Simon Atkinson
Simon’s career in surveying, “as-is” data collection and 3D modeling started in 1994. Still active in fieldwork operations and new procedures development, Simon is one of the most experienced Laser Scanning Professionals in the world.
Born in Huddersfield England. Simon graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with a B.Sc. in Construction Management in addition to a Post Grad. Diploma in Building Studies.
In Jan 1994 Simon joined Kvaerner Surveys in Warrington, UK as part of a pilot project to build a specialized photogrammetry survey team targeted at offshore engineering. Tasked with capturing “as is” or “as built” data safely, quickly and efficiently, by using a combination of traditional survey with HD stereo photography, to build highly detailed and accurate 3D digital models.
1996 Simon Transferred to Fluor Daniel as Houston Office Manager for the Applied Computer Solutions group. The group was tasked with co-developing procedures with Fluor Daniel California, to combine photogrammetry with a new technology called Laser Scanning. So successful were the results, that these same procedures are widely used throughout the industry to the present day.
In 1998 Simon joined Cyra Technology (now Leica Geosystems), to assist in developing software and procedures for the developing Cyrax 2400 & 2500 Laser Scanning units before moving to INOVx Solutions.
1999 - Simon was asked to help setup and launch a startup company called INOVx Solutions. As one of the original 8 members from Fluor Daniel, Simon headed the Houston Office to promote laser scanning services in the Mexican Gulf region.
2005 Simon was asked to develop a new “Business Vertical” for CDI Houston. The new discipline introduced was HDDS (High Definition Digital Surveying). Working closely with the Piping Dept. new procedures were developed and exceptional results were achieved. Based on these developments, Simon introduced the same concept and procedures to General Electric and their Energy Services Division.
The economic crash of 2008 caused mass unemployment throughout engineering across Houston and the engineering world globally. Like every company at time, CDI needed to downsize immediately to weather the pending storm. The HDDS department was put on hold and all personnel laid off. In this harsh economic environment, Simon moved forward and founded Texas Surveys. Developing a trusted network of colleagues and associates around the world. Texas Surveys focused on supporting companies left without the trusted laser scanning services of CDI. Working closely with General Electric and Axiem International, Texas Surveys has become the world leader in the scanning and surveying of large industrial turbine power systems. With over 100 turbines scanned globally since Jan 2009, G.E. has been able to significantly reduce rework and develop new and improved shutdown schedules, in addition to offering their clients additional enhanced services. Laser Scanning is now a standard operation for all G.E. turbine upgrades.
To find out more about Laser Scanning please visit:
www.Texas-Surveys.com