FHS Holztechnik GmbH from Arnsberg has been specialising in the planning and construction of playscapes and leisure facilities for four decades. Its customers include local authorities, municipal administrations and landscaping offices. The use of GNSS technology from ppm GmbH has significantly increased the company’s efficiency: planning times have been shortened and work processes simplified.
‘The time saved during surveying is actually up to 50 per cent,’ confirms Karin Dallmöller, a graduate engineer in landscape conservation and sales representative at FHS Holztechnik GmbH. Her main task is to advise customers on the selection of suitable play and leisure equipment – whether for daycare centres, schools or public parks. Where once swings were created, the company now designs and builds entire playscapes and innovative and inclusive leisure facilities for children, young people and people with a wide variety of needs.
The basis for planning is the measurement of the area to be built on, but customers do not always have the right data to hand.
‘Measuring the area is a service for our customers if they haven’t already measured the area themselves,’ explains Karin Dallmöller. ‘Accurate data is important in order to optimise the use of the available space.’
Precise measurement via GPS
FHS Holztechnik GmbH relies on GNSS technology to measure the area: the ppm10xx zero GNSS sensor is able to receive signals from several satellite navigation systems (Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS for short). In addition to the best-known system GPS from the USA, there is also the European GALILEO, the Chinese BEIDOU and the Russian GLONASS. The device therefore provides reliable positioning data in almost any environment. The GNSS receiver is particularly small and handy. With its compact dimensions of 125 x 30 x 55 millimetres and a weight of 170 grams, it is hardly a burden at work.
FHS Holztechnik GmbH uses the USB port to connect the multi-frequency receiver to the tablet PC. Alternatively, a connection option via Bluetooth LE would be available. The terrain can then be scanned to record position data at the relevant points, with the integrated inclination sensor ensuring that any inclination of the antenna rod of up to 60° is automatically compensated for.
‘The instrument can be used not only to measure the area, but also to determine the slope of the terrain,’ says Karin Dallmöller. ‘This is important, for example, when slope slides are to be integrated into the playground.’
The planner particularly appreciates another feature of the ppm10xx zero GNSS sensor:
‘All data can be sent immediately by e-mail so that I have it available at my workstation as soon as I get back to the office.’
Before the ppm10xx zero was used, measuring was much more complex: at that time, FHS Holztechnik GmbH used a total station to measure the area.
‘To do this, the measuring device had to be mounted on a tripod and then measuring blocks had to be distributed across the terrain to record the positions. With the GNSS sensor, the positions can be recorded twice as quickly in some cases.’
Simple application
In addition to the field service, the installation team also uses the ppm10xx zero to record the positions of the foundations of a playscape. Sometimes the installer has to decide on site in which orientation the play equipment should be set up on the ground. Here too, the speed of data acquisition and transmission proves to be an advantage:
‘The fitter takes the sensor to the construction site, records the terrain data and sends it straight to the internal technology department by email. While the fitter then unloads the tools and components, the planners determine the optimum position of the play equipment in the terrain,’ explains Karin Dallmöller.
Conclusion
By using GNSS technology, FHS Holztechnik GmbH was able to realise a significant increase in efficiency in the areas mentioned. At the same time, customers benefit from rapid planning and customised implementation.
About FHS Holztechnik GmbH
As one of the leading suppliers of outdoor play equipment, FHS Holztechnik GmbH has been supporting local authorities, architects, municipal administrations and landscaping offices in the planning and realisation of public play and leisure facilities since 1984. Over the 40 years, the product range and experience in playground design has grown steadily.
All products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality and DIN standards, allowing customers to benefit from the safety and durability of the systems. Today, FHS Holztechnik employs over 100 people in production, service and sales, its own assembly team and vehicle fleet and has already realised well over 800 large and small projects on all continents.