Soil reinforcement technologies brochure
Strata Systems, Inc., published a new brochure on its StrataSlope system that offers technical data and application references designed to help civil engineers, site developers, and construction firms identify available soil reinforcement technologies that address difficult geotechnical engineering challenges. StrataSlope uses Stratagrid, a geosynthetic, precision-knitted polyester geogrid, to create dimensionally stable steep slopes, embankments, temporary earthen walls, bridge abutments, levees, and segmental retaining walls. These mechanically reinforced structures can maximize the usable land for change-of-grade applications. According to the company, the StrataSlopes brochure showcases some of the most advanced and scientifically tested geogrid systems available across a wide range of soil reinforcement applications.
Strata Systems, Inc.—www.geogrid.com

Pen-display digitizing
Wacom says its DTZ-2100 interactive pen display can streamline the GIS data production process. The pen display allows users to draw directly on a 21-inch LCD monitor, providing comfortable, efficient, and fast input. The pen display replaces the mouse-based digitizing process. The DTZ-2100 has quick keys on the side that users can customize for specific functions such as panning and zooming. In a recent project digitizing flood insurance maps, AMEC’s GIS department reported that it reduced data creation time by more than 50 percent by switching from mouse-based to pen-based user input.
Wacom—www.wacom.com/pendisplays

Resource for engineering firm survival
First Trace, Inc., launched an online Engineering Survival Center to assist engineering firms through difficult economic times. The Engineering Survival Center provides economic advice, process management tips, and a free Cost Reduction Assessment to calculate the savings possible with the proper engineering solution. The Survival Center includes links to informative articles, online resources, and industry insights into today’s economy. Key sections of the Survival Center are devoted to workflow costs, document management challenges, workforce reduction issues, and clarification on what separates engineering and office-oriented software solutions. Also available is a First Trace white paper, Surviving tough times: Engineering solutions that cut costs and reduce risk.
First Trace, Inc.—www.firsttrace.com/survival-center

Foam-core highway sound barrier
CENTRIA developed an eco-friendly and lightweight composite sound barrier that features a medium-density polyurethane foam core made from Baytherm polyisocyanurate foam from BaySystems, the umbrella brand for the global polyurethane systems operations of Bayer MaterialScience. The core is clad with metal skids that are painted for added durability. According to the company, the CENTRIA Sound Barrier is safer, lighter, faster to install, and requires less maintenance than precast concrete barriers. The CENTRIA Sound Barrier is less than one-third of the cost of traditional barrier materials and is made with as much as 25 percent recycled content. The barrier is 100-percent recyclable at the end of its useful life. The CENTRIA Sound Barrier is available in a variety of design finishes—including brick, cobblestone, and ivy—and 40 colors.
Bayer MaterialScience—www.bayer-baysystems.com
CENTRIA—www.centria.com

Ultra-high speed laser scanner
Leica Geosystems offers the Leica HDS6100 ultra-high speed laser scanner for many as-built survey applications. According to the company, the Leica HDS6100 features several key enhancements compared with its predecessor (Leica HDS6000), including a 37-percent increase in the operating temperature range (now -10º C to +45º C); a 67-percent increase in the life of the internal, removable battery (now 2.5 hours); an integrated wireless LAN (WLAN) scanner control option; and reduced range noise at longer ranges. The phase-based engine provides scan speeds as fast as 508,000 points per second and a 360-degree by 310-degree field-of-view.
Leica Geosystems—www.leica-geosystems.com

Web-based site layouts
Blueridge Analytics, Inc., unveiled its latest web-based CAD land development software product, SITEOPS Design SP. Land developers, architects, and civil engineers can use SITEOPS Design SP to conduct rapid site-selection assessments and conceptual layouts to determine whether a building and parking are feasible on a single pad site. Users can import DWG files and JPEG underlay images such as GIS survey maps, import or draw building footprints, auto-generate parking and provide parking counts, make major site layout revisions in minutes, and access projects from an Internet-connected computer. According to the company, SITEOPS Design SP allows users to create and revise numerous conceptual site layouts quickly. SITEOPS Design SP is available on a per-license basis.
Blueridge Analytics, Inc.—www.siteops.com