which, in addition to its value as a surveying and engineering tool, is also invaluable to law enforcement agencies.
“The scanner can be used in crime scene investigation,” explains Bob Marron, North American’s general manager. “It scans the room, takes digital photos, and picks up every piece of evidence.” This capability saves time and improves accuracy, alleviating the need to revisit the site. Also useful in traffic accident investigations, it increases the safety of the officer who must scan the roadway where the accident occurred.
Introduced about a year ago, the 3D Laser Scanner GLS-1500 has been available through North American since October.
Architects and engineers re-facing shopping centers, for example, were in the prime market for the new tool. It’s also hard at work on a variety of large earth-moving projects, such as building new highways.
“This scanner improves the whole process,” says Marron. “It allows one person to gather all the data. You set the unit up, program it—how long to scan, how fine a mode—set it in motion and it turns on its own, using a mirror system to reflect the laser beam.
“Software then allows the user to manipulate the point cloud data, and it picks up everything. It can even discern how thick and deep molding is—you can make out its texture—from more than 100 meters away.”
The information is converted into a CAD file (computer aided design) for the architect to review before designing the new structure.
Quality and precision unrivaled in the industry
The laser scanner is just one of many electronic precision alignment systems the company sells, rents and repairs. The Warren-Knight Instrument Co., North American’s parent company, was founded almost a century ago by the owner’s great-grandfather. Warren-Knight has been a leader in the manufacture and sales of precision surveying, engineering and scientific instruments into the 21st century, and North American is well-respected in the industry for its sales, rentals and service of the high-tech equipment used in the engineering and construction industries.
“We work with contractors, engineers, architects and surveyors, and have since 1980, earning an excellent reputation,” says Marron.
From its base of operations in northeast Philadelphia, North American supplies a variety of projects with surveying equipment such as the Topcon Total Station used on Long Beach Island, NJ, in October 2009. The double nor’easters that hit the coast last fall caused the state’s worst shore flooding since 1992. Dunes became steep cliffs, and wide sandy beaches became narrow trails. The Total Station aided in reconstruction in time for this summer’s beach season.
Although the company enjoys a stellar reputation in the industry, owner John Warren believes it’s the employees that set the company apart from others. “We have long-time, dedicated people working here…people who are dedicated to getting things done and problem-solving.”
That quality comes in handy in the defense contracting work provided by North American, including service work done on video cameras and ships and submarines.
“Getting a problem and working it through to a solution is what our people do best,” adds Marron.
Certified by top names
North American comes with the highest recommendations from top names in the industry, having been audited and approved for repairs and calibrations by Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, among others. Free calibration estimates for most equipment is just one of its value-added services.
Projects that present unique challenges and require creative solutions are among those that North American is best at managing. “We will provide alternative solutions to many unusual and complex layout and position tasks,” says Marron. “You get the best price, fast service and our well-known support team whose only desire is to keep you and your equipment working efficiently in the field.”
“As we enter our second century, we’re proud to service people and companies with our wide range of products. If we don’t have it, we’ll build it or find it,” adds Warren. “We’re here to align and calibrate the world.”
North American Survey Supply Co. is located at 2045 Bennett Road in Philadelphia, PA, 19116. For more information, call (215) 969-5011 or visit www.nasurvey.com.
Brenda Lange is a professional writer and editor in Bucks County (www.brendalange.com).
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