Mining technology provider Maptek™ has linked the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) with PCS Mobile and Xplore Technologies to supply 3 rugged tablet computers for training geology and mine engineering students.

Maptek has been a strong supporter of programs at the SDSM&T since 2005, and sponsored the school's mining software lab which was opened in March 2008. The SDSM&T uses Maptek Vulcan™ software for mine planning, design and scheduling courses.

The mapping tablets will be used by the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, which runs a geomechanics investigation and engineering design project as a part of its Geological Engineering Field Camp.

The course provides experience in rock structure mapping, the application of the latest LIDAR/laser scanning technology, and the use of Maptek Vulcan 3D geoscience visualisation and analytical software.

‘Laser scanning is an accepted technology in mining, and even more in tunnelling. Virtual geology is gaining momentum, particularly in large size excavations,’ commented Professor Ziggy Hladysz from SDSM&T.

Maptek provides its I-Site™ laser scanner and technician for the rock mechanics project, and linked SDSM&T with PCS and Xplore, for the field mapping technology.

‘This is the best way for students to learn high tech engineering applications. We're eager to introduce the tablet mapping program by mid-2010,’ said Dr Nuri Uzunlar, Director of Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station, Geology and Geological Engineering, who oversees the course.

‘I know the school will be as excited as I am about the donation of modern technology. Their aim to have a field camp up and running by 2010 is looking very positive thanks to this support,' said Kurt Fisher, Director of Purchasing at Maptek.

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology prides itself on turning out students with both academic excellence and strong practical skills. Links with outside organisations and businesses foster an awareness of real world needs. Graduates with good exposure to software systems are more productive when they enter the workforce.

About Maptek
Maptek™ is a global company that has been developing 3D mining technology almost 30 years, helping mining companies to maintain their competitive advantage. Maptek’s robust, modular systems include Maptek Vulcan™, one of the world's longest standing 3D mine planning and modelling packages, and Maptek I-Site™ which provides easy-to-use high technology surveying solutions. Some 3000 licenses of Vulcan are in use across the globe for applications ranging from exploration, through geological modelling, mine design and planning to rehabilitation. Maptek MineSuite™ is a mine production monitoring and fleet management system. Maptek products are in use at more than 800 sites worldwide, supported by our unparalleled customer help desk, training and consulting services.

About PCS Mobile
PCS Mobile is a value-added solution provider of products and services supporting mobile data, video and voice applications. We offer a national presence with branch offices located in several strategic regions and the corporate office in Denver, CO to support a number of vertical markets. Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies to state and local public safety organizations. PCS Mobile offers complete turn-key solutions, including installation and service, or the option to provide only products and/or services on a job-by-job basis. Our flexibility and diversity in adjusting to our clients’ specialized needs is part of our unique capability.

About Xplore Technologies
Xplore Technology is the industry's leading provider of rugged and innovative computing solutions. It has invested significantly in testing, research and market development. The result of these efforts is a customer approved family of products that crosses several vertical markets. These products provide our customers with the highest probability of success in achieving their goals and objectives while using the system.