Business B (20th Century)Technology

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

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.

Other related ADELAIDE AZ articles

Cycling helmet dynamics have been among projects pursued by professor Richard Kelso's team at Adelaide University school of mechanical engineering. Inset: The Pinarello Bolide F HR 3D bike using AeroNodes technology developed by the university's team to produce the 2022 one-hour cycling receord.
Technology >
AeroNodes technology by Richard Kelso team at Adelaide University helps produce 2022 one-hour cycle world record
READ MORE+
A Golden North stand during the 20th Century at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Business B (20th Century) >
Golden North, with links to Laura in mid north from 1880s, returns as a South Australian-owned icon
READ MORE+
Ian Kidd and aspects of his graphic design contribution. Bottom left is Barrie Tucker, Kidd's partner briefly, whose agency was also a prolific designer of wine labels.
Business B (20th Century) >
Ian Kidd's impact on graphic design from Adelaide, with wine labels/firms' brands, wins hall of fame place
READ MORE+
"Mr Wool", Ewen Waterman, with his wife Vera.
Business B (20th Century) >
Ewen Waterman leaves Adelaide cinema scene to return to promoting his love of Australian wool to wider world
READ MORE+
The X-ray screening room at Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1946. Image courtesy of State Library of South Australia
Health >
X ray on future Nobel laureate Lawrence Bragg's elbow in 1896 part of Adelaide early medical technology
READ MORE+
The Codan 2110 Manpack, one of the South Australian company's high-frequency radio products.
Technology >
Adelaide University trio in 1959 opens way for Codan as global leader in electronic solutions
READ MORE+