Insights

Engineering insights from the team.

38 articles. Field notes, technical deep-dives, industry perspectives, and company updates from the Delta Scan engineering team on digital inspection, condition audits, GIS, and the future of digital-driven engineering.

Mining 13 July 2026

What a SIMM Structural Audit Actually Involves on a South African Mine

SIMM is the common language South African mines use to keep their structures safe. Here is what a SIMM structural audit actually assesses, how condition categories and repair priorities work, and how often it should be done.

Mining 12 July 2026

SIMM Audit Readiness Checklist for South African Mines

A practical checklist to get your mine ready for a SIMM structural audit: the register and standard, access and scope, the structures to include, what the report must contain, and how to close out critical findings.

Mining 11 July 2026

Manual Shaft Inspection vs Shaft Scanning: Cost, Safety and Coverage on South African Mines

The conventional manual shaft inspection versus a purpose-built shaft scanner on South African mines, compared on cost, safety and coverage.

Insurance & Forensic 10 July 2026

How to Document Flood, Fire and Storm Damage for an Insurance Claim

After a flood, fire or storm, the evidence for your insurance claim vanishes within days. A practical guide to documenting the damage properly and when to.

CAPTURE ZONE A
Condition Audits 9 July 2026

What a Structural Condition Audit Report Should Actually Contain

A folder of photographs is not an engineering deliverable. Here is exactly what a structural condition audit report should contain, and why the Pr Eng.

Mining 8 July 2026

Six Signs a Silo Needs Inspection Before It Fails

The warning signs a silo needs structural inspection before it fails, from cracking and corrosion to flow problems, and how to check inside without.

Surveying 2 July 2025

Drone Surveying & GIS: How South African Infrastructure Projects Are Becoming Smarter

Traditional surveying methods are being revolutionised by drone technology and GIS systems, enabling South African infrastructure projects to operate with greater accuracy, efficiency and safety.

Engineering 1 July 2025

Engineering Condition Assessments: Why They Matter for South African Infrastructure

Explore why engineering condition assessments are critical for South African infrastructure, covering safety risks, aging structures and modern assessment techniques.

Surveying 27 May 2025

What Is LiDAR Scanning and Why South African Projects Rely on It

LiDAR scanning has become essential for South African infrastructure projects. Learn how this laser-based technology is transforming structural inspections, surveying and construction planning.

Surveying 19 May 2025

Top Surveying Companies in South Africa: What Sets Delta Scan Apart

Delta Scan combines drone surveying, LiDAR scanning and GIS integration to deliver high-precision geospatial solutions across South Africa's infrastructure and development sectors.

Surveying 19 May 2025

Engineering & Structural Inspections in South Africa: GIS & Smart Infrastructure

Geographic Information Systems and advanced surveying technologies are transforming infrastructure planning across South Africa, enabling smarter, more resilient development through integrated spatial data and digital modelling.

CAPTURE ZONE A
Condition Audits 29 April 2025

The Critical Role of Engineering Condition Assessments in Modern Infrastructure

As South Africa's infrastructure ages, the ability to evaluate, maintain, and plan upgrades to buildings, bridges, and railways becomes essential. How drone surveying, GIS, and Scan to BIM make modern Engineering Condition Assessments more advanced than ever.

500m
GIS and Drone 29 April 2025

Enhancing Infrastructure Projects through GIS and Drone Surveying

Traditional surveying is too slow, too expensive, and too error-prone for modern infrastructure. GIS and drone surveying together change the economics of planning, executing, and maintaining built assets.

Scan to BIM 29 April 2025

Revolutionising Construction with Drone Surveying and Scan to BIM

Drone surveying combined with Scan to BIM gives construction teams authentic site conditions before development begins. The result: fewer revisions, safer sites, and outputs that match design intent.

Capability 26 September 2024

Delta Scan's Rover

A breakthrough in confined-space inspection: Delta Scan's in-house rover navigates openings as small as 350mm and recently completed a 1,000+ metre single-pipe survey.

Company 22 April 2024

Delta Scan Earth Day 2024

Earth Day 2024 and how aerial photogrammetry technology supports environmental protection, climate change assessment, and disaster response across the natural world.

Condition Audits 11 January 2024

Commercial Façade Inspections

Drone-assisted façade inspections eliminate height work, accelerate coverage, and pair with AI defect detection to identify cracks, corrosion, and material defects with exceptional precision.

Industry Insights 4 December 2023

The Future of Surveying with a Hybrid AI Approach

Explore how the integration of human expertise and artificial intelligence is transforming the surveying industry through machine learning and data analysis.

Technology Solutions 4 December 2023

Overcoming Surveying Challenges

Delta Scan addresses common surveying pain points through advanced digitisation technology, improving efficiency, accuracy and safety across construction, mining and environmental monitoring.

Data Security & Privacy 4 December 2023

Data Security and Privacy in Survey Digitisation

Explore how Delta Scan safeguards surveying data through robust security infrastructure, encryption and compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations.

Surveying & Technology 22 November 2023

The Power of Drone Photogrammetry

Drone photogrammetry is revolutionising site surveying by combining unmanned aerial vehicles with precision imaging to deliver faster, safer and more accurate data collection.

Surveying Technology 22 November 2023

Aerial LiDAR: A Transformative Breakthrough

Aerial LiDAR technology is revolutionising surveying by using laser pulses to create detailed 3D point clouds, offering superior accuracy and efficiency for site digitisation.

Surveying Technology 22 November 2023

Unleashing the Potential of 3D Digital Twins

The digital transformation sweeping across industries has opened new doors to innovative ways of understanding and interacting with the physical world.

500m
Surveying & Geospatial Technology 22 November 2023

Orthophotos: A Clearer Perspective

Orthophotos are geometrically corrected aerial photographs that provide distortion-free representations of landscapes, revolutionising how professionals analyse spatial data.

Surveying & Technology 22 November 2023

DTM and DEM: Elevating Survey Accuracy

Explore how Digital Terrain Models and Digital Elevation Models transform surveying practices, enhancing accuracy for planning and construction projects.

Surveying & Geospatial Technology 22 November 2023

Contours: Navigating the Landscapes

Contour maps are essential surveying tools that visualise terrain elevation. Digitisation is transforming their creation, enhancing accuracy and accessibility for design and engineering.

Site Development & Surveying 22 November 2023

Volumetric Analysis: Calculating Earthworks Efficiently

Explore how precise volumetric calculations streamline site development projects, reducing costs and improving resource management through advanced LiDAR technology.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

Introduction to Mine Digitisation

Delta Scan is transforming mining inspections through digitisation, offering safer, more cost-efficient operations using drone photogrammetry and AI-powered solutions.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

The Power of Digital Twins in Mining

Digital twins are transforming mining operations through remote inspections, real-time monitoring and predictive analysis, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

Drones in Mining: A Game Changer

Mining enters the digital age as drone technology revolutionises data collection, enhancing efficiency and safety across the industry.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

Terrestrial LiDAR Technology: An Overview

Terrestrial LiDAR technology is transforming mine digitisation through high-precision 3D mapping that complements drone photogrammetry.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

The Hybrid AI Approach to Mine Digitisation

Delta Scan explores how artificial intelligence combined with 3D data technologies is revolutionising mine inspections, maintenance and safety.

Mining Safety 21 November 2023

Addressing Safety Concerns in Mines

Mining operations face inherent safety challenges, but digitisation technologies like drones and LiDAR are transforming how the industry protects workers and prevents accidents.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

Optimising Asset Management in Mining

Digital twins are revolutionising asset management in mining operations, enabling real-time tracking, predictive maintenance and cost optimisation.

Mining Technology 21 November 2023

Predictive Maintenance in Mine Digitisation

Explore how predictive maintenance transforms mining operations through AI-driven technology, delivering significant cost savings and enhanced safety.

Mining & Sustainability 21 November 2023

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Preserving our planet: the environmental impact and sustainability benefits of mine digitisation.

Surveying & Innovation 21 November 2023

The Digital Revolution in Surveying

Delta Scan explores how digitisation is transforming surveying through drone technology and LiDAR, replacing traditional manual methods with faster, more accurate digital solutions.

Mining & Safety 2 November 2023

The Challenges of Traditional Mine Inspections

Traditional mine inspections face significant safety, time and cost obstacles. Discover how digital technologies are transforming mining operations for a safer future.

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