Philip Byrne, Product Manager, C.R. Kennedy
In our annual Leaders Forum, we ask the experts to look ahead into 2025. Today we talk technology with C.R. Kennedy’s Philip Byrne.
Philip Byrne’s background as a certified utility locator and construction surveyor has given him a strong understanding of machine operations. Being Product Manager, GIS and Underground Detection at C.R. Kennedy provides him with the perfect opportunity to delve into his passion for the latest technology.
What opportunities and challenges do you see in 2025?
I believe there are more opportunities than challenges in the construction industry. One of the primary challenges is the shortage of skilled workers. Australia faces a significant demand for infrastructure improvement and development, but the workload is becoming increasingly stretched. Since I moved from Ireland to Australia in 2010, there has consistently been a lack of surveyors and utility locators, which was a key factor in my decision to come here.
However, this challenge also presents a tremendous opportunity with the rise of artificial intelligence. For example, we are currently utilising AI maps for our GPR processing with 3D GPR systems. This means you don’t need to be a geophysicist to process GPR data, which was often necessary in the past.
I believe that within the next 5 to 10 years, AI will take over many processing workflows, particularly in underground detection. We are just starting to explore this technology and are already achieving remarkable results.
What is your attitude to emerging tech such as AI?
AI is essential both now and for the future. In recent years, automation of instruments has greatly increased, yet there has often been a backlog in data processing. A prime example of combining autonomy and AI is the Leica Pegasus TRK mobile mapper. Its sensors function autonomously along a designated route, ensuring that no detail is missed. Additionally, the Pegasus TRK incorporates an AI algorithm that can blur people and vehicles directly in the imagery, significantly cutting down processing time.
Data processing has always been the most time-consuming deliverable of a project. We have run tests internally using AI and have seen surprising results — 70% of costs were saved while using AI software for GPR processing.
What excites you about this sector and your role in it?
I may be in the minority, but I truly love my job. The utility detection sector in Australia feels very tight knit; everyone knows each other. This fosters open discussions about the industry and how it can evolve for the better. For example, many in the utility detection industry have begun conducting their own GIS data collection, which would have been unimaginable just five years ago. Now, I estimate that about 75% of utility locators use some form of GNSS device for accurate surveying. My role involves informing the sector about available technologies and assessing whether they can enhance workflows. If they do, it will hopefully lead to a more seamless operation within the industry.
Can and should the geospatial sector work more co-operatively?
I believe that in business, collaboration is essential. Should the sector be more cooperative? Absolutely! Can it be? I think it already is. As the construction industry, and particularly the geospatial sector, has become busier, it has driven more companies in the field to work together. This trend has been prompted by increasing workloads and rising expectations. As these expectations continue to grow, so will the need for further collaboration. When businesses co-operate, standards naturally improve. With collaboration comes innovation, and I believe that’s exactly what the industry needs to meet the growing demand.
What are your organisation’s plans for 2025
At C.R. Kennedy, we take great pride in the cutting-edge technology we represent. Our goal is to stay at the forefront by investing in innovations that will inevitably shape the future of the industry. We collaborate closely with our partner Hexagon/Leica Geosystems, as well as IDS Geosystems, Vivax Metrotech, DJI and others, to ensure we offer industry-leading solutions. Our top priority is to streamline workflows for our clients, enabling them to execute their projects with maximum efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and speed.
To read the full interview, visit Spatial Source.
