Maptek offers software and hardware support to mining industry globally from 1990s at Adelaide suburban HQ

Maptek offers block modelling, mine design, and 3D visualisation software and hardware to the mining industry.
Image courtesy Maptek

Maptek, a global provider of innovative software, hardware and services for mining, was founded in Adelaide as KRJA by Robert (Bob) Johnson in 1981 (renamed Maptek in 1992) and set up head office at Glenside in the eastern suburbs. Johnson’s first modelling work was for Utah Development Company that was developing open-cut coal mines in the Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

The opportunity for doing similar consulting for other mining companies grew quickly until, in 1981, Johnson set up Maptek and began to package and sell the software.

Maptek’s Vulcan software became one of the premier mine planning systems globally. Its strengths in block modelling, mine design, and 3D visualisation positioned it strongly in the industry, especially for projects with exceptionally large data models (for example, iron ore) and complex design.

Maptek increased its offerings to domain knowledge, technical expertise and engineering resources as its consolidated the breadth of its operations  – from software (including BlastLogic, Eureka) and hardware development to system administration, sales and marketing – within its Glenside offices. Maptek laser scanners were made in a purpose-built modern plant at the rear of the building.

Sentry risk management, including the trailer-based mobile monitoring, were also researched, developed and produced for to mining customers worldwide. Maptek’s Minisuite is a fleet management, production and reporting package for mining.

In 2010, Maptek won the TIA gold cup for excellence in engineering and commercialisation for the Maptek I-Site 8800 laser scanner. Next year the company reported employing about 300 people globally, with 160 in Australia. It had 12 offices, with locations in Chile, Brazil, North America, Johannesburg and across Australia.