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Maptek timeline

40 years of innovation

1981

Dr Bob Johnson founded Maptek to expand on his earlier work developing software solutions for the industry.

Bob Johnson demonstrating visual mining graphics on an IBM computer.

1984

Envisage is developed, providing true interactive graphics and 3D component to Vulcan modelling & mine planning.

Someone demonstrating the Envisage software on a computer.

1985

Vulcan, the world’s first true 3D mining software, installed for Utah Coal International.

“This was revolutionary. We were five years ahead of anyone else.” - Dr Bob Johnson.

A Maptek/KRJA systems booth at an event.

1986

First US office opens in Golden, Colorado.

1988

Silicon Graphics enables Vulcan to deliver powerful visualisation and modelling capabilities on desktop workstations.

A Silicons Graphics booth at an event.

1989

Maptek expands with new offices in Perth, Western Australia and Nottingham, UK.


Maptek is the top reseller for Silicon Graphics computers in Australia.

1990

Maptek head office established in Adelaide, South Australia.

Maptek's head office.

1991

Our first foray into Defence industry with Navtrak, a 3D tracking system for monitoring movement and location of objects installed at Naval Maritime Command HQ, Sydney.

1994

Maptek expands into South Africa with an office in Johannesburg. South America operations begin in Santiago (now Viña del Mar) and Codelco, Polpaico, CVRD and Collahuasi begin using Vulcan.


Interactive 3D modelling system development begins in earnest.

1995

Maptek goes online at www.maptek.com.

1996

Laser imaging R&D begins with the Department of Defence Science and Technology Organisation.


Interactive 3D model of Adelaide exhibited at UN Forum in Istanbul, representing collaboration between local government, research institution and private enterprise.

1997

Maptek expands in South America with opening of office in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.


500 users running Vulcan globally; version released for Windows NT.

2000

First sales of I-Site 3D Laser Imaging software.


Australian expansion with offices established in Brisbane, Queensland and Newcastle, NSW.

2001

I-Site used to scan the Codelco Chuquicamata Mine, considered to be the biggest human created pit at 3.5km in length, 2.5 km wide and 800m deep.

2002

Vulcan 4.0 includes new user interface, toolbars and icons.

2003

First Maptek laser scanner - I-Site 4400 - released.

2004

Maptek expands in South America with new office in Lima, Peru.


Maptek scans glaciers in Antarctica.

2005

New office opens in Mexico.


I-Site laser scanners mounted on vehicles.

2008

New corporate brand, expansion of production facility in Adelaide South Australia.


The Maptek Advanced Mine Design Centre opens at the South Dakota School of Mines, Department of Mining Engineering and Management.

2010

Maptek launches the award-winning I-Site 8800 Laser Scanner, double the scanning speed of first model.


Maptek technology used in the rescue of 33 miners trapped in the San Jose Mine, Chile.


Dr Bob Johnson named Innovation Hero by Sydney University.

2011

BlastLogic blast quality and management system is developed in collaboration with industry.

2012

Long-range I-Site 8810 laser scanning system released.


Office in Calgary opens, re-establishes Canadian presence.

2013

Dedicated underground laser scanner released.


Long range laser scanning for Sydney Opera House Scottish 10 project.

2014

Award winning Maptek Sentry released to monitor surface movement.

2015

Open pit scheduler re-released as Maptek Evolution.

2016

Peter Johnson appointed new General Manager.


Vulcan 10 and Maptek Workbench released.

2017

Launch of third generation R3 laser scanners - smaller, lighter, faster.


Expansion in Canada - Montreal office opened to complement west coast Vancouver office.

2018

Sentry wins Mines and Energy Excellence in Innovation Award.

2019

Partnership with PETRA Data Science brings predictive analytics to Maptek customers.


Elko Nevada office opens.


Eduardo Coloma appointed CEO.

2020

Maptek adapts to working from anywhere during COVID-19.


Partnership with Emesent will deliver integrated drone and lidar technologies.


DomainMCF launched, bringing machine learning to resource modelling.

2021

Maptek 40 years logo

Maptek turns 40!

Maptek celebrates 40 years in business with staff, customers and partners.