Dec 21, 2021

Measurand’s 2021: A year in review

Tyler Morency
2 years ago

Measurand’s 2021: A year in review

Despite ongoing global challenges, 2021 has been a record year at Measurand.

We delivered on our commitment to high-capacity manufacturing capabilities with the most segments of ShapeArray sold in our 28-year history. We launched SAAV Extend, our latest ShapeArray innovation. And our platform with RST Instruments grew with the addition of two trusted and experienced brands. Here are a few key highlights of the past year:

3vGeomatics joins the platform

This year, RST Instruments and Measurand welcomed 3vGeomatics to the platform. 3vG specializes in the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to precisely monitor displacement over time. With the capability to remotely detect ground and infrastructure displacement across vast regions, InSAR has proved to be an invaluable component in monitoring projects. Together with RST and Measurand’s proven geotechnical instrumentation, the addition of 3vG to the platform brings to market the industry’s first combined satellite-based surface imagery with sub-surface monitoring.

Syscom Instruments is added to the platform

The addition of Syscom Instruments to the platform is another highlight of 2021. Syscom is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of precision instrumentation for seismic and vibration monitoring. The line of sensors, recorders, and software products offered by the company have high value-added applications in the domains of civil engineering, strong motion, and safety industries. Syscom’s deep experience in seismic and vibration monitoring technology augments the existing range of geotechnical instrumentation offered by the RST/Measurand/3vG platform. This acquisition enables the platform to provide clients with a comprehensive, unified solution for monitoring operations.

SAAV Extend Technical Webinar

In March, Measurand hosted a technical webinar, “SAAV Extend—Measurand’s latest innovation.” SAAV Extend is a new ShapeArray product, featuring a unique, connectible design that enables an instrument’s total sensorized length to be increased in the field. Designed to address the challenge of monitoring deformation during the raising of tailings dams, SAAV Extend provides a continual deformation profile throughout multiple raises. 

SAAV Extend uses lift extension segments to connect a sensorized assembly at the bottom of a borehole with an instrument attached to a top assembly. Additional lift extension segments can be installed in the field, enabling SAAV Extend to scale with the changing requirements of a monitoring strategy. SAAV Extend is easy to install; additional segments can be added simply by twisting hand-tight threaded connectors.

Those who are interested in learning more about this innovative new product can view a recording of the webinar on-demand. A transcript of responses to key questions posed by audience members is also available for reference.  

ShapeArray for Remote Monitoring: Factors to Consider

Measurand’s ShapeArray can perform an invaluable role in remote monitoring programs. However, there are a few factors to take into account when configuring ShapeArray for these projects. We provide a guide to understanding the top five considerations when using ShapeArray for remote monitoring

Our guide will help you determine if a site is suitable for remote monitoring; make the choice between a wired or wireless monitoring system; take into account the total sensorized length required; select the appropriate data acquisition system for the project, and find the right data viewing software.

Looking Toward 2022

We expect 2022 to be another busy year at Measurand. Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date with our latest work. We also invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Measurand wishes you all the best in the new year. 

  • 1993

    The Beginning

    Measurand is established in Fredericton, New Brunswick
  • 1994

    Bend sensor development

    Measurand develops and patents fiber optic bend and position sensors for the medical and automotive sectors

    U.S. Patent 5,321,257

  • 1995

    Canadian Space Agency

    Receives funding from the CSA to develop sensor technology that ultimately leads to invention of ShapeTape

    U.S. Patent 5,633,494

  • 1999

    Patent on fiber optic sensor

    Measurand receives patent for "Fiber Optic Bending and Positioning Sensor" issued June 29, 1999

    Canadian Patent 2,073,162

  • 2001

    ShapeTape & ShapeHand debut

    Measurand designs and develops innovative motion capture technology

    U.S. Patent 6,127,672, 6,563,107

  • 2002

    Measurand Attends the ICPMG

    First contact with the geotechnical sector at the International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG)
  • 2004

    ShapeArray

    Design patent application sent about a new product designed to meet the specific needs of the geotechnical industry

    U.S. Patent 6,127,672, 6,563,107

  • 2005-08

    ShapeWrap

    Measurand debuts ShapeWrap motion capture technology for the film and animation industry

    U.S. Patent 7,296,363

  • 2006

    Malibu installation

    ShapeAccelArray installed for ground monitoring for the first time​ in Malibu, CA

    Canadian Patent 2,472,421

  • 2007

    ShapeMRI

    Suite of instrumentation developed for motion capture within Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines

    U.S. Patent 7,296,363

  • 2011

    SAAScan launched

    Built for rapid deployment and repeated use

    Canadian Patent 2,472,421

  • 2014

    SAAX launched

    Purpose-built for heavy-duty horizontal installation

    Canadian application 2,815,199 & 2,815,195

  • 2017

    SAAV launched

    The only geotechnical instrument with a patented cyclical installation method

    Cyclical Sensor Array, Canadian application 2,815,199 & 2,911,175