Bringing Precision to the Field: How Trimble’s MX60 is Transforming Asset Data Capture and GIS Integration

In a cozy, tucked-away corner at the bustling Trimble Dimensions Conference in Las Vegas, I sat down with Karl Bradshaw and Gareth Gibson, both of whom play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of Trimble’s geospatial and reality capture technologies. Bradshaw, the Market Manager for Mobile Mapping, and Gibson, the Marketing Director for Mapping & GIS Solutions, came armed with an infectious enthusiasm and an array of details about Trimble’s latest innovation: the Trimble MX60. It was clear from our conversation that for them, the MX60 wasn’t just another product—it was a leap forward in the way we understand and interact with the physical world around us.

The Trimble MX60 offers improved positioning and optics, making it ideal for transportation infrastructure and road analysis and comprehensive asset management for utilities.

Bradshaw wasted no time in setting the stage. “Reality capture has evolved tremendously within Trimble,” he began. “We’re moving beyond static methods and into a realm where the devices do much of the heavy lifting. With the MX60, we’ve created a platform that collects mass data and makes it available for a range of practical applications.” He elaborated on how the MX60’s mobile mapping capabilities allow it to capture high-definition images and detailed 3D point clouds with stunning accuracy. The camera system, he emphasized, was a key development for utility companies, municipalities, and other sectors dependent on reliable asset data.

The conversation soon turned to the broader reality capture landscape. Bradshaw outlined the expansion of Trimble’s reality capture portfolio, explaining how innovations like the MX60 are empowering customers to collect data that spans both hardware and software platforms. “We’re talking about a system that captures everything the sensor sees, creating a complete digital twin,” he said, “from individual road signs and street furniture to extensive utility networks. This data then integrates seamlessly with systems like Trimble Business Center (TBC) and GIS platforms, allowing users to analyze, manage, and act upon this wealth of information.”

Gibson picked up on this, noting how Trimble’s mission is to make this advanced technology accessible to a broader array of geospatial field workers and industries. “The MX60 is the sensor platform collecting the data, while our field software, cloud platform and desktop tools combine to make the data usable by teams that may not have technical geospatial backgrounds,” he said. The MX60 is one option in the field data capture toolbox and can be used alongside or in combination with the Trimble Catalyst, TDC6 data collector or R580 GNSS system. “We’re lowering the barrier to entry, which has historically kept mobile mapping technology in the hands of surveyors or geospatial experts. Now, we’re seeing people from diverse fields get hands-on with reality capture, empowering them to solve real-world problems.”

MX60 data is collected via the field application Trimble Mobile Imaging (TMI), which can be configured by the user to trigger the different data collection sensors in flexible ways.

Data captured with mobile mapping systems can be integrated with other platforms, such as Esri’s ArcGIS, creating greater interoperability and enabling feature extraction and other insights, Bradshaw explained. The system allows data captured in the field to flow directly into GIS databases without needing extensive data wrangling. This functionality, he explained, is invaluable for projects where rapid decision-making is crucial. For instance, in asset data capture for utilities, where regular inspections are necessary, the MX60 enables field teams to create a comprehensive baseline dataset. “Imagine driving down a street once with the MX60,” Bradshaw said, “and being able to extract every detail you need for years to come—utility poles, manhole covers, street signage, vegetation proximity—all captured in one go.”

For Gibson, this capability makes the MX60 a cornerstone solution for digital twin workflows, enabling users to capture the physical world and transform it into a virtual, navigable environment. “It’s about scan once, use many times,” he explained. “Users can revisit the same dataset to find new insights without having to re-capture the field every time. That’s not only efficient; it’s transformative for long-term asset management and urban planning.”

Utility pole inspection was a use case both Bradshaw and Gibson highlighted repeatedly. In the U.S. alone, millions of utility poles require regular inspection for compliance, safety, and even real estate purposes—considering poles often host multiple utilities, from telecom to power lines. “These poles are real estate,” Gibson explained, “and utility companies stand to lose revenue if they’re not fully aware of all attachments.” The MX60, by capturing highly detailed, spatially accurate data, helps identify who’s using the poles and whether they’re compliant. In one scan, companies gain insights into pole conditions, load distribution, and any potential unauthorized attachments, allowing for more informed management and potentially unlocking new revenue streams.

The discussion then veered into the realm of artificial intelligence, an area where Trimble is investing heavily. Bradshaw emphasized how AI is transforming the way field data is processed and utilized. “The days of spending hours in the field and then even longer in the office are behind us,” he said. “Today, AI enables faster processing, allowing customers to analyze and interpret data in record time.” Deep learning tools embedded within Trimble’s ecosystem can now automatically identify objects and features—think manhole covers or street signs—reducing manual processing and increasing accuracy. This capability, Bradshaw explained, has been instrumental in speeding up workflows and ensuring that data captured is actionable and relevant.

As the interview drew to a close, Bradshaw and Gibson spoke about where Trimble is headed. “We’re constantly innovating,” Bradshaw said, “not just in the technology itself, but in the way it can be used across industries.” Both hinted at new form factors and expanded AI capabilities that will make data even more accessible to a wider audience. “The MX60 is just the beginning,” Gibson added. “Our vision is to make digital twins of our physical world not just possible but practical for everyday use.”

For anyone interested in experiencing this technology firsthand, this blog post offers a glimpse into these new capabilities that make real-world data only a few clicks away. In the words of Bradshaw and Gibson, this is where the future of asset management, urban planning, and digital infrastructure is headed—one where technology and accessibility converge to build smarter, more connected cities.

Tags: asset management, digital twins, GIS integration, mobile mapping, reality capture, Trimble MX60

Category: Trimble

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 at 8:10 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.